As the President of the Alliance’s Board of Directors, I have to say that there is something funny about the onset of 2011. I don’t mean laughable, but a condition on which I can’t quite put my finger. On the one hand I am very optimistic looking forward and on the other I don’t feel small business is getting their just deserves. I listen to all the talk about us (small business) being the generator for jobs and technology, but I am not feeling that there is anyone who believes that except us. I see and hear the leadership speak to the importance of small business, but someone still needs to show us the money!

In this environment maybe it is better to concentrate on us. Through the Alliance perhaps we can bring more interested parties to the table, expand our vision with different collaborations and new directions. We could begin with reinvigorating our chapters and building new ones. We have new initiatives in the works presently, in the Bay Area, Inland Empire and Northern California. Not only are there successful DVBE in these areas there are also major state and federal contractors available to meet with and help support the chapters. Also capital does not have to come through a bank… it may reside within our circle. We may be able to source micro-loans for that small amount of capital to get a new DVBE over the hump and on the road to success. I know we have people in our midst that can move that idea forward. We are also working with other organizations that will recognize the Alliance as a sole source for entrepreneur training for new DVBE owners. The Alliance has the ability to be a stand-alone entrepreneurial development agency.

And there was a lot good about 2010. In a very anemic business environment the DVBE population expanded, KTP was again the best ever and our Veterans Day Breakfast was standing room only. These are great success to roll into 2011 and we are dedicated to moving forward with more comprehensive meetings, business outreach and entrepreneurial growth. Again it is us. We have to rely on our ability to self-generate, meet operational demands with creative solutions and cover each other’s back. Within our ranks there is enterprise diversity to meet any challenge and to assist each other to success. It is about us.

And remember that us is not just about DVBE and small business. It is about the unselfish service (us) that we have provided to our wonderful country and how we will continue to contribute to the nation as successful entrepreneurs. Work with the Alliance and be part of us in 2011.

Robert Thomas Brown