Current and future small business owners, students and community members are all encouraged to think entrepreneurially and embrace their dreams at the 2012 Dream and Discover Entrepreneurs Conference, being presented by the Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons (SBDC).

Featuring a lineup of inspiring keynote speakers and interactive workshops, the Dream and Discover conference will provide tips for business owners and entrepreneurs alike, while informing attendees about the wide range of available SBDC services and programs, highlighted by the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP).

“This year’s Dream and Discover conference will again provide attendees with access to the critical resources that aspiring and successful local business owners need to thrive in today’s economic climate, along with the chance to meet with other successful entrepreneurs and listen to a panel of outstanding speakers who will inspire them to reach new heights,” said Steve Tannehill, SBDC Director.

The 2012 Dream and Discover conference will take place from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 3, in the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, located on the College of the Canyons Valencia campus.

To begin the afternoon, Pete Bellas, COC Dean of Economic Development, will open the conference with a welcoming address.

Highlighting the day will be a keynote presentation by local entrepreneur and President of J & M Entertainment Event Production, Jorge Lopez, who will discuss with attendees what entrepreneurship has meant for him and how it can be a viable opportunity for anyone.

Also scheduled to speak is Jason Price, training specialist with Yahoo!/Microsoft Search Alliance and Founder of the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund and the Repertory East Playhouse, who will address how entrepreneurs can maximize their advertising efforts through various forms of online marketing.

Throughout the day SBDC business advisors will lead a series of interactive workshops providing tips for business owners and current/future entrepreneurs alike.

Topics of discussion will include branding your business, pitching your business for investors, writing a business plan, operating a business in entertainment & arts, and operating a restaurant/food industry business. All topics will also include information about how the SBDC can help an entrepreneur achieve their specific business goals.

“It’s our hope that every conference attendee leaves at the end of the day with at least one or two actionable tips they can put into practice at their own business, or utilize as they work towards becoming entrepreneurs,” said Diana Meyer, SBDC Business Advisor and YEP program manager, who is organizing the conference.

Time will also be dedicated to sharing success strategies and other marketing techniques with attendees involved in the SBDC’s Young Entrepreneur Program (YEP).

Targeting young people between the ages of 14 and 27, YEP offers free business counseling and business training programs delivered through a variety of outreach and delivery methods, including websites, blogs, social networking sites, virtual reality games, youth-oriented trainers and business simulation products.

The goal of the program is to guide and encourage young people to consider careers in self-employment and small business ownership.

“We’ll also showcase the impressive accomplishments of our young entrepreneurs via our annual Business Plan and Marketing Competitions awards,” said Meyer. “The awards ceremony coupled with the networking opportunities presented throughout the event will help connect all attendees with others for potential future collaborations.”

To conclude the conference, the SBDC will present a networking reception designed to allow aspiring and successful entrepreneurs meet, mingle, trade business tips and promote their companies or business ventures.

Key sponsors of the 2012 Young Entrepreneurs Program and the Dream and Discover Entrepreneurs Conference include College of the Canyons, the California Community College’s Economic and Workforce Development program (EWD) and the Business & Entrepreneurship Center at Cuesta College.

For more information about the 2012 Dream and Discover conference, call 661-362-5900 or visit www.cocsbdc.org. To register to attend this event, please visit http://tinyurl.com/6o5z82r.