Tufts Health Plan creates collaborative to address challenges and encourage growth for small businesses

To encourage the growth of local small businesses, Tufts Health Plan has developed the Small Business Accelerator Forum, a collaborative where leaders from relevant industries can engage with small business owners on how to best leverage the opportunities and overcome the challenges they face in today’s marketplace.

At the first event on May 5, Tufts Health Plan in collaboration with Eastern Bank, Whittier Street Health Center, the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council and El Mundo, will host a panel discussion on:

• Understanding health insurance options and the implications of health reform
• Obtaining access to capital
• Identifying programs to help propel Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBEs)

The evening will open with remarks by keynote speaker Shaun Blugh, the newly appointed chief of diversity for the City of Boston and will also celebrate the accomplishments and development of local businesses in the Dorchester, Mattapan and Roxbury areas.

“We are excited to create a space where local small businesses owners can get the information they need to thrive in the marketplace,” said Juan Lopera, Tufts Health Plan’s director of health care services. “Our speakers represent a variety of industries and all bring knowledge and best practices that can be leveraged by attendees to help grow their businesses.”

The event will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Whittier Street Health Center, 1290 Tremont Street in Boston. For more information and to register, visit TuftsHealthPlan.com/forum.