First small business trade show helps entrepreneurs spread the word – Salisbury Post

1 of 4

Angelique Singleton of Ang’s Fancy Sweet Treats speaks to customers during the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Trade Show. Brad Downs/Salisbury Post

Several businesses had the opportunity to learn from each other during the show. Brad Downs/Salisbury Post

Bright Startups Childcare Center had a booth to talk about their Salisbury business. Brad Downs/Salisbury Post

Health and wellness company Lifewave was there to share information about some of their newest products. Brad Downs/Salisbury Post

SALISBURY – Small businesses need local support to make a real impact and keep doing what they love. After a year of planning and years of trying to get off the ground, the Rowan Chamber of Commerce finally held its first Minority Business Fair on Thursday afternoon at the Livingston College Visitor Center as a way for local minority businesses to connect with each other and promote what they do.

“The overall goal of this is to encourage an increase in the percentage of locally owned, women-owned, minority-owned businesses in the community,” said Elaine Spalding, president of the Rowan County Chamber of Commerce. “We want this event to showcase the variety of products and services the business community has.”

It was a festive event complete with a DJ, food and drinks and various prizes. The trade show was a great opportunity to increase business opportunities for those who had the opportunity to mingle and network.

Angelique Singleton started the idea for Ang’s Fancy Sweet Treats by making caramel apples during Covid and later branched out into other sweets. She is grateful to have a place to meet people like her.

“It brings a lot of diversity and helps minorities get their name out there and their businesses, so I really like it,” Singleton said.

The trade show attracted several elected officials, including Salisbury City Councilor David Post, who had a booth on site. Landes Mayor Meredith Smith went around to find out what local businesses are doing and trying to accomplish.

There’s a lot of stuff here that I don’t even know about in Spencer or East Spencer or different places in Granite. … To me, it’s a difference of different things that everybody does. Food, insurance, real estate, different things that everybody is a part of, it’s an amazing thing to see. It’s not just the same thing on every table,” Smith said.

Spalding said plans are underway for another Minority Trade Show next year.