What We Are About

What is the Small Business Conference?

Organized in Rochester, Minnesota, each year in cities across the United States, Small Business Forum will host a two-day event that brings together hundreds of restless minds united by their passion for business.

  • 1

    Learn from and be inspired by renowned individuals from business and beyond – a blend of content comprised of CEOs, entrepreneurs, innovators, thinkers, and celebrities.

  • 2

    The conference focuses on the issues most relevant to today’s businesspeople, stimulating new thinking and inspiring action.

  • 3

    It provides a unique exclusive networking environment to connect with business leaders.

  • 4
  • 5
Extreme Sports Bike
Extreme Sports Mountain Climbing
Are you coming?

Who Will Attend

The Small Business Forum offers a unique two-day learning experience. The program of content is designed to give business leaders an edge in today’s fast changing competitive landscape to sustain growth and achieve ongoing success.

CEO’s

For CEOs from across all industries.

C-Suite Leaders

For senior leaders from across all industries and across all company sizes.

Executive Teams

For leaders and executive teams looking for ideas and inspiration.

Entrepreneurs/Small Business Owners

For entrepreneurs, small business owners and freelancers looking to scale or pivot their business.

Everyone

For all those who understand the value of knowledge and continuous learning.

Keynote Speakers

Keynote/Fireside Chat Speakers

As we continue to confirm A+ keynote speakers, we are excited to share that the following individuals will be highlighted:

Brian Smith

Founder of UGG

Learn More

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Dr. Elvis Francois

The Singing Surgeon; Spine Surgery Fellow at Harvard Beth Israel

Learn More

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Brooke Carlson

City Council President, City of Rochester, Minnesota

Learn More

SPEAKER

Kim Norton

Mayor, City of Rochester, Minnesota

Learn More

SPEAKER

 

John Wade

President, Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.

Learn More

fUNDERS PANEL

Tim Penny

President & CEO, Souther Minnesota Initiative Foundation

Learn More

fUNDERS PANEL

Scott Hoss

Vice President of Business Bank, Think Bank

Learn More

fUNDERS PANEL

Tawonda Burks

ELOCINA

Learn More

PRESENTER: Crafting Tomorrow: Minority Owned Business Shaping Our Future

 

Dr. Efe Agbamu

Chief of Academics, Rochester Public Schools

Learn More

eDUCATION PANEL

Dr. Jeffery Boyd

President, Rochester Community & Technical College

Learn More

EDUCATION PANEL

Dr. Yuk Sham

Director of Graduate Studies, Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, University of Minnesota

Learn More

EDUCATION PANEL

 

Andrew Danielsen

chair, Mayo Clinic Ventures – the Department of Business Development, Mayo Clinic

Learn More

eDUCATION PANEL

Sheila Neidert

Founder/Owner, SGN Professional Training; VP, Savos Training Associates & CEO, Savos Training

Learn More

WORKSHOP: Emotional Intelligence For Leaders

Dr. Lomax Campbell

President & CEO, Third Eye Network

Learn More

WORKSHOP: Ecosystem Building: The Latest Trend in Community-based Economic Development

Nicole Andrews

President & CEO, HomeGrown LLC

Learn More

WORKSHOP: Bridges over Barriers™

Dr. Amanda Leightner

Executive Director, Collider

Learn More

WORKSHOP: 5 Steps to Start a Business in Minnesota

Juliana Silva

Director of Start Up Services, Collider

Learn More

WORKSHOP: 5 Steps to Start a Business in Minnesota

Andre Koen

President & CEO, AM Horizons Training Group

Learn More

Master of Ceremonies

Danielle Teal

C.A.K.E. Caring Acts of Kindness Everywhere

Learn More

fUNDERS PANEL mODERATOR

Joseph “Juice” Sutton

Juice the Comedian

Learn More

PRESENTER

LaidEe P

FELINE MU$IK & Ent.

Learn More

DJ/PERFORMER

Shade Jordan

Cashmere Lux Hair Salon

Learn More

pRESENTER: Failing Forward: Overcoming Adversities
Why Attend?

Reimagine

The inaugural forum theme was carefully crafted to help attendees connect with leading experts in various business industries. Next Level (Reimagine) will drive action several different business workshops. This three-day forum offers A+ keynote speakers, fire-side chats with well sought-after business leaders. The forum will also provide a wide range of resources, information, an exclusive networking opportunity and a small business expo with hundreds of small businesses.

Learning

Learn from some of the brightest minds in the business industry and stay up to date on the latest trends in the market. You will leave equipped with the best tools to successfully implement and overcome business challenges.

Development

Immerse yourself in the inspirational atmosphere of the event and develop new ideas that you can implement within your business, and in your personal life. Challenge your current business and leadership practices and open yourself and business up to new thinking that will help you innovate and address challenges in ways you never imagined.

Networking

Connect with hundreds of A+ keynote speakers, experts, CEOs, and entrepreneurs at our exclusive networking gala and expo. Small Business Forum will bring together experts, CEOs, decision makers, leaders, and entrepreneurs some of the leading companies throughout the United States, all in one place. Don’t miss the opportunity to grow your network of contacts and Reimagine your business.

Meet Our

Title Sponsors/partners

Snow Sports
Meet Our

Educational Partner

Ski Areas and Parks
Meet Our

VIP Reception sponsor

Ski Areas and Parks
Meet Our

Networking Sponsor/Partner

Snow Sports Events
Snow Sports Events
Meet Our

Expo Sponsors/Partners

Snow Sports
Snow Sports Events
Snow Sports Events
Meet Our

Conference Sponsors/Partners

Snow Sports Events