Talia Johnson Huff
Talia founded this conference because what our small businesses needed didn't exist in Western New York. She didn't wait for anyone to build it — and with the support of our sponsors, it keeps growing into what our small businesses need.
Three years in, the Training Day has brought together more than 50 trainers and facilitators, 400+ attendees and 12+ bootcamps — with year-round training behind it.
Both sides of the table. One gap in the middle.
“I sit on both sides of the table. I own a small business that works in contracting, and I work in government monitoring compliance. I hear the frustration from both sides — and that gap is why this conference exists.”
“I didn't wait for anyone. We have to keep going and be what our small businesses need.”
— Talia Johnson Huff, Founder
Black in Business! and the Curriculum™ Workbook
Written for MWBE, SDVOB and small-business owners specifically — not general business advice. The book is the founder's own journey: growing up in East Buffalo, building, losing, learning to price for profit, rebuilding, and using certification strategically.
The companion workbook is where it becomes work, built inside the Readiness Standard™ framework: idea → structure → income → sustainability.
The name carries two meanings: the lived perspective of a Black woman entrepreneur, and the financial goal of getting a business in the black — real margin, retained income, sustainable profit.
Buy the book on Amazon →
She built the room. Now show up for your business.
Thursday, October 22, 2026 · 500 Pearl Street, Buffalo · Breakfast, lunch and snacks included.
Get your ticket — $35 →