State of Small Business Symposium

Check-In | Registration

Welcome

Opening Remarks

Opening Plenary: National Small Business Outlook

Leaders from the Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS) team will present insights on the evolving state of small business. This discussion will examine what has changed in the small business sector over time, exploring trends from past to present and looking beyond credit to connect broader patterns affecting small business health and sustainability nationwide.

Fireside Chat: The Health of Small Businesses

A collaborative dialogue among small business support organizations and intermediaries assessing the health of small businesses today. Participants will discuss how current economic conditions are impacting small businesses nationwide, exchanging practical observations and experiences to understand the challenges and opportunities affecting small business vitality across the country.

Transition

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

Beyond the Balance Sheet: New Pathways to Capital for Marginalized Small Businesses

Small businesses in underserved communities—including rural areas, low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods, and economically distressed regions—face persistent capital access barriers despite strong business fundamentals. Traditional underwriting systems often overlook creditworthy borrowers who don't fit conventional criteria. This session will explore innovative public–private partnership approaches to expand capital access for businesses in underserved communities. The goal of this session is to encourage attendees to rethink approaches to capital access. Participants will leave with practical strategies and examples that can be implemented by CDFIs, bankers, community organizations, and entrepreneurs.

Rural Small Business Successes That Are Busting the Myths

This dynamic breakout session will challenge common misconceptions about entrepreneurship outside urban centers and showcase real-world success stories that prove rural small businesses can compete—and win—in today’s economy. Join us as we debunk persistent myths such as “rural communities lack capacity,” “rural investing is riskier,” “default rates are higher,” and “you need to be in a city to access capital.” Through compelling examples and insights from successful rural practitioners, we'll explore how small businesses are leveraging their unique advantages—including lower operating costs, tight-knit community support, and quality-of-life benefits—to build sustainable, profitable enterprises and ecosystems.

Neighborhood Prosperity through Small Business Development

How does support for small businesses in under-resourced neighborhoods strengthen commercial corridors and build community wealth? This session will bring together perspectives from community developers, capital providers, policy experts, and researchers to share strategies for connecting businesses with capital sources, attracting foot traffic, developing streetscapes, and creating neighborhood amenities. This workshop will explore the multi-layered impact of small businesses and local entrepreneurship on neighborhood stability, wealth creation, and community identity.

Navigating the Evolving Policy Landscape

This session will explore the evolving policy landscape, how it is impacting small business owners, and strategies to address emerging changes.

Networking Reception

Check-In | Continental Breakfast

Welcome

Opening Remarks

Evidence in Action: What the Data Reveal About Small Business Success

A data-driven session examining the national landscape of small business impacts and solutions. This session will highlight key findings on current impacts from national programs, emerging trends, and evidence-based strategies that support small business growth and resiliency across the country.

The Path Forward: Innovative Approaches and Small Business Resilience

A keynote response panel featuring leaders with broad, cross-industry perspectives on small business success. This fireside chat will focus on what's working, highlighting innovative approaches and practical solutions that are helping small businesses thrive. Panelists will share insights on navigating emerging trends and building resiliency in today’s evolving economic landscape.

Transition

Concurrent Breakout Sessions

How Fintech Is Shaping Small Business Capital Access and Business Financials

Fintech companies are building financial infrastructure that increasingly shapes how small firms access capital and manage cash flow. From real‑time payments to alternative credit and embedded finance, fintech is finding new opportunities to help small businesses grow. This session will cover how markets are evolving, how financial technology is filling opportunity gaps, and how fintech data can point to future challenges and opportunities.

Less Hustle, More Algorithm: AI, Automation, and the Future of Small Business

Small businesses are an economic engine across the country. As demographics and labor markets shift, increasing use of artificial intelligence, automation, and technology will become more important to the success of small businesses. Research meets practice in this breakout session. Speakers will explore how technology is being deployed to strengthen and support the small business sector.

Supporting the Whole Small Business: Technical Assistance, Wraparound Services, and Measuring Impact

Hear from small business support leaders on how to best support the well-being of both the business and the individuals behind it. Panelists will discuss what's working in helping small businesses navigate complex operational areas such as finance and legal matters while simultaneously connecting owners to essential wraparound supports including healthcare and childcare access. They will share effective strategies for integrating technical assistance with personal support services and explore how to develop meaningful metrics that capture both business outcomes and program impact.

Succession Planning across the Small Business Spectrum: Capital, Culture, and Continuity

This panel will explore succession planning challenges and opportunities across diverse small businesses, including those in urban and rural settings, first- and second-generation enterprises, and minority-owned businesses. Panelists will examine how neighborhood revitalization and economic impact intersect with business succession, the varying needs across the business spectrum, and what successful transitions look like for different business types and scales.

Lunch: Participant Reflections and Takeaways

Closing Remarks