OBO’s First Business Beyond Borders Summit Highlights E-Commerce, Africa

By: S. Nellie Piña

More than 75 participants attended the Office of Business Opportunity’s (OBO) first Business Beyond Borders Summit, held on May 19 at The Ion, the anchor of Houston’s innovation district – bringing entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities together into collaborative spaces and programs. Through panel discussions and business-to-business meetings, the event provided attendees with knowledge of how to effectively engage in international business, with a focus on e-commerce and Africa.

“Houston is a major hub for international commerce, and we held this event to facilitate connections for those interested in trade and investment opportunities abroad,” said OBO Director Marsha Murray, who offered welcome remarks.

Mayor Sylvester Turner, who supported the event with a video message, affirmed Murray’s sentiment by acknowledging the global representation of small business ownership in Houston neighborhoods and encouraging participants to explore becoming a part of a global network of entrepreneurs.

Participants also heard from OBO Advisory Board Member Raoul Keddy, whose network and expertise were key to the creation of the Summit. According to Keddy, there is a wealth of opportunities to be found in Africa, one of the largest continents in the world and one with plentiful resources. The key, he said, is finding the proper partners and resources, including foreign embassies and chambers of commerce that can provide connections and education within their locales.

Native Houstonian Jasmine Terry, founder of Holistic Roots Skincare, then shared her entrepreneurial success story. Through her travels in Africa, she learned about the healing properties found in nature, which led to the creation of her business.

“I now have clients in Canada, Australia, and Nigeria,” Terry said. “I started with just a thought, and I was able to excel by utilizing resources from connections that I made overseas. As I grow, I’m still learning, and I’m still collecting and connecting the dots.”

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS: Moderator Carlecia Wright and panelists, from left, Brent Klepko, Alain Minyem, Adel Caouch, and Stephane Konan discussed best practices in doing international business.

Business Beyond Borders then moved into two panel discussions with experienced exporters and international business professionals. Carlecia Wright, Chief Diversity Officer for Lone Star College, moderated the first discussion, where panelists stressed the importance of having a game plan as a foundation, as well as doing market research and having a local partner who understands the business.

Vanessa Cole, Managing Partner at Cole Klein Builders, moderated the second panel, which addressed the fear and challenges of doing business internationally. Panelists provided their personal solutions to overcoming barriers, which can include shipping time, differences in time zones, language barriers, as well as issues with currency exchange, customs and taxes.

For these types of scenarios, they encouraged entrepreneurs to be flexible and budget for unforeseeable situations, keep an open mind, talk to seasoned global business owners, and engage with international business executives. They also acknowledged the importance of knowing that what works in the United States may not necessarily work in Africa.

SPEAKERS AND GUESTS: OBO Advisory Board member Raoul Keddy, left, was key to the creation of the Business Beyond Borders Summit. He is pictured with panel participants Vanessa Cole, Alain Minyem, Willy Verbrugghe, and guest Johhny Vu.

Closing remarks were provided by Lisa Phillip, Executive Director for the MBDA Export Center, who reminded attendees that some business risks are universal, as well as to leverage resource partners to help navigate challenges.

“Don’t be afraid, because people are so much alike,” Phillip said. “No matter what country I go to, I see that human beings want the same things: security for our families and economic development. At the end of the day, we all want to be able to take care of our families.”

Special Thanks

Doing International Business Panel: Carlecia Wright, Chief Diversity Officer, Lone Star College, Moderator; Adel Caouch, CEO, ShaMaran Petroleum Corp.; Brent Klepko, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service - Houston; Stephane Konan, CEO, Competences LDA; and Alain Minyem, CEO, Ortho Services Group.

Challenges in Doing International Business Panel: Vanessa Cole, Managing Partner, Cole Klein Builders, Moderator; Nathalie Lum, Managing Director, M&L Consulting; Robert Nyandjo, CEO, NJ Group; Peter Tataris, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Commercial Service-Houston; Warren Winston, Managing Partner, Winston Worldwide; Willy Verbrugghe, Volunteer, SCORE Houston.

Introductory Remarks - Selling in Africa: Raoul Keddy, Managing Director, Raked Intl, LLC

Success Story & Testimonial: Jasmine Terry, Founder, Holistic Roots Skincare

Closing Remarks - Putting It All Together: Lisa Phillip, Executive Director, MBDA Export Center

Event Venue: Deanea LeFlore, Senior Director of Partnerships at The Ion, for working with OBO to host the Business Beyond Borders Summit

Planning & Leadership: Raoul Keddy, OBO Advisory Board Member, and Dr. Porscha Jackson, OBO Business Development Manager

Photos: S. Nellie Piña, OBO Business Development Coordinator

OPENING REMARKS: OBO Director Marsha Murray welcomed guests and introduced a video message from Mayor Sylvester Turner.