Summit Agenda
November 6-8, 2025 | UMass Boston
Summit Schedule
Preliminary schedule for the inaugural Haitian American Business Summit
Day 1
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Registration
Check-in, badge collection, and networking opportunity
Main Lobby
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony
Official welcome and introductions
Grand Ballroom
Access to Capital, Credit, and Wealth Building for Haitian Americans
Panel
This panel brings together representatives from Eastern Bank, Cambridge Savings Bank, the SBA, and more to discuss practical strategies for accessing capital, improving credit, and building long-term wealth. Panelists will share insights on small business financing, credit readiness, and investment opportunities tailored to Haitian Americans.
Grand Ballroom
Staying Strong: Community Solutions for Mental Health and Business Resilience
Panel
The challenges of the modern world have highlighted the critical link between mental wellness and business success. Staying Strong: Community Solutions for Mental Health and Business Resilience is a candid and crucial conversation about this very connection. Join a diverse group of experts as they unpack how fostering mental health within our communities can directly lead to more innovative, productive, and resilient businesses. You'll hear about real-world solutions and learn how to implement them in your own community or organization.
Grand Ballroom
Panelists:
Giscard M. Saintil, Jessica Jefferson, Patricia Mura Desert
Financing a Small Business
Workshop
Join us for a dynamic session on Financing a Small Business. This workshop will cover the pros and cons of starting from scratch, buying an existing business, or franchising. You'll also learn about key funding options, including SBA loans, grants, equity, and crowdfunding, to help you make your business vision a reality.
Workshop Room 2
Speakers:
Ramesh Advani
Ai for your small business
Workshop
Learn how to use Artificial Intelligence to save time, cut costs, and grow your small business! In this hands-on session presented by Quadrillion Tech Solutions, we’ll show you how AI can help you create a full business plan in minutes, design logos, build websites, and even produce video commercials. You’ll also discover tools that handle social media posts, answer inbound and outbound customer calls, respond to inquiries, manage your books, and keep your schedule on track. Through live demos and simple step-by-step guidance, you’ll leave with an action plan you can start using right away—no tech background required.
Workshop Room 1
Day 2
Registration & Networking Breakfast
Registration
Check-in, badge collection, and networking opportunity
Main Lobby
Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony
Official welcome and introductions
Grand Ballroom
Doing Business with the State of Massachusetts
Workshop
Join us for a session on Doing Business with the State of Massachusetts. You'll discover the different types of diversity certifications, how they can help you market your business, and the key role of the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) in connecting certified businesses with state procurement opportunities.
Workshop Room 1
Workshop Facilitator:
Michelle Mendes
Navigating a New Era: Haitian Immigrants Under Changing U.S. Immigration Policies
Panel
This panel explores how shifting U.S. immigration laws—such as TPS, asylum policies, and border enforcement—affect Haitian immigrants, families, and entrepreneurs. Experts and community leaders will discuss current challenges, emerging opportunities, and strategies for resilience, while highlighting the vital contributions of Haitians to America’s social and economic fabric.
Grand Ballroom
Panelists:
Dr. Dieufort Fleurissaint
Day 3 - Gala
Awards Gala VIP Reception
Awards Reception
Guests will enjoy early access to an exclusive cocktail hour, offering a chance to mingle with award finalists, elected officials, and featured artists in an intimate, upscale setting. The evening begins with a touch of glamour as attendees make a memorable entrance during the red carpet ceremony, capturing stunning photos with distinguished guests and honorees. As the ambiance unfolds, guests can savor a curated selection of gourmet hors d’oeuvres while enjoying complimentary beverages throughout the cocktail hour. This refined experience sets the perfect tone for an unforgettable evening of celebration and connection.
Main Lobby
HAYP Awards Ceremony
Awards Ceremony
Enjoy the evening with reserved seating for eight, ensuring you and your guests have a dedicated table to take in every moment of the awards ceremony and gala night. From start to finish, you’ll have the perfect vantage point to celebrate honorees and connect with fellow guests in style and comfort. The night features a gourmet three-course meal crafted to delight every palate, paired with captivating live entertainment running from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. With fine dining and dynamic performances, the evening promises an unforgettable experience of celebration and elegance.
Grand Ballroom
Ready to join us at the summit?
Register today to secure your place at this premier event.