Free Entrepreneur Summit June 9

Local entrepreneurs will have the chance to get free advice from Snellville leaders and business owners on June 9 during a special event especially made for them.

The three-hour event, dubbed the Snellville Entrepreneur Summit, will bring aspiring and established business owners together to motivate one another and to discuss solutions. It is being organized by the Snellville Entrepreneur Council and the city of Snellville's economic department.

The goal is "to really convey to the business owners that Snellville is a business friendly and entrepreneurial environment," said Eric Van Otteren, manager of the city's economic development department.

To help inspire and inform participants, the summit will feature local business owners, including Torey Rose of and Tim Reiling of Print Magic, who will both discuss their ride through entrepreneurship.

In addition, participants will learn about Snellville's mentoring program and peer advisory council available to them. Also, event organizers will unveil a special web-based toolbox with critical resources for entrepreneurs.

Traditionally, Van Otteren said, entrepreneurs have independent personalities. And, with high failure rates for start-ups, the summit aims to show "that it's important for an entrepreneur to ask for help."

If they do, Van Otteren said more businesses could survive and thrive.

"That’s what we really want to encourage is for entrepreneurs to be more successful," he added.

To pre-register for the free event, click here:www.snellville.org/summit. Sign in begins at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 9. Breakfast will be served. The summit takes place 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at , 2342 Oak Road.

Find the Snellville economic development department on Facebook and Twitter, as well.