The 2025 IBE Business
Conference

This event includes business development, diversity highlights, award recognition and networking opportunities.

Speaker: Mayor Joe Hogsett, City of Indianapolis
Cost: Invitation Only

In this workshop, information about upcoming multi-million-dollar projects with numerous contracting opportunities for the minority/women/ veteran and disability-owned and small business community will be provided. Details and opportunities on several projects involving Department of Public Works, Indianapolis Airport Authority, Shiel Sexton, Health and Hospital Corporation and Indiana University Health-Construction and Supply Chain will be shared with attendees.

Presenters: John Bowen, Chief Engineer, Department of Public Works – City of Indianapolis; Chelci Hunter, Program Manager, Business Alliance – Indianapolis Airport Authority; Adrian Russell, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Procurement – Shiel Sexton; Felicia J. Roseburgh, Director, Supplier Engagement and Economic Impact- Health and Hospital Corporation; Jarrah M. Hamer, Senior Consultant, Supply Chain – Indiana University Health

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

Join us for an insightful Lunch & Learn as we break down the latest economic trends impacting Indiana and examine how they’re influencing key areas of our business at Everwise. From residential and commercial lending to shifts in the banking landscape and marketing, our leaders and industry experts will share what we’re seeing, what we’re anticipating, and how our services align with the evolving environment. Catrina Tate, VP of Retail – A leader in retail strategy, driving innovation and customer-focused solutions.

Presenters: Trisha Smith, Vice President of Marketing, Darrius Davis, Commercial Lending Relationship Manager, Jeff Oman, Mortgage Loan Originator, Dr. Matthew Will, Associate Professor of Finance, University of Indianapolis MBA Program

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

The Project Pursuits Basics workshop is to provide an outline of the basic steps of Identifying and tracking project opportunities, Developing an Approach to pursue those opportunities and prepare a response/proposal for those opportunities. The workshop is intended to be an open forum for those just starting out and for those who are looking to enhance their responses to Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) or Proposals (RFPs).

Presenter: Mr. Jason Frank, PE, MBA – Midwest Aviation Leader for Garver
Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

This session is designed to help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and individuals seeking funding better understand the differences between personal and business credit, how lenders assess financial health, and how to prepare for funding requests. We’ll walk through key documents that lenders require, how to calculate how much funding you need—and why—as well as provide a glossary of essential financial terms to demystify the process.

This session can also feature a panel of finance professionals or lenders to provide insights from the field and answer audience questions. Panel participation and session format can be adjusted based on allotted time and goals of the event organizer.

Presenters: Sharon Harvey, Lead Outreach and Marketing Specialist, Small Business Administration (SBA); Andrea Ekiyor, Field Policy and Management, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Zola Lamothe, Resource Development Manager, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT)
Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

Discover new opportunities with the Indiana Energy Association (IEA) organizations at our innovative Doing Business with the State workshop. Join our expert panel to expand your business network, sharpen your acumen, and explore emerging ways to grow within our thriving communities. Don’t miss out on this transformative event where collaboration meets creativity, paving the way for you to do business across the State. During the workshop, the panel will share a presentation explaining their procurement process followed by a Q&A session. At the end of the workshop, all attendees will have an opportunity to grow their business acumen by networking.

Presenters: Sharon Harvey
Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

Learn from State Educational Institutions (SEI) procurement officers, operations lead, and small business diversity professionals about upcoming opportunities, ongoing needs, and the strategies you must employ to be recognized as a viable candidate for current and future business opportunities.

Presenters: Selena Claire Drake, Project Lead, Capital Planning and Facilities, Indiana University; Marie Jeannette Davis, Manager, Office of Supplier Diversity, Purdue University; Roger Hassenzahl, Director of Purchasing Services and Business Auxiliary Contracts, Ball State University; Michael Morrison, Director of Procurement, Diversity Spend and Risk Manager, Vincennes University; Marcus D. Bickle, Executive Director of Strategic Sourcing, Ivy Tech Community College; Bryan Bromstrup, Director of Procurement, Office of Procurement, Indiana State University; Jeffrey Sponn, Director of Procurement and Risk Management and Julie Weinzapfel, Manager of Procurement Operations, University of Southern Indiana

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

As part of the Indiana Black Expo’s 2025 Business Conference, this Lunch & Learn will explore how state and local legislative policies are shaping the landscape for small businesses—with a specific focus on XBE firms (minority-, women-, veteran-, and disability-owned businesses). Join us for a timely and informative conversation featuring policymakers and business leaders as they break down the latest legislative updates, procurement opportunities, and economic trends affecting Indiana’s business climate. Attendees will walk away with tools to navigate the evolving policy landscape and advocate for inclusive growth.

Presenters: Representative Alex Burton, Democrat, District 77, Anita Williams: Program Director, Indy Black Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Jamyce Curtis Banks, National Association of Business Women Owners (NABWO), Dr. Demetrius Glover: President and CEO, Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council

Sponsors: Everwise Credit Union, Carrier, City of Indianapolis, Crossroads Public Affairs, KeyBank, Ice Miller, Indianapolis Airport Authority, National Black MBA Association – Indianapolis Chapter, Labcorp, WISH TV, Indiana African American Quality of Life Initiative, Black Onyx

This reception acknowledges the outstanding achievements throughout the State of Indiana. These awards recognize some of the community’s unsung heroes who work tirelessly for the advancement of all Hoosiers. Awards will be presented to recipients in the following categories: Lifetime Achievement Award, Excellence in Media Award, and Screen Image Award.

Sponsors: Indiana Civil Rights Commission
Cost: Invitation Only

Join us for an exciting Business Matchup Reception, where small businesses come together to network, share insights, and build meaningful connections. This dynamic event is designed to foster collaboration between small enterprises and their peers — both fellow small businesses and larger companies seeking innovative partners, suppliers, or service providers.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, explore partnerships, or gain valuable exposure, this reception is the ideal setting to connect, collaborate, and thrive.

Come ready to introduce your business, exchange ideas, and discover opportunities to expand your reach.

Cost: Business Owners only