2026
Small Business
Advancement
Conference
A full-day advancement conference featuring a trade show with city, state, county and federal government agencies, universities, institutions, corporations and resource partners. Dynamic speakers, corporate roundtables, matchmaker sessions, workshops and breakout sessions — all designed for small, local, minority and women-owned businesses.
Meet the Speakers
Industry leaders, government officials, and business champions shaping the future of small business in Baltimore and beyond.
Mayor's Office of Minority & Women-Owned Business Outreach
As Director of Baltimore's MWBOO, she leads the City's efforts to expand contracting opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses. Her keynote will spotlight FY2027 procurement cycles, new set-aside programs, and actionable pathways for small businesses to win city contracts.
SBA Loan Programs, 8(a) & HUBZone Workshop
The SBA Baltimore District Director brings decades of federal lending and business development experience. His workshop covers 7(a) loans, 504 programs, SBIR/STTR grants, 8(a) Business Development, and HUBZone certification — with one-on-one time available at the SBA booth.
Corporate Panel & Baltimore Development Community
A seasoned corporate finance leader and community development advocate, she will moderate the Access to Capital roundtable — bringing together CDFIs, community lenders, and corporate investors to discuss practical funding strategies for minority and women-owned businesses in the Baltimore region.
Building Generational Business Wealth
A celebrated Baltimore entrepreneur and business strategist, he will close the conference with a powerful address on building generational wealth through strategic business ownership. Drawing from his own journey scaling multiple enterprises, his keynote will leave attendees with a clear vision and actionable next steps. Full announcement coming May 1, 2026.
Women-Owned Business Growth Strategies
A WBENC-certified entrepreneur and advocate for women in business, she will share proven growth strategies for women-owned enterprises — covering certification leverage, corporate supplier diversity programs, and how to position your business for long-term, scalable success in competitive markets.
More Speakers
Announced Soon
Full speaker roster confirmed by May 1, 2026. Check the Live Hub for real-time announcements as new speakers are added.
Watch Live Hub →Live Updates & Q&A
Every change, announcement, or addition to this event is posted here instantly. Registered attendees receive real-time notifications. Ask questions directly to organizers, speakers, moderators, and exhibitors.
Full Day Schedule
Thursday, June 4, 2026 · Baltimore Convention Center · Doors open 8:30 AM · Complimentary breakfast served
Speakers & Moderators
Click any card to ask a direct question. Questions are routed to the appropriate speaker and answered in the Live Q&A Hub above.
Exhibitors & Resource Partners
City, state, county and federal agencies, universities, financial institutions, corporations and resource partners. Click any exhibitor to ask them a question before the event.
Full exhibitor list confirmed by May 15, 2026. All updates posted to the Live Hub.
Baltimore Convention Center
Stay informed before, during, and after the event. We'll send you speaker announcements, schedule changes, and day-of updates.
Official Event Flyer
Download and share the official 2026 Baltimore City Small Business Advancement Conference flyer — presented by the Mayor's Office of Small and Minority Business Advocacy & Development.
Hall A, Charles Street Entrance
1 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201