Small Business Summit

As a leading advocate for small businesses, Mayor Daniel Laurie Thomas’s office will share his perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing San Francisco entrepreneurs, the importance of supporting local businesses, and the role innovation, partnership and community play in driving economic growth.

Understanding consumer behavior is essential for small business success. This session provides a data-driven look at spending trends, customer preferences and emerging opportunities across the Bay Area. Attendees will learn how local consumers are adapting their purchasing behaviors, where demand is growing and how these insights can inform business planning, marketing strategies and growth decisions in the months ahead.

This is an MEI session, offering practical insights local businesses can use immediately.

Artificial intelligence doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Through live demonstrations from leading technology platforms, including Canva, Shopify and TikTok, this interactive session will showcase practical ways small businesses can use AI to save time, increase productivity, attract customers and make smarter business decisions.

From creating marketing content and engaging customers to managing cash flow, optimizing inventory and growing online sales, attendees will see how AI can be applied across every stage of the business journey. Designed for entrepreneurs of all experience levels, this session will focus on real-world use cases and actionable tools that can be implemented immediately.

Whether it’s creating financial freedom, building a legacy, serving a community or pursuing a passion, entrepreneurs start businesses because they believe in something bigger. But turning that dream into reality requires more than determination alone.

In this conversation, Gumbo Social founder Dontaye Ball will share the journey behind building his business, the challenges he’s faced along the way and what it truly takes to grow a company. Joined by leaders from Mastercard and Intuit, the discussion will explore how access to capital, financial tools, technology, partnerships and support systems can help entrepreneurs move from vision to sustainable growth.

Attendees will leave with actionable insights and practical advice on how to build, manage and scale their businesses more effectively.

Explore interactive demonstrations, connect with technology providers and discover resources designed to help small businesses thrive. Attendees can engage directly with experts in AI, cybersecurity, payments and digital commerce, while also networking with fellow entrepreneurs and browsing products and services from local businesses. This hands-on experience is designed to encourage learning, collaboration and meaningful connections.

Interactive stations:

• Intuit mentoring sessions
• Mastercard technology demos
• Advisory clinics

Access to capital remains one of the most important and persistent challenges facing small businesses. Whether launching a new venture, managing cash flow, investing in growth or navigating unexpected challenges, understanding available funding options is critical to long-term success.

This interactive discussion brings together lenders, community development financial institutions (CDFIs) and small business experts to explore the evolving landscape of small business financing. Attendees will gain practical insights into traditional and alternative funding sources, how to prepare for financing opportunities and strategies for positioning their businesses for sustainable growth.

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, but protecting your business doesn’t require a dedicated technology team. Through real-world examples and interactive audience participation, this session helps entrepreneurs identify common scams, reduce risk and implement simple security practices that protect their business, customers and reputation. Attendees will leave with practical steps they can take immediately to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

This is an interactive session with a cyber expert where the audience participates in solving real scenarios.