NEA Entrepreneur and Small Business Conference Spotlights Collaboration and Business Growth

November 20, 2025

The National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA), led by Dr. ZaLonya Allen, hosted its 2025 conference at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield on October 24th, focusing on the theme of "Collaboration. " The full-day event brought together business owners, leaders, and innovators for eight breakout sessions covering critical business topics such as marketing strategies, artificial intelligence, funding, cybersecurity, and mental health. Keynote presentations were delivered by former NFL player Jon Jansen on media collaboration and Paula Tutman on the power of working together, while attendees networked over lunch and participated in panel discussions.

Who is affected

Entrepreneurs and business owners attending the conference
Dr. ZaLonya Allen, President and CEO of the National Entrepreneurs Association
The National Entrepreneurs Association (NEA) organization
Lawrence Technological University (host venue)
Comerica Bank (sponsor)
City of Southfield (sponsor and new partner)
Panel participants: Tonia Williams (Founder of Universal Special Events Inc.), Angela Moore (Founder of The Body Principle), and Dr. Joyce L. Suber (Business Consultant)
Dr. Geneva Williams (panel moderator)
Jon Jansen (morning keynote speaker)
Paula Tutman (afternoon keynote speaker)
Kevin Watkins (Comerica Bank Vice President)
Additional sponsors: Automation Alley and X-Trade Corporation

What action is being taken

NEA is providing conferences and training programs featuring top speakers and trainers
NEA is collaborating with individuals and organizations (ongoing since 2018)
Entrepreneurs are forming partnerships and collaborating with people they met at the conference
Comerica Bank is providing ongoing support to the NEA

Why it matters

This conference matters because it addresses a fundamental truth about entrepreneurship: success rarely happens in isolation. By creating a structured environment for collaboration, the NEA helps entrepreneurs overcome one of the biggest challenges in business—finding the right partners, resources, and networks to scale their ventures. The conference provides practical, immediately applicable tools across critical business areas from cybersecurity to mental health, while facilitating genuine partnerships rather than superficial networking. The emphasis on collaboration between entrepreneurs, corporations, and community organizations creates an ecosystem that can drive innovation and increase the likelihood of business success, ultimately strengthening the entrepreneurial community and local economy.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle