Once you enter the Hyatt Regency Hotel, head to the back right side of the lobby and down the stairs. We will greet you at the check-in desk.
Click here or scroll down to view the floor plan and find your way around.
AGENDA - Day 1: Sept 23
7:45-8:45 AM – Check-in & pick up your badge, then head into the Exhibitor Salon to enjoy the breakfast buffet & connect with sponsors. The headshot lounge will also be open!
Get excited for two days of content & connection!
David Madie, Growth Wheel
Every entrepreneur faces daily decisions that shape their future. The GrowthWheel framework helps you cut through the noise, identify priorities, and set actionable goals. In this session, you’ll discover how to use GrowthWheel as a hands-on toolkit to focus your efforts and drive business growth with confidence.
Emily Reeves, Vice President of Capital Solutions, Bridge
Finding the right funding doesn’t have to be overwhelming. This session will break down financing options based on your stage of business, highlight key things to watch for, and share tips on how to confidently negotiate offers. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your options and how to secure the capital your business needs to grow.
Kim Fedore, Xero
Keeping your books in order doesn’t have to be stressful. In this session, we’ll walk you through the Xero platform, showing how to track income and expenses, manage invoices, and get real-time insights into your business finances. You’ll leave confident using Xero to simplify accounting and make smarter financial decisions.
12:00 pm - 12:45 pm – Lunch Buffet – Regency Ballroom B. Headshot lounge open.
Diana Mungu, Program Manager of Small Business Partnerships & Education, Amazon
Thinking about selling on Amazon? This session will help you determine if you’re ready, show you how to list your products, explore fulfillment options, and share strategies to grow your brand. You’ll also learn how to leverage Amazon’s resources and programs designed to support small businesses and boost your online sales.
Keeping track of your customers and business data doesn’t have to be complicated. In this session, a leading CRM firm will show you how to manage your contacts, track interactions, and use your data to make smarter business decisions. You’ll learn practical tips to streamline your workflow, improve customer relationships, and grow your business efficiently.
Sharon Lee Thony, Founder & CEO, SLT Consulting
Justin Tanner, Verizon
Discover how Verizon can help your business grow with free certifications, online learning resources, and digital tools. This session will walk you through programs designed to boost your skills, strengthen your business operations, and make technology work for you — all at no cost.
Ready to reach millions of customers online? This session will show you how to set up your TikTok Shop, create engaging content, and turn viewers into buyers. Learn practical tips to grow your sales, boost your brand visibility, and make social commerce work for your business.
AGENDA - Day 2: Sept 24
7:45-8:45 AM – Check-in & pick up your badge, then head into the Exhibitor Salon to enjoy the breakfast buffest & connect with sponsors. Headshot lounge open.
Kick off day two of the HOPE2Women Small Business Summit!
Josh Fegles, LivePlan
Robin Studniski, Stearns Bank
Turning your business plan into funding starts with preparation. This session will walk you through tools to refine your business plan and show you how to confidently approach lenders. Learn practical tips to make a strong impression, answer key questions, and increase your chances of securing the capital your business needs to grow.
11:10 am - 11:20 am – Break
Heather E. Rosen, JD, FranNet of Virginia and DC
Buying an existing business or franchise can be a faster path to entrepreneurship — if you know what to look for. This session will guide you through evaluating opportunities, understanding key financial and operational considerations, and navigating the purchase process. Learn strategies to make informed decisions and set yourself up for long-term success.
12:35 pm - 1:35 pm – Lunch Buffet – Regency Ballroom B. Headshot lounge open.
Catherine Aquilina, Public Policy Lead, Mercury
This session will explore highlights from Mercury's 2025 Startup Economics Report, focusing on AI trends and success stories from Mercury customers.
Kyle Marinelli, Prism Group
This session will show you how to set up a digital wallet and explore practical ways small business owners can use crypto to manage payments, expand customer options, and stay ahead in the digital economy.
3:00 pm - 3:15 pm – Break
Hannah Colvin, Program Manager, DreamBuilder
A strong business starts with a strong plan. Through DreamBuilder, you’ll create a complete business plan step by step—your roadmap for launching or growing your business. And now, with our new partnership with Kiva, DreamBuilder graduates can use that plan to access funding opportunities that help bring their vision to life. This session will show you how to turn your ideas into a clear plan—and your plan into action with the power of funding.
Hear from Jessie Yankee, Senior Vice President of Policy and Programs
