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SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT

Thank you for making last year’s
Small Business Summit a success!

We loved having you with us and can’t wait to see you again!


May 14, 2026
2:00 PM - 7:30 PM


Embassy Suites
800 N. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91203

Thank
     You

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500+

Over

Registered

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40

Nearly

Exhibitors

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10+

Over

Industries Represented

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 Hosted by the City’s Economic Development Division in partnership with the L.A. Small Business Development Center (L.A. SBDC), this dynamic one-day event is designed to equip entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals with the tools, strategies, and connections to spark growth, drive innovation, and open doors to new opportunities.

Attendees learned from Industry Expert How to: 

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Access to Business Resources and Capital

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AI-Powered Marketing Tactics, Tools, and Strategies

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Drive Profitability & Long-term Growth

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Gain Insights on Funding, Government Contracts

SUMMIT AGENDA

2:00 PM-3:00 PM- Registrant Check in  

3:00 PM-3:30 PM Opening Remarks  

3:45 PM-4:30 PM Breakout Track 1  

4:30 PM-4:45 PM Break  

4:45 PM-5:30 PM Breakout Track 2  

5:30 PM-7:30 PM Closing celebration

Session A: Access to Capital: Strategies for Growth and Funding Success  

This panel will explore how small businesses can strategically manage cash flow, assess when borrowing makes sense, and position themselves as strong investment opportunities. Panelists will discuss key financial data, available credit options, and how to navigate funding sources such as loans and incentive programs. Attendees will gain practical insights on building capital readiness and leveraging resources to support sustainable growth and long-term success. 

Session B: AI for Main Street: Your First 3 Steps to Smarter Business 

Artificial Intelligence can be a practical tool for small businesses when used in the right way. This session will break down what AI is, how it applies to everyday operations, and how to get started without overcomplicating the process. You’ll learn clear steps to get started: identify one key pain point, choose a user-friendly tool, and implement it while tracking results. 

BREAKOUT TRACK 1

BREAKOUT TRACK 2

Session A: People First Marketing: Connections that Convert 

In the age of AI, the brands that win are the ones that stay human. Moderated by Eddie Konialian, this panel brings together experts across media, content, and technology to share how to combine AI, storytelling, and strategic relationships to drive real results. Learn how to create authentic content, scale with AI, and turn attention into meaningful business growth. 

Session B: Certified for Success: Procurement & Winning Government Contracts 

This session will help you understand not only how to do business with the City of Glendale, but also how to build a broader strategy for entering the government contracting marketplace at the city, county, state, federal, and utility levels. 

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2026 Sponsors

Premiere Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

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Gold Sponsors

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Partners

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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, assisted listening devices, sign language translation, and Braille transcripts are available upon request.
 

Contact the Economic Development Office at 818-548-2005 by Thursday, April 24, 2025 to requests regarding sign language translation and Braille transcription services.
 

Assisted listening devices are available same day upon request. Additionally, if you require any foreign language interpretation, please contact the Economic Development Division by Thursday, April 24, 2025 before the event.

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