2013 Events and Conferences Entrepreneurs Won’t Want to Miss!

Jan 15

2013 Events and Conferences Entrepreneurs Won’t Want to Miss!

This year, BusinessOpportunity.com’s list of event and conferences that would be of most interest to business opportunity, franchise, licensee opportunity, distributorship and other small business owners and entrepreneurs is more extensive than ever before! In fact, we challenge you to find any resource anywhere that’s more comprehensive in its scope, at least at this early stage of the game as we head into 2013.

Nationwide/online or categorized by the country’s main nine regions in chronological order, this year’s line-up has something for everyone, no matter where you live. So, feel free to browse. We feel confident you’ll find something that piques your interest…

Nationwide/Online

U.S. Small Business Conference & Expo ― 2013 Locations and Dates TBD

Establish new contacts, gain new business and expand your professional network of alliance partners. Each person who attends not only continues their education and business development, but some land nationwide contracts or double, or even triple, their annual revenues.

Internal Revenue Service State-by-State Workshops for Small Business Owners― January thru December

Small business workshops are designed to help the small business owner understand and fulfill their Federal Tax responsibilities. Workshops are sponsored and presented by IRS partners who are Federal Tax specialists. Workshop topics vary from a general overview of taxes to more specific topics such as recordkeeping and retirement plans.

National Minority Supplier Development Council State and Regional Events ― January thru December

Hosted by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, one of the country’s leading business membership organizations with regional councils that certify and match more than 16,000 minority-owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American) with member corporations that want to purchase goods and services.

National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) State-by-State Events― January thru December

The National Federation of Independent Business is the leading small business association representing small and independent businesses. Its mission is to promote and protect the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. NFIB also gives its members strength in the marketplace by pooling their purchasing power and giving them access to many business products and services at discounted costs. It also provides timely information designed to help small businesses succeed.

SCORE’s Free Local and State Business Workshops ― January thru December

SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow and succeed nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and has been mentoring small business owners for more than forty years. SCORE’s valuable network of 13,000+ volunteers offer small business entrepreneurs confidential business counseling services at no charge.

Tory Johnson’s Spark and Hustle 2013 National Tour — Various Cities, March through June

Grow Your Business in a Whole New Way! Starting in March, for the third year, Spark and Hustle will set off on a 15-city national tour with one mission: to help women entrepreneurs across the country turn their passion and purpose into profit through small business ownership. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve already launched your business, the content and connections at Spark and Hustle are unmatched.

Startup Weekend (Powered by the Kauffman Foundation) ― Nationwide/Worldwide throughout the Year

Startup Weekends are 54-hour events where developers, designers, marketers, product managers and startup enthusiasts come together to share ideas, form teams, build products and launch startups! Each event is designed to provide superior experiential education for technical and non-technical entrepreneurs.

Retailer One-on-One Deal-Making Event and Franchise Show ― Various Cities, All Year Long

Retailer One-on-One is a one-day, face-to-face networking and deal-making event comprising retailers and restaurants, shopping center owners and investors, brokers, attorneys, architects, engineers and others associated with the commercial real estate industry. The “show” houses the largest number of actively growing retail and restaurant concepts in the nation, as well as the hottest up and coming concepts.

Content Success Summit 2013― Online, February 5

Content Success Summit 2013 is a live online conference that’ll enable you to increase your exposure, grow a loyal following and achieve sales growth with content marketing techniques. The world’s leading content marketing pros will show you how.

National Entrepreneurship Week ― Nationwide Events by State, February 16-23

Hosted by the Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education, this is the one week each year when all fifty states are focused on supporting, acknowledging and celebrating business owners across the country.

Northeast Region

NYC Small Business Development Center ― Various New York regional events, January thru December

The New York State Small Business Development Center (NYS SBDC) is the premier business assistance organization in New York State, providing expert management and technical assistance to start-up and existing businesses across the region. The NYS SBDC is administered by State University of New York and funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the State of New York and host campuses.

Third Annual Women Entrepreneurs Festival 2013 ― New York City, N.Y., January 22-23

The goal of ITP’s (Interactive Telecommunications Program) Women Entrepreneurs Festival is to sow the seeds for a community of women entrepreneurs in NYC―to expose women who have not yet taken the entrepreneurial leap―the pre-entrepreneurs―to the women who have.

Fearless Entrepreneur Conference 2013 — New York, N.Y., January 26

Be daring, bold, and fearless! Every January we at The Genesis Group start our New Year with some major momentum by bringing together hundreds of entrepreneurs for our Fearless Conference. This is the time to set up our year and strategize how we will fearlessly advance our companies to the next level!

State of Maine National Entrepreneurship Week ― Various Cities, February 9-16 and 16-23

Encourages and supports business owners with panel discussions, workshops and networking events designed to foster entrepreneurial education and lifelong learning. Helps entrepreneurs access the resources and education they need to meet the demands of today’s global economy.

The New England/Boston Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo ― Wilmington, Mass., at Shriners Auditorium, February 23-24

The Expo invites consumers wanting to start their own business to attend this exciting, upcoming two-day event! Perfect for exploring the option of self-employment. Buying a franchise means you are in business for yourself … but not by yourself. It also means you own a proven business concept and have the support you need to be successful! Take control of your financial future – invest in yourself!

8th Annual Veterans in Business Conference ― Arlington, Va., March 21

Provides education, networking and business opportunities for Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran Small Business Owners. Created by civic and business leaders in Northern Virginia to provide training and exposure to veterans who wish to grow their businesses through contracting and subcontracting opportunities with the Federal Government.

NBIA’s 27th International Conference on Business Incubation — Boston, Mass., April 7-10

Join the more than 500 business incubator managers and economic development professionals from around the globe who will gather to explore strategies for entrepreneur support at NBIA’s 27th International Conference on Business Incubation. The conference is the industry’s premier event for making connections and gaining tools you need to provide unparalleled client assistance.

Small Business Expo ― New York City, N.Y. at Pier 92, May 16

The largest B2B tradeshow, conference and networking event for small business owners. Business owners browse and meet in a huge exhibition hall filled with exhibitors showcasing valuable products and services to help their businesses grow, attend small business workshops, seminars and meet-ups, network with other small business owners and entrepreneurs in the cyber lounge and speed networking areas, and watch exciting product demos.

Annual International Franchise Expo ― New York City, N.Y., June 20-22

Find the business you’ve always been looking for in just one weekend! Join thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners for the largest franchise expo in the country. Meet hundreds of proven franchised businesses from every industry and at every investment level.

smAlbany 2013 Small Business Expo — Albany, N.Y., July 17

smAlbany is a showcase for Capital Region businesses and a resource for them to network, find suppliers, job applicants and gain education insight into a variety of digital topics. From Google online marketing education to protecting your company’s intellectual property to learning how to start a new career path, smAlbany’s seminars provide cutting edge technology with free admission.

World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship — New York City, N.Y., October 9-11

Get ready to blend your ideas and solutions with other scientists, designers, entrepreneurs, CEOs and innovators at the WSIE 2013, designed to inspire your thoughts and actions within your organization and beyond.

Small Business Expo ― Boston, Mass., at the Hynes Convention Center, October 17

New York Business Expo and Conference — New York City, N.Y., October 24

Fully stocked expo filled with power networking, education, biz celebrities, contests and MORE! It is the Northeast’s LARGEST B2B trade show, conference and networking event for budding entrepreneurs, business owners and executives. Provides SMBs with opportunities to GROW. This annual BUSINESS TRADE SHOW brings together c-level executives from all industries to enjoy FACE-TO-FACE NETWORKING and HIGH-LEVEL EDUCATION. Through facilitated meetings and distinct show features you will learn custom business solutions that you can implement immediately to grow your bottom line.

Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo — New York/New Jersey Meadowlands Exposition Center, November 16-17

Eastern Region

University of Pittsburgh Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence ― Pittsburgh, PA, January thru December

Created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence continues to provide the power to impact the economic vitality of western Pennsylvania. Over the last decade, the Institute has launched hundreds of innovative companies, created thousands of new jobs and secured hundreds of millions of dollars for business growth. Hosts year-long events offering business support, consulting, business education programs and networking opportunities.

WBENC 2013 Summit and Salute to Women’s Business Enterprises ― Baltimore, Md., March 13-14

One of the “do not miss” business events of the year. Brings together America’s leading corporations, government agencies, women business owners and strategic partner organizations for a comprehensive two-day program that focuses on business forecasts, market trends and best practices. Provides networking environments conducive to business and honors Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Stars for their achievements and leadership, while also paying tribute to America’s Top Corporations for Women’s Business Enterprises.

2013 National Community Reinvestment Coalition Annual Conference: How to Accelerate Small Business Growth — Washington, D.C., March 20

Small businesses need operational strategies and tools to break through barriers to achieving growth and scale. In this workshop, businesses and nonprofits engaged in small business development will learn how to optimize small business operations and develop strategies for successful small business growth.

2013 OSDBU Procurement Conference — Washington, D.C., April 19

Attracting more than 3,000 people, the OSDBU Procurement Conference is a national conference fostering business partnerships between the Federal Government, its prime contractors, and small, minority, service-disabled veteran-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and women-owned businesses. Now in its 22nd year, the OSDBU Directors Conference has become the premier event for small business throughout the United States.

National Capital Region Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo — Washington, D.C./Maryland/Virginia at the Dulles Expo and Conference Center, April 27-28

America’s Small Business Summit ― Washington, D.C., April 29 thru May 1

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s annual event—America’s Small Business Summit—unites small business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs from across the country to learn, network and discuss common legislative and management concerns. Help influence our nation’s economic and political agenda by advocating for pro-business policies through the Rally on the Hill portion of the program. For more information and important dates, continue to check the summit website.

TechConnect WORLD Summit and Innovation Showcase 2013 — Washington, D.C., May 12-16

TechConnect World is uniquely designed to accelerate the commercialization of innovations, out of the lab and into industry. Nanotech, Microtech, Biotech, Cleantech…we’re gathering the world’s leading market-focused research and commercially-viable innovations into the largest global technology accelerator program. Join leading funding agencies, national and federal labs, universities, tech transfer offices, and investment and corporate partners as we accelerate the commercialization of the world’s top innovations in Washington D.C.

Inc. 500/5000 Conference and Award Ceremony —Washington, D.C., at the Gaylord, October 10-12

An annual three day event that brings the nation’s brightest, most successful business minds together to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the companies that appear on Inc. magazine’s prestigious ranking of America’s fastest-growing privately held companies. Expect to be inspired by an unprecedented line-up of business experts from companies you know and admire, learn from high-level keynotes, make new connections and reconnect with peers, and celebrate your success! The conference culminates in a black-tie gala in which all current year honorees receive awards.

FORTUNE: The Most Powerful Women — Washington, D.C., October 15-17

What started as a conference 13 years ago has evolved into one of the world’s most extraordinary leadership communities, convening the preeminent women in business—along with selected leaders in government, philanthropy, education, and the arts—for wide-ranging and inspiring discussions.

Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo — New York/New Jersey Meadowlands Exposition Center, November 16-17

Southeast Region

Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development ― Broward County, Fla. Area, January thru December

An ongoing series of learning and networking opportunities for local and regional area business owners.

Franchise Expo South ― Miami Beach, Fla., January 11-13

The premier franchise expo serving the Southeastern U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. Meet representatives from hundreds of proven franchise concepts at every investment level.

SEEC (Southeast Entrepreneurship Conference) 2013 ― Tampa, Fla., January 31 thru February 1-2

Two-day, intensive program is designed to take a student from nothing to an established business owner in no time flat! Receive expedited, one-on-one attention from consultants and experienced entrepreneurs.

37th Annual Small Business Institute Conference — St. Pete Beach, Fla., February 14-16

The mission of the Small Business Institute is to be the premier provider of professional development for those engaged in experiential student team consulting and related entrepreneurship education, research and activities. SBI is the link between business, education and community.

Social Media 201: Charlotte — Charlotte, N.C., February 19-20

The workshop is designed for marketers and those who are responsible for the strategic development, as well as the execution and management of social media. This Boot Camp provides the marketer who has a basic knowledge of social media marketing with practical tools and tactics that support business goals.

6th Annual American Indian Chamber of Commerce Business Expo — Charleston, S.C., March 1

The American Indian Chamber of Commerce of SC (AICCSC) will host the 6th Annual Native American Business Expo on March 1, 2013, bringing together American Indian business owners, private industry, Federal Government representatives and private citizens interested in learning more about Federal and private business opportunities.

28th Annual SFMSDC Business Expo ― Fort Lauderdale, Fla., March 14-15

The Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council’s premier activity that draws business leaders and corporations from across the state and around the country. Consists of a trade show, workshops and a luncheon that provides a forum to network and showcase your company’s products and services. Network with procurement specialists from Fortune 500 companies, educational institutions and government agencies; develop new contacts and resources; negotiate potential procurement contracts and learn about trends and issues important to minority business development.

Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo — Tampa, Fla., at the Tampa Convention Center, April 6-7

The Medical Entrepreneur Symposium: Be Prepared for Practice, Business and Life — Delray Beach, Fla., April 19-21

This unique meeting will be focused entirely on helping physicians gain knowledge in all the components necessary to be successful in any healthcare related business, in their medical practice, in practice management, and in healthcare related entrepreneurial ventures.

Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo — Raleigh, N.C., at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, June 1-2

58th Annual International Council for Small Business World Conference — Ponce, Puerto Rico, June 20-23

The International Council for Small Business was founded in 1955, and was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. It brings together educators, researchers, policy makers and practitioners from around the world to share knowledge and expertise in their respective fields. In addition, the Conference is the largest academic event with the emphases on entrepreneurship and offers attendees the unique opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and to learn from the many outstanding speakers, presentations and workshops on advances in the field, drawing attendees from over 70 countries.

Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo — Atlanta, Ga., at the Cobb Galleria, September 7-8

Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo — Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., at the Broward County Convention Center, October 5-6

Small Business Expo ―Miami, Fla., at the Miami Beach Convention Center, December 19

North Region

17th Annual Women and Leadership in the Workplace Conference ― Dearborn, Mich., January 16

Offers women business leaders a day of informative workshops, keynote speakers, facilitated networking opportunities while focusing on education and inspiration. Awards for achievements in the business community.

2013 Business Expo and Small Business Conference ― Madison, Wis., April 23

This is the largest expo, conference and networking event for Madison business professionals. With more than 200 booths, 2,000 attendees and 12 educational seminars, the Greater Madison Chamber is happy to support our business community by hosting the region’s largest and most affordable business-to-business event in 2013.

2013 Women’s Business Conference — Eau Claire, Wis., April 25

If you’re thinking of starting, improving or expanding a business, this conference is for you! The 2013 Women’s Business Conference connects attendees with the resources they need to be successful. At this full-day conference, attendees learn from established members of the business community in Western Wisconsin, talk to business assistance providers and network with over 500 emerging entrepreneurs.

11th Annual Wisconsin Entrepreneurs’ Conference 2013 — Middleton, Wis., June 4-5

One of the Midwest’s premiere networking and educational events for entrepreneurs. Business leaders, investors and other make connections as they learn how to crack into today’s emerging markets.

Women’s Business Enterprise National Council 2013 National Conference and Business Fair ― Minneapolis, Minn., June 25-27

Thousands of attendees and hundreds of exhibitors are drawn to this event, including more than 100 WBENC-Certified WBE exhibitors from across the nation. Attendees have access to opportunities that connect WBENC-Certified WBEs, WBENC Corporate Members, Regional Partner Organization (RPO) leaders, RPO Corporate Members, government agency representatives and small business owners.

Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo ― Minneapolis, Minn., at the Minneapolis Convention Center, November 2-3

Central Region

Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo ― Cincinnati, Ohio, at the Duke Energy Center, February 9-10

Everything Entrepreneur Conference (EEC) — Tinley Park, Ill., February 21

Are you an entrepreneur? Do you have a great idea for a business but need some help? Have you been struggling to find the right vendors for your needs? Entrepreneurs, vendors and companies specializing in B2B services are all gearing up for EEC. This expo is an amazing opportunity to meet with other business owners, make connections, get powerful advice and even find the funding you need to make your business dreams a reality.

EntreFest! 2013 ― Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 7-8

EntreFest! is a two-day conference dedicated to Iowa small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. It provides attendees with an opportunity to hear nationally-acclaimed speakers, participate in relevant and information-rich breakout sessions, have interactive learning sessions and meet with like-minded individual in a fun and informal setting.

2013 Ohio Business Matchmaker — Dayton, Ohio, March 27-28

The Ohio Business Matchmaker 2013 event is a unique opportunity where exhibitors, purchasing agents (buyers), trainers, and small business owners (suppliers) come together.

Midwest Entrepreneurship Conference — Omaha, Neb., April 5-6

The go-to conference for young and ambitious entrepreneurs held each year at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

SOBCon: Where the Virtual Meets Concrete — Chicago, Ill., May 3-5

The conference for Successful and Outstanding Bloggers (SOBs)! For those who have yet to attend a SOBCon, here’s what to expect over 2 1/2 days: highly interactive and innovative Mastermind Models on key elements to business success, interviews with business influencers, panel discussions with the entrepreneurs and investors that are leading the way and more!

2013 Black Enterprise Entrepreneurs Conference + Expo ― Columbus, Ohio, May 15-18

Attracts more than 1,500 attendees annually from around the country. Offers informative sessions, high-powered speakers, networking opportunities and essential tools for emerging and established entrepreneurs.

Midwest Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo ― Chicago, Ill., at the Schaumburg Convention Center, October 19-20

South Region

Louisiana Franchise Expo — Baton Rouge, La., January 10

Meet successful franchisors at all investment levels who are interested in expanding into Louisiana. This is a must-attend event for anyone who wants to leave corporate life behind, be their own boss, diversity their income stream, launch a business of their own and/or learn about financing options.

MomCom Austin — Austin, Texas, January 26

MomCom Austin is one in a series of MomCom Life events which aims to inspire the creative, entrepreneurial and social nature of moms. At MomCom Life events, the focus is on sharing stories and connecting in ways that are most meaningful to women. It’s about creating community and celebrating motherhood. MomCom encourages women to embrace who they are as moms, women, and contributing members of society.

Alabama State University Entrepreneurship Conference: Fostering Creativity, Innovation and Opportunities — Montgomery, Ala., March 4-6

The goals of the conference are to enable attendees the opportunity to learn about business development, entrepreneurship, grants, contracting and fellowships. The HBCU entrepreneurship conference brings together the triad: industry, government and education. Conference participants have an opportunity to develop relationships and partnerships that can help them be successful in their undertakings.

Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo ―Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center, March 9-10

Women Entrepreneurs Inspire Conference — Oklahoma City, Okla., April 2

A day of inspiration, learning and networking with leading women entrepreneurs from across the country and the State of Oklahoma. This conference is designed to inspire women to pursue their passions, think big and turn their dreams of business ownership into reality, with emphasis on exploring the unique obstacles, demands and challenges women face when creating and growing their own ventures.

GROWCO Conference ― New Orleans, La., April 10-12

Inc. brings you GROWCO: Grow Your Company Conference, a three-day event of 600-plus entrepreneurs and business leaders who want to achieve sizable growth within their organization. Inc.’s GROWCO Conference pulls together a dynamic program including headliners straight out of the pages of Inc., business experts and best-selling authors who share actionable information and proven strategies on all facets of growing companies.

Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo ―Dallas, Texas, at the Dallas Market Center – Market Hall, May 18-19

Small Business Expo ― Dallas, Texas, at the Dallas Convention Center, June 20

eWomen Network’s 13th Annual International Conference and Business Expo — Dallas, Texas, August 8-11

The largest four-day women’s business conference in North America! Acquire new customers, market and promote your business, access breakthrough ideas and resources and make the most of this networking extravaganza.

Northwest Arkansas Women’s Conference ― Rogers, Ark., September 17

In its 14th year, the Northwest Arkansas Business Women’s Conference is the premier women’s conference in the region. Known for its outstanding keynote speakers and networking opportunities, more than 1,300 of northwest Arkansas’ most accomplished business women attend the conference each year.

Northwest Region

7th Annual SMB Nation Spring Conference — Redmond, Wash., at the Microsoft Campus, February 23-25

This year’s SMB Nation Conference theme is V3, and all courses are designed to help you keep ahead of the game with the latest shift to virtualization, including Virtual Desktop/VDI, server-side virtualization best practices and value-oriented business lectures on how to make money as a virtualization expert, “Cloudie” and MSP. There’s true ROI here!

Franchise & Business Opportunities Expo ― Portland, Ore., at the Oregon Convention Center, March 23-24

Women Entrepreneurs Global Connect Expo and Summit 2013 — Portland, Ore., April 24-27

This summit will provide a platform for American women owned businesses to connect with International women entrepreneurs and major global corporations to open doors to future trade, leadership and partnership.

ASTRA Women’s Business Alliance Matchmaker and Expo 2013 — Seattle, Wash., October 10

Astra Women’s Business Alliance is a dynamic network of women-owned businesses, corporate and government agency supplier diversity professionals, and other partner organizations who share a singular mission: to advance opportunities for women in business.

Western Region

Large Vision Business Network Mixer (LVBNM) Baby Boomers Expo — Las Vegas, Nev., January 8 and monthly thereafter

This 2013 Expo kicks off the 7th season for the monthly LVBNM Mega Mixer Expo and features more than 50 baby-boomer business exhibits (owners, managers and staff members) from companies all over Nevada and surrounding West Coast states. LVBNM Chefs Corner features international chefs with sample tasty flavors to share from all around the world; also live entertainment and raffle drawings.

Opportunity Green Business Conference — Los Angeles, Calif., Spring 2013 (Date TBD)

The 6th Annual Opportunity Green conference brings together today’s leading companies and visionaries; showcasing the sought-after opportunities, profound innovations and trends accelerating the new green economy. OG ’13 exposes participants to an interdisciplinary cross-section of ideas at the forefront of sustainable business practices through a variety of formats, including creative panels and experiential workshops. From Fortune 500 powerhouses to inventive startups, Opportunity Green attracts over 1000 industry professionals and executive decision-makers from around the globe.

USASBE 2013 Conference: What’s New, What Works, In the Classroom and on the Street — San Francisco, Calif., January 10-13

The United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship® (USASBE) is the largest independent, professional, academic organization in the world dedicated to advancing the discipline of entrepreneurship. With over 1000 members from universities and colleges, for-profit businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the public sector, USASBE is a diverse mix of professionals that share a common commitment to fostering entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviors.

Affiliate Summit West 2013 — Las Vegas, Nev., January 13-15

This three day conference included an exhibit hall with affiliate merchants, vendors, and networks, as well as multiple tracks of educational sessions covering the latest trends and information from affiliate marketing experts.

Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo — San Diego, Calif., at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, January 26-27

Social Media Strategies Summit 2013 — Las Vegas, Nev., February 5-7

Three full days of interactive learning includes keynotes from top social media Innovators, workshops to provide you with a blueprint to incorporate your business goals, case studies from brands who “Got it Right” by incorporating social media marketing, proven strategies, tactics and tools to leverage your social channels, and networking opportunities.

53nd Annual International Franchise Association Convention ― Las Vegas, Nev., February 17-20

This year’s Convention is the perfect forum to find the solutions you need for future growth. The 2013 Convention is filled with content specifically designed for franchisors, franchisees and the companies that support the franchise industry to help it grow and prosper. Our program will keep you abreast of challenges facing our industry and new opportunities that will help us get back to the growth trends we experienced before the recession.

6th Annual Launch Festival 2013 — San Francisco, Calif., March 4-6

5,000+ attendees, an audience of 3,000+, office hours with great investors/entrepreneurs, world-class, high-energy launch team guidance, fiery competition, skills building opportunities…it’s all here at Launch Festival 2013!

Central California Young Entrepreneurs Conference 2013 — Fresno, Calif., March 6

The CCYEC offers aspiring entrepreneurs, business & marketing students and any other student interested in catching the entrepreneurial spirit the opportunity to learn more about owning their own business and being successful in the entrepreneurial world. The CCYEC will offer breakout sessions presented by local young entrepreneurs on how to start and run your own business as well as motivating keynote presentations by two highly successful young business owners.

MIVA Merchant Conference 2013 — San Diego, Calif., March 6-8

Results-driven online business owners (B2B and B2C) and developers looking to grow their business will receive tools to propel their business to the next level, create relationships with other successful e-commerce store owners who can offer advice, ideas and war stories and have the opportunity to ask all of the questions they’ve been wrestling with about their business.

Reservation Economic Summit (RES) 2013 ― Las Vegas, Nev., March 11-14

Sponsored by The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, RES is the premier conference of its kind in the nation. Attendees include American Indian and Indigenous entrepreneurs, tribal economic and business development decision-makers, tribal leaders, government and corporate executives, and buyers seeking Indian suppliers and contractors. Structured as three days of business information and training delivered through more than 24 60-minute sessions that are geared specifically for native entrepreneurs, tribal enterprises and organizations wishing to do business with American Indian businesses.

2nd Annual Women’s Business Owners Conference — Anaheim, Calif., March 22

Fast Forward Growth: Strategies to Increase Your Sales in Today’s World is this year’s conference theme. In 2012, over 300 small business owners were able to network with like-minded individuals and learn about some of the new social media and marketing trends through networking opportunities, workshops, great speakers, an exhibit area and more!

SPREE 2013: The Specialty Retail Entrepreneur Expo and Conference ― Las Vegas, Nev., April 16-18

Heralded as the world’s largest event for the cart, kiosk and temporary retail industry. Learn what it takes to become part of the $12 billion specialty retail industry; discover new concepts, locations and services to grow your business; develop new leads and growth strategies; network with key industry contacts and meet with the “who’s who” in specialty retail including manufacturers, wholesalers and suppliers, property managers and developers and service providers; gain valuable industry exposure; participate in informative educational seminars designed specifically for you; find everything you need to start your first enterprise or grow your existing business.

Work-at-Home Business Expo ― San Diego, Calif., April 20-21

“Empowering Entrepreneurship and Ensuring Job-Security through a Home Based Business Model.” Learn how to start, market, manage and grow your home-based business. Educate yourself about the wide variety of home-based business models available so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you!

Fortune Brainstorm GREEN: Sustainable Solutions Conference — Laguna Nigel, Calif., April 29 through May 1

Fortune Brainstorm GREEN: Sustainable Solutions brings together an extraordinary community of the smartest CEOs and senior executives, investors, policy makers, environmentalists and thought leaders. We’ll formulate innovative approaches to the most important issues surrounding corporate sustainability, energy, smart cities, and investing in the future economy. As always, our focus will be on the role that business can play, profitably, in achieving these solutions.

San Francisco Small Business Week — San Francisco, Calif., May 13-18

San Francisco Small Business Week (SF SBW) is a partnership that honors and supports San Francisco’s small businesses through a series of educational and networking events that inspire, educate and connect the business community.

Professional Businesswomen of California Conference: The Next Generation, Unlocking the Full Potential of Women in the Workplace ―San Francisco, Calif., May 23

Each year, PBWC brings together the most provocative and sought-after speakers in the country at Northern California’s premier conference for women in business. The annual conference is PBWC’s main forum for women leaders to mentor and role model, foster upward mobility and gain instant access to a large network of other professionals. It brings together thousands of women from all industry sectors for integrated leadership training, networking and examining ways to increase women’s value to business.

WE.aRe 2013: Women Entrepreneurship Retreat — Pacific Grove, Calif., May 24-26

WE.aRe 2013 is a weekend retreat for women starting and running their own small business with big visions. Invest in yourself by spending quality time connecting with go-getter women like you while learning advanced business knowledge.

CelebrAsian 2013 Business Opportunity Conference — Garden Grove, Calif., June 3-5

CelebrAsian is the oldest and largest pan Asian American Business Opportunity Conference in the United States. For over 27 years USPAACC has worked diligently in partnership with Corporate America and the Federal, State and Local Government to open doors to contract, educational and professional opportunities for the Asian American community. The Annual CelebrAsian Business Opportunity Conference shines a spotlight on these ongoing endeavors as well as the impressive achievements of Asian Americans.

Inc. Leadership Forum ― Carlsbad, Calif., June 10-12

At this unique and timely event, business leaders from a huge range of organizations come together to discover, share and connect. Learning from the dramatic successes––and mistakes––of others, you’ll refocus your vision and revitalize your decision-making powers. You’ll become a better, smarter, more proactive and responsive business leader.

Veteran Entrepreneur Training Symposium ―Reno, Nev., June 10-13

A business development conference created by veterans for veterans that provides the knowledge and relationships needed for veterans to transition into business owners to service the Federal Government. The difference? The VETS agenda is crafted by veterans already doing business with the Government, veteran entrepreneurs who have walked in your shoes. Brings together Federal agencies, prime contractors and veterans to discuss how to take full advantage of the Federally mandated contracting opportunities set aside specifically for veteran-owned small businesses.

Fortune Brainstorm TECH 2013 — Aspen, Colo., July 22-24

Fortune Brainstorm TECH is a marketplace of ideas that assembles the world’s top technology and media thinkers, operators, entrepreneurs, innovators and influencers. These leaders inspire a conversation that informs Fortune’s editorial coverage throughout the year. Brainstorm began in Aspen in 2001. It’s the ideal—and idyllic—setting to exchange ideas and build relationships, the hallmarks of the Brainstorm experience.

West Coast Franchise Expo — Anaheim, Calif., at the Anaheim Convention Center, October 24-26

FIND THE BUSINESS YOU’VE ALWAYS BEEN LOOKING FOR — IN JUST ONE WEEKEND! Join thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners at the West Coast Franchise Expo, the largest franchise expo in the West. Meet hundreds of proven franchise opportunities. Every industry. Every investment level. Full-time and part-time.

Small Business Expo ― Los Angeles, Calif., at the California Market Center, November 7

Southwest Region

InfusionCon 2013: The Sales and Marketing Conference for Small Businesses — Scottsdale, Ariz., March 27-29

Inspiring Ideas. Inspiring Action. Inspiring Small Business. Don’t miss the small business sales and marketing event of the year! Join over 2,000 entrepreneurs from around the world as they gather to learn, network and implement new ideas that will make their businesses more successful.

Hawaii International Conference on Business 2013 — Honolulu, Hawaii, May 23-26

The main goal of the 2013 Hawaii International Conference on Business is to provide an opportunity for academicians and professionals from various business related fields from all over the world to come together and learn from each other. An additional goal of the conference is to provide a place for academicians and professionals with cross-disciplinary interests related to business to meet and interact with members inside and outside their own particular disciplines.

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Featured Articles

Jan 15

2013 Events and Conferences Entrepreneurs Won’t Want to Miss!

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