If you’re a business opportunity, distributorship, licensee opportunity, franchise or other small business owner, we invite you to check out our list of this fall’s upcoming events and conferences, all of which are especially for and about you! It’s our most exhaustive list yet.
Plus, we’ll post a complete preview of the must-attend events and conference line-up for 2013 sometime early next month. You don’t want to miss it!
Nationwide/Online
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.
Facebook Success Summit 2012 ― Online, October 2-23
Social Media Examiner presents the Web’s largest fully online Facebook marketing conference! Learn how to leverage the world’s largest social network for business success. Discover how to quickly attract quality customers, build loyal fans and grow your revenue with Facebook.
Global Entrepreneurship Week ― 20+ Countries Involved, November 12-18
Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest celebration of the innovators and job creators, who launch startups that bring ideas to life, drive economic growth and expand human welfare. During one week each November, GEW inspires people everywhere through local, national and global activities designed to help them explore their potential as self-starters and innovators. These activities, from large-scale competitions and events to intimate networking gatherings, connect participants to potential collaborators, mentors and even investors—introducing them to new possibilities and exciting opportunities.
KeyBank Key4Women Business Forums ― Various locations nationwide, September through October
Designed to educate and empower female business people, the Forum is for business owners, leaders and professionals. If you are ready to meet women who share your passion for business and leave inspired, the Key4Women Forum is for you. Plus, your Forum registration fee benefits a local charity that supports women.
Internal Revenue Service State-by-State Workshops for Small Business Owners― January through 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 record-keeping 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 power in the marketplace by pooling the purchasing power of its members 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.
Northeast
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.
Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers ― Wellesley, Mass., September 14
Sponsored by the Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), these events are designed for people age 50 and older who are interested in new-business creation and ownership. Reservations are required.
TechSpeak for Entrepreneurs ― New York, N.Y., September 20-21
For women entrepreneurs who want to learn to communicate with, understand and manage their technology teams and projects.
World Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship ― Boston, Mass., September 26-28
The Summit sets the scene for some of the world’s eminent dreamers and doers to plot the new frontier of the smarter innovation economy. Explore where the world’s most positive, meaningful innovations are hiding. Engage with global entrepreneurs, designers and executives to strike new business opportunities partnerships that will alter the way you learn and live… create and innovate… invest and lead.
World Maker Faire New York 2012 ― Queens, N.Y., September 29-30
The premier event for grassroots American innovation, Maker Faire is the world’s largest DIY festival of its kind. Features more than 500 exhibits, comprising the most diverse showcase of creativity and innovation in technology, craft, science, fashion, art, food and more!
World Business Forum New York 2012 ― New York, N.Y., October 2-3
Be a part of a transformative experience dedicated to building better businesses, better people and a better world using this platform to expand, connect, unite, distribute and multiply ideas. This is a powerful network of businessmen and women with a belief in the transformative potential of talent, enterprise and endeavor.
MarketingProfs B2B Forum 2012 ― Boston, Mass., October 3-5
This isn’t just another event. It’s the event for B2B marketers who don’t just follow yesterday’s best practices; they create the next practices needed to move their businesses—and industries—forward.
Business on Edge ― New York, N.Y., October 4
A one-day business event for entrepreneurs hosted by Shark Tank’s Barbara Corcoran. Topics include: Changing your business as you know it and turning your dream into power, learning how to provoke, invoke and elevate your business, extending your reach, networking for profit and driving sales from the people who have done it, and much more!
Infusionsoft Small Business Success Tour ― Boston, Mass., October 5
Come to Chicago for a day of Infusionsoft training and marketing strategies. You’ll experience all-new sessions with fresh content created specifically for this tour, including: Proven formulas for boosting follow-up conversions, tips for getting more referrals, intelligently collecting and using your data, and how to measure website and lead source effectiveness.
The New York Enterprise Report 2012 Small Business Awards ― New York, N.Y., October 10
Now in its 7th year, the New York Enterprise Report Small Business Awards is the annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of the 500,000+ small businesses throughout the tri-state area. The event attracts more than 400 business owners and executives and is often referred to as “the networking event of the year.” Don’t miss the chance to do business with the “who’s who” of the New York small business community.
ad:tech New York ― New York, N.Y., November 7-8
The event for digital marketing! Only ad:tech spans the full ecosystem of advertising and technology that moves business forward and changes the role of digital marketers everywhere. With thought-leading speakers and a powerhouse stable of companies, ad:tech takes you from idea to action that will put you and your business ahead in just two days.
East
DC Small Business Calendar of Events ― Washington, D.C. and Surrounding Areas, January thru December
DC Small Business provides information and resources to small business owners, entrepreneurs and start-ups in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. Its mission is to help support and empower small business owners on the path to success in the Washington D.C.-metropolitan area.
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. It hosts year-long events offering business support, consulting, business education programs and networking opportunities.
Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour ― West Liberty, W.Va., October 10
The Only National Collegiate Entrepreneur Tour! The Tour brings the country’s top young entrepreneurs to colleges, universities, workforce development organizations, chambers of commerce, SBDCs and many other organizations to help spread the entrepreneurial mindset during a half-day, high-energy conference.
2012 Entrepreneur Expo ― Linthicum Heights, Md., November 13
Second annual large-scale event dedicated to promoting and celebrating the key to Maryland’s innovation economy, its entrepreneurs.
Virginia Women’s Business Conference ― Lansdowne, Va., November 16
This one-day event for visionary women who want to discover the tools for success, make strategic business connections, and leave feeling empowered and inspired to take action will address issues such as branding, power networking, sales strategies, personal and business growth, marketing and social media, maximizing your worth, and work and life balance.
Southeast
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo ― Fort Lauderdale, Fla., September 22-23
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo invites consumers wanting to start their own business to attend this exciting, upcoming two-day event! This event is perfect for exploring the option of self-employment. Buying a franchise means you are in business for yourself … but not by yourself. Owning a franchise means you own a proven business concept, and have the support you need to be successful! Franchising covers many industries that are considered ‘recession-proof.’ Take control of your financial future, and invest in yourself!
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo ― Atlanta, Ga., October 20-21
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo is the place to be if you are looking to start your own business. This exciting two-day event is perfect for exploring the option of self-employment. Buying a franchise means you are in business for yourself … but not by yourself. Owning a franchise means you own a proven business concept, and have the support you need to be successful! Franchising covers many industries that are considered ‘recession-proof.’ Take control of your financial future, and invest in yourself today!
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.
North
National Business Incubators Association 22nd Training Institute ― Milwaukee, Wis., October 1-3
This two-and-a-half-day event offers a collegial atmosphere for informal networking and targeted, in-depth training for incubation and economic development professionals. The event features full-day workshops on days one and two, and half-day workshops on day three. Knowledgeable incubation practitioners and other industry supporters lead the workshops, which provide strategies for effective entrepreneur support and techniques to help you strengthen your incubation program.
Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour ― Manitowoc, Wis., October 9 & Milwaukee, Wis., October 19
The Only National Collegiate Entrepreneur Tour! The Tour brings the country’s top young entrepreneurs to colleges, universities, workforce development organizations, chambers of commerce, SBDCs and many other organizations to help spread the entrepreneurial mindset during a half-day, high-energy conference.
Central
Infusionsoft Small Business Success Tour ― Chicago, Ill., September 13
Come to Chicago for a day of Infusionsoft training and marketing strategies. You’ll experience all-new sessions with fresh content created specifically for this tour, including: Proven formulas for boosting follow-up conversions, tips for getting more referrals, intelligently collecting and using your data, and how to measure website and lead source effectiveness.
26th Annual Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference, Women’s Business and Buyers Mart ― Chicago, Ill., September 20
This is the oldest conference and business opportunities fair for women in business in the country, and the premier event for women business owners in the Midwest. For 25 years the Entrepreneurial Woman’s Conference has offered women business owners real-world solutions to the current problems they are facing and the opportunity to increase the profitability of their businesses by building relationships with corporate and government buyers, business experts, and other women business owners.
NAWBO’s Women’s Business Conference 2012 ― Louisville, Ky., October 4-5
Representing the unified voice of more than 10 million women-owned businesses nationwide, the National Association of Women Business Owners’ annual conference is designed to prompt innovation, advocacy and acceleration for female entrepreneurs.
Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers ― Chicago, Ill., October 11
Sponsored by the Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), these events are designed for people age 50 and older who are interested in new-business creation and ownership. Reservations are required.
19th Annual NASVF Conference “Advancing Innovation: Seeding Tomorrow’s Opportunities” ― Cleveland, Ohio, October 15-17
The conference will feature best practices in innovation capital, updates on industry trends and great sessions with industry leaders. This will be the conference where industry professionals exchange their best strategies and tools for building and managing strategic investment programs and institutions.
Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour ― Kent, Ohio, October 24
The Only National Collegiate Entrepreneur Tour! The Tour brings the country’s top young entrepreneurs to colleges, universities, workforce development organizations, chambers of commerce, SBDCs and many other organizations to help spread the entrepreneurial mindset during a half-day, high-energy conference.
COSE’s 2012 Small Business Convention ― Sandusky, Ohio, October 25-26
COSE is the region’s largest small business support organization and provides cost-effective group purchasing programs, advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues, and networking and educational resources to help Northeast Ohio’s small businesses grow. The seventh annual Small Business Convention is a two-day, first-class convention experience packed with educational workshops, six national keynote speakers, a business-to-business trade show and effective networking opportunities.
Advanced Energy B2B Conference & Expo ― Columbus, Ohio, October 30-31
Advanced Energy B2B Conference & Expo℠ is the largest conference and exhibition focused on the companies, technologies and researchers driving progress in advanced energy in Ohio. This state-wide event is an ideal forum to share ideas for developing the next generation of energy technologies, as well as capitalizing on common synergies that could lead to future business opportunities.
Midwest Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo ― Chicago, Ill., November 10-11
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo invites consumers wanting to start their own business to attend this exciting, upcoming two-day event! This event is perfect for exploring the option of self-employment. Buying a franchise means you are in business for yourself … but not by yourself. Owning a franchise means you own a proven business concept, and have the support you need to be successful! Franchising covers many industries that are considered ‘recession-proof.’ Take control of your financial future, and invest in yourself!
South
Northwest Arkansas Business Conference & Expo ― Rogers, Ark., September 6
The area’s largest and most unique business exposition. Showcase your company’s products and services to thousands of local businesses and the general public in the region and attend seminars to help further your business’ growth and prosperity.
ASBDC(Association of Small Business Development Centers) Annual Conference ― New Orleans, La., September 11-14
This conference offers top-quality workshops, roundtables, general sessions, working luncheons and an Exhibit Hall, equipping America’s top small business consultants with the professional development they seek to continually enhance SBDC services to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo ― Birmingham, Ala., November 17-18
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo invites consumers wanting to start their own business to attend this exciting, upcoming two-day event! This event is perfect for exploring the option of self-employment. Buying a franchise means you are in business for yourself … but not by yourself. Owning a franchise means you own a proven business concept, and have the support you need to be successful! Franchising covers many industries that are considered ‘recession-proof.’ Take control of your financial future, and invest in yourself!
Northwest
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo ― Seattle, Wash., September 8-9
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo invites consumers wanting to start their own business to attend this exciting, upcoming two-day event! This event is perfect for exploring the option of self-employment. Buying a franchise means you are in business for yourself … but not by yourself. Owning a franchise means you own a proven business concept, and have the support you need to be successful! Franchising covers many industries that are considered ‘recession-proof.’ Take control of your financial future, and invest in yourself!
Astra Matchmaker & Expo ― Seattle, Wash., September 13
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.
2012 National Small Business Innovation Conference ― Portland, Ore., November 13-15
This conference will provide critical information to small businesses competing for federal SBIR/STTR grants and contracts, which amount to approximately $2.5 billion in funding annually. Entrepreneurs can meet one-on-one with federal program managers, learn from SBIR/STTR past recipients and tap into successful commercialization strategies through experts in the field.
West
Vator Splash SF Fall 2012 ― San Francisco, Calif., September 27
Splash is a single-track evening event and startup competition. Splash gathers leading entrepreneurs, innovators, venture capitalists and angel investors across technology to inspire and energize the audience about entrepreneurship and innovation.
Infusionsoft Small Business Success Tour ― Los Angeles, Calif., September 28
Come to Chicago for a day of Infusionsoft training and marketing strategies. You’ll experience all-new sessions with fresh content created specifically for this tour, including: Proven formulas for boosting follow-up conversions, tips for getting more referrals, intelligently collecting and using your data, and how to measure website and lead source effectiveness.
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo ― Denver, Colo., September 29-30
The Franchise and Business Opportunities Expo invites consumers wanting to start their own business to attend this exciting, upcoming two-day event! This event is perfect for exploring the option of self-employment. Buying a franchise means you are in business for yourself … but not by yourself. Owning a franchise means you own a proven business concept, and have the support you need to be successful! Franchising covers many industries that are considered ‘recession-proof.’ Take control of your financial future, and invest in yourself!
Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit 2012 ― Laguna Niguel, Calif., October 1-3
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. Attendees must apply for an invitation.
Success Summit & Expo ― Los Angeles, Calif., October 5
A summit for female entrepreneurs in particular, this is your opportunity to connect with influential, smart and savvy women business owners in Los Angeles!
SMB Nation 2012 Fall Conference ― Las Vegas, Nev., October 12-14
Join small- and medium-sized (SMB) business professionals just like you from across the U.S. and the world for this tenth annual three-day event that will provide you with unlimited networking, referral-building and educational opportunities and focus on a whole host of timely topics and critical issues of technology.
West Coast Franchise Expo ― Anaheim, Calif., October 12-14
Find the business you’re always been looking for, all in one weekend! Join thousands of entrepreneurs and business owners at the International Franchise Expo, the largest franchise expo in the country. Meet hundreds of proven franchise opportunities. Every industry. Every investment level. Full-time and part-time.
Pubcon Vegas 2012 ― Las Vegas, Nev., October 15-18
The premier search and social media conference and expo, Pubcon Las Vegas 2012 will be the biggest and boldest gathering of search and social media innovators the organization has ever assembled, offering an unrivaled highly-productive conference experience at cost-effective rates. Every attendee will come away with valuable new ideas and solutions for their business.
Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour ― Santa Barbara (10/19), San Luis Obispo (10/22), Merced (10/25 & 26), Sacramento (10/30), Chico (11/1), Susanville (11/2) & Saratoga (11/13), Calif., Various Dates in October and November
The Only National Collegiate Entrepreneur Tour! The Tour brings the country’s top young entrepreneurs to colleges, universities, workforce development organizations, chambers of commerce, SBDCs and many other organizations to help spread the entrepreneurial mindset during a half-day, high-energy conference.
Small Business Expo ― Los Angeles, Calif., November 8
Small Business Expo is the largest and most anticipated B2B trade show, conference and networking event for small business owners. Attend this huge business networking event to browse and meet with exhibitors/vendors providing products and services to help your business grow, attend small business workshops, seminars and meet-ups, network with other small business owners and entrepreneurs, and watch exciting new product demonstrations.
Opportunity Green Business Conference ― Los Angeles, Calif., November 8-9
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.
Signal Los Angeles 2012 ― Los Angeles, Calif., November 13
“Content marketing” is the new black as brands become publishers, and media companies are testing new models for distribution. Join Federated Media at Signal Los Angeles as they try to make sense of this crowded field through launches and lessons from innovative startups, brand case studies, and industry best practices.
Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers ― Denver, Colo., November 15
Sponsored by the Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), these events are designed for people age 50 and older who are interested in new-business creation and ownership. Reservations are required.
Southwest
Inc. 500/5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony ― Phoenix, Ariz., October 3-5
This is the must-attend event for the nation’s leading entrepreneurs! Join your colleagues and peers for three days of unparalleled networking and learning from the leaders of America’s fastest growing companies.
AZEC (Arizona Entrepreneurship Conference) 2012 ― Chandler, Ariz., October 30
This year’s theme is “The End of Business as Usual.” Learn about the rise of social business, how to make your business ready for social business, how to grow a business in Arizona and how small teams can make a big difference.