Community groups and local companies are gathering next week for a two-day business conference for early andemerging entrepreneurs.

Young Black & ‘N Business, a networking organization that works to empower young entrepreneurs in San Diego’s underserved communities, is hosting its second annual BIZCON on April 5 and 6 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The event will offer young entrepreneurs — as well as those wanting to start or scale a business — the opportunity to connect with local companies and hear from more than two dozen speakers hosting panels to help participants cultivate a range of business skills.

As an early entrepreneur himself, the organization’s founder Roosevelt Williams III says he felt isolated and didn’t have anyone in his immediate circle he could talk to about his business problems and strategies. “So I started Young Black & ‘N Business to be around other like-minded entrepreneurs,” he said.

“Now, what we do is we identify problems, and we provide solutions and resources … to help early-emerging entrepreneurs come out of the darkness,” he added.

Williams says the conference is a chance for participants to do so on a larger scale and to network, make strategic connections, get exposure and learn new skills.

The first conference was held virtually last year with more than 400 attendees. This year, Williams is looking forward to growing the network and connecting participants to resources in person.

Williams says all of the participating organizations, both large and small, are committed to diversity and inclusion. Among them are the San Diego International Airport; the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 569, which represents San Diego’s union electricians and power professionals; and Hands On San Diego, which connects people with various volunteer opportunities.

The trade show room will be host to vendors from participating companies and some of Young Black & ‘N Business’s own entrepreneurs.

Additionally, speakers coming in from around the nation will discuss business skills like online marketing, public relations, retail merchandising and team building, among others.

Some of these speakers include NASA engineer and Equity Space Alliance co-founder De’Schzunell “DJ” Catlin, San Diego County Imperial Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Ricardo F. Villa and Dame Doria Cordova, the founder of Excellerated Business School and Money & You.

“No one can do everything — however, everyone can do something. That’s the power of our YB&NB network,” Williams added.

For more information on YB&NB’s 2023 BIZCON, visit bizcon2023.com or text “BIZCON” to 619-215-5222.