(NNPA)—A business plan. A website. A means to track spending and profits. An office space, retail space or home-based business. Time. Money. Sweat equity. None of these, however, means anything if you don’t know what kind of business you want to run.

Starting a business sounds scary, but before you can even do that you have to get past the first step, which is often the hardest (yet doesn’t require a single penny): figuring out exactly what you will found. The good news is two simple questions can provide you some answers right away or at least give you a launch pad.

(New York, N.Y.—Five African-American women trailblazers will be honored by BLACK ENTERPRISE during the Women of Power Legacy Awards hosted by PepsiCo Wednesday, Feb. 10. The awards ceremony will kick off the fifth annual Women of Power Summit hosted by State Farm, a four-day leadership conference designed especially for women of color. The Summit runs through Feb. 13 at the La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, Calif.

SMITH, JACKSON, SMALTZ, PETERS, HERMAN

Business series

FEB. 18—The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host their Business Program Series from 12:15-1 p.m. at the Downtown & Business branch, 612 Smithfield St. The topic is “Finding a Job in a Tough Economy.” Chris Posti, executive coach and outpatient counselor for Posti & Associates Inc. will lead the discussion on tips that can get one hired during a tough economy. This event is free and open to the public. Call 412-281-7141.

Students from more than 10 regional universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, Duquesne, Edinboro and California University recently participated in the Minorities in Pittsburgh Conference held at the University Club on the University of Pittsburgh Oakland Campus. The theme for the eighth annual event was Embrace Diversity in People, Professions, Industries, Talents, and Ideas.

Sponsored and organized by the Roberto Clemente Minority Business Association, the conference was designed to coincide with the groups’ organizational theme of service. “The vision of this year’s conference was to serve all conference attendees by providing them with a valuable experience that will last long beyond the two day conference," explained Rishi Sethi, conference chairperson. “Our hope was for MIP to foster the development of students personally and professionally, to allow corporations to form lasting relationships with premier talent in Pittsburgh, and to promote service by reaching out and giving back to the community,” he said. “A successful conference will leave attendees with a more positive outlook on their future possibilities and their place within the professional world.”

LEADERS OF TOMORROW—MIP Chair, Rishi Sethi and RCMBA President, Erica Simpson take time out before the Networking Luncheon.