AmPac Tri State CDC is teaming up with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the Inland Empire Women Business Center, in partnership with the City of Ontario, the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center and the South Coast Air Quality Management District, to host the Third Annual Faith Based Small Business Summit on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at the Ontario Convention Center from 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. This year’s Summit features a panel of successful business owners who have made the Connection Between Faith and Business; and will provide information-packed workshops. Following the Conference, the SBA will host a loan fair with more than 15 lenders who will be available to meet one-on-one with prospective borrowers. Registration and sponsorships are available at www.tristatecdc.com .

The Third Annual Faith Based Small Business Summit will kick-off with a panel discussion featuring retailer Aurelio Baretto – Not of This World Clothing; Justin Young – Chick Fil A; and Bill Cortus – Thrivent Financial. These business owners will share their struggles in business and how their faith shaped their business values, customer service, relationships with vendors and their success in capturing market share. Following the opening session, the Summit will include concurrent workshops for businesses, non-profits and faith based organizations. The workshops will include “The Real Deal on Accessing Capital”; “Utilizing SBA Online Resources for 24-Hour Assistance in Growing Your Business”; “Tax Strategies for Taking Your Business to the Next Level”; “Shall I Be a Non-Profit or For-Profit or Can I do Both.” The Summit will also feature a special workshop with the South Coast Air Quality Management District who will discuss the Air Quality Institute and a special grant program for dry cleaners.

For Pastors and Faith Based leaders, Jerry Flavin from the White House Office of Faith Based Programs and Neighborhood Partnerships will moderate a panel comprised of invited federal agencies, including SBA, SCORE, The Air Quality Management District, Department of Health & Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. The panel will provide faith based leaders information on special programs and resources these agencies have that could benefit the faith based community.

After lunch, Keynote Speaker, Dr. Lula Ballton, will share insight on “How to Connect Faith & Business.” Dr. Ballton is the Executive Director of West Angeles Community Development Corporation, which has developed more than $50 Million in real estate, and provides an array of programs to promote job creation, and address poverty and injustice its neighboring community in South Los Angeles.

Businesses, non-profits and faith based organizations are encouraged to attend the SBA Faith Based Small Business Summit where we will “Connect Faith & Business.” The South Coast Air Quality Management District has joined the planning team as a Platinum Sponsor; California Bank and Trust, for the third year is a Gold Sponsor; Union Bank has signed on as a Silver Sponsor; City National Bank has maintained its commitment as a Steel Sponsor to keep costs low. The discounted registration cost is only $50 for registration before October 1st. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are available today by visiting www.tristatecdc.com .