May Small Business Events Around the Country

Get ready - this years’ National Small Business week is April 29^th – May 5^th. We’ve compiled a list of events in May that are sure to meet your small business needs, whether you’re just starting out and seeking funding and guidance or you’ve been in the business a while and want to expand your social network and build new business relationships, we’ve got you covered.

Events Around The Country

Small Business Festival (2 locations) What it is: A yearly collaborative forum attended by thousands of entrepreneurs seeking inspiration, motivation and tools to grow their businesses.When and Where: April 30^th – May 4^th                              Austin, TX  and  Bristol, TNWhy it’s worth attending: This is essentially the Woodstock of small business conferences. Learn from expert speakers; participate in panels, and resource groups. Go to be inspired by your peers, to nurture the foundation of your business, and to ultimately gain a sense of the greater entrepreneurial community that you are part of.Cost: Free POWER UP DC 2018: Movin’ Your Business Forward: Start, Grow and ProsperWhat it is: A forum designed for small businesses seeking guidance in locating capitol to build and nurture their brands.When and Where: May 1^st, Fairmont Washington D.C., GeorgetownWhy it’s worth attending:  Learn about procurement opportunities in private and government sectors, certification and licensing, emerging industries, business trends, funding, capacity-building for non-profit entities, benefits of the ACA and health insurance options for small businesses and their employees via DC Health Link.Cost: $35 Mayor Garcetti’s 2018 Small Business SummitWhat it is: A summit providing a great reservoir of fundamentals, guidance and opportunities for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses in the Los Angeles area.When and Where: May 2^nd, Los Angeles Trade Technical CollegeWhy it’s worth attending: Participate in workshops for new, budding businesses, learn about local contracting and development incentives, and get financial advice such as useful money borrowing Do’s and Don’ts. However, the highlight of this event is that Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (BAVN) and Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) registration is available on the spot!Cost: Free Small Business Expo 2018 (2 locations)What it is:  A business-to-business networking event, trade show, and conference where small businesses can build new relationships, attend workshops and seminars, share ideas and learn from experts, as well as shop for new vendors.When and Where: May 3^rd, Jacob K. Javits Center, New York, NYMay 17^th, Hynes Convention Center, Boston, MAWhy it’s worth attending: To gain wisdom and inspiration from experienced speakers, meet like-minded individuals, to learn how to use new tools to grow your business, exhibit your product or pitch your idea to potential funders.Cost: Free, however premium badges can be purchased for $25 - $100. National SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) ConferenceWhat it is: An event designed to guide small businesses through the process of participating and competing for funding in both SBIR and STTR programs.When and Where: May 13^th  – 16^th, Anaheim, CAWhy it’s worth attending: If your business is interested in Federal Research, Research and Development and commercializing your technological innovations, this conference is for you.Cost:

• Standard attendee $995, Advanced Registration (before Apr. 21^st) $150
• Student attendee $425, Advance Registration $400
• Spring Innovation Conference (May 15-16) $100

 The Startup ConferenceWhat it is: The 9^th edition of one of the largest startup conferences in Silicon Valley, attended by entrepreneurs and investors.When and Where: May 17^th - Fox Theatre, Redwood City, CAWhy it’s worth attending: Competitive opportunities to launch your startup via pitching to investors - Apply for The Pitch Competition and/or VC Office Hours. Exhibit your products at the innovative “farmer’s market” for startups outside of the conference.Cost: passes range from $50 to $199 GrowCo by Inc.What it is: A three-day event put on by Inc., a magazine that keeps startups and small businesses up-to-date with trends, advice, tools and services.When and Where: May 30^th – June 1^st, Marriott New OrleansWhy it’s worth attending: Because Inc.’s sole purpose is to provide strategies and advice for entrepreneurs, not to mention, the incredible line-up of successful speakers. To name a few: Payal Kadakia Pujji, founder and executive chairman of ClassPass; Alli Webb, Founder of Drybar; Jessica Iclisoy, founder and CEO of California Baby; Ben Chestnut, co-founder and CEO of Mailchimp.Cost:

• Register by April 11^th and save $200
• Groups of 5 or more save an additional $100 per ticket
• Regular Rates: Conference Pass $895, Conference Pass PLUS $1,195

Austin, TX Events:

City of Austin Small Business Sessions

What it is: Austin’s Small Business Program is celebrating National Small Business week with 15 different courses (see link) – all of which are free. Network, meet investors, get one-on-one coaching, and learn how to move your business forward.When and Where: April 30^th – May 4^th, Austin, TX (various locations – see link)Why it’s worth attending: Explore the city of Austin’s opportunities and resources for small businesses and discover the tools you’ll need to stay afloat in a competitive business environment.Cost: Free Small Business Festival (2 locations) What it is: A yearly collaborative forum attended by thousands of entrepreneurs seeking inspiration, motivation and tools to grow their businesses.When and Where: April 30^th – May 4^th                              Austin, TX  and  Bristol, TNWhy it’s worth attending: This is essentially the Woodstock of small business conferences. Learn from expert speakers; participate in panels, and resource groups. Go to be inspired by your peers, to nurture the foundation of your business, and to ultimately gain a sense of the greater entrepreneurial community that you are part of.Cost: Free The Society of Women Entrepreneurs: May Gathering, Austin TXWhat it is: A gathering of like-minded female entrepreneurs who meet monthly to provide each other with quality support, advice and above all – community.Where and When: May 22^nd, Impact Hub Austin, TXWhy it’s worth attending: Pitch your ideas in a safe environment to other women who want to help you and your business grow.Cost: $20