The events are designed "to fuel the growth of small...

The events are designed "to fuel the growth of small businesses," said Phil Andrews, president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce. Credit: Yvonne Albinowski

Minority entrepreneurs will receive information about resources and opportunities for them to grow their businesses on Long Island at three free events this month.

The first event, on Oct. 9 from 6-9 p.m. at Hempstead Town Pavilion, will feature a presentation by Sonya Smith, the first woman and first African American to lead the Small Business Development Centers in the state. The SBDCs offer free counseling from offices on college campuses.

There also will be a discussion about government contracting opportunities for minority-owned firms and how to become certified as a minority- and woman-owned business enterprise, or MWBE.

The Oct. 9 event, together with those planned for Oct. 15 and Oct. 24, are being organized by the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce as part of its "Minority Enterprise Development Week" celebration.

The events are designed "to fuel the growth of small businesses," said chamber president Phil Andrews.

More information may be found at liaacc.org/events-list/#!event-list.

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Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.

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