Forum connected African-American and African business, political and economic leaders

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The Opportunity Funding Corporation (OFC) successfully concluded its second annual OFC Forum at The Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, with a closing plenary focused on the U.S. bailout. The Forum, which began Thursday, November 19th, was the second historic gathering of thought leaders from the worlds of business, government, academia and non profits. African Diaspora Thought Leaders united with African-American business owners for the purpose of collaborating on new market opportunities across the world and highlighted the unprecedented market opportunities and international business collaboration. More than 100 business, policy, and economic experts took part in the three-day event.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091123/PH16345 )

"We are very pleased to have hosted the OFC Forum in the Nation's Capitol," said Forum Director, Hon. Sharon Pratt. "This forum continues to be a great platform on which African-American and African business owners can discuss the prospect of future partnerships."

Forum attendees took part in a series of conversational sessions ranging in topic, from climate change and green opportunities to global finance and regulatory reform. Additional topics consisted of the state of the Diaspora, global media and infrastructure and development. Panelists included MSNBC correspondent, Toure, Deputy Premier and Finance Minister of Bermuda, Hon. Paula Cox and former Federal Reserve Governor, Andrew Brimmer.

The OFC was established to promote entrepreneurship and identify strategies for attracting capital to communities of color. Forum strategic partners included World Bank Groups, the Minority Business Development Agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, The RLJ Companies, The Yale School of Management and Bermuda Department of Tourism and Transport.

About the Opportunity Funding Corporation

The Opportunity Funding Corporation (OFC) is a Section 501 (c) (e) not-for profit corporation which was created in 1970 to facilitate the ownership of for-profit business entities by minorities and other disadvantaged persons through provision of investment capital. OFC, by utilizing guarantees, direct loans and equity investments, has generated in excess of $66 million in capital for over 184 minority owned companies in 35 states. Through equity investments in financial intermediaries such as OFC, Inc., Syndicated Communications, Inc., S&L Acquisition Company, Inc., OFC has generated another $200 million in financings from banks, insurance companies, venture capital companies and others for literally hundreds of additional small business concerns.

SOURCE The Opportunity Funding Corporation

Back to top