2025 Small Business Summit

This summit brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders for a day of insight, connection, and growth. Along with your choice of 2 different dynamic breakout sessions.

The Small Business Resource Expo will provide a unique space for exhibitors to connect directly with small businesses, startups, and community leaders.

Who Should Attend?

• Entrepreneurs
• Startup founders
• Anyone interested in building a successful business

Why Attend?

• Gain insights on today’s small business trends
• Connect with regional business resource providers
• Network with fellow entrepreneurs to share best practices
• Learn how to start and scale a business

Featured Speakers:

• Keynote: Tyler Jury, WKU Alum, Co-Founder of Clayton & Crume
• Guest Speaker: Leticia Cline, Marketing Director for SuckerPunch, Owner of Smiley's Garage & Bar, Freelance Journalist, and Co-Owner of ACE Coffee

Breakout Sesssion - particpants will be able to choose two of the four sessions to attend.

Session `1

• HR 101 – I Have Employees, Now What? - Breanna Stephens owner B.Stephens HR - Learn the HR essentials every small business owner needs to know—compliance basics, policies, and practices to avoid blind spots and set your team up for success.
• Disaster Recovery & Cybersecurity: Are You Prepared for a Disaster? - Harry Erskine - Regional Tech Council - Threats and disasters can strike anytime. Discover how to identify hidden vulnerabilities, strengthen resilience, and implement a recovery plan that safeguards your business.
• Andrew
• Customer Engagement & Service Excellence—The Disney Approach - Ron A. Rhoades, WKU Pedagogical Associate Professor - Finance - Unlock Disney-inspired strategies to strengthen relationships, elevate customer service, and drive business success with insights from the “7 Secrets for Successful Engagement.”

Session 2

• Ky Small Business Development Center Resources for Growth - Brittanie Dawson, Business Coach SBDC - Discover Kentucky SBDC resources to overcome business blind spots—access no-cost coaching, expert-led training, and practical guidance to launch, grow, and achieve long-term entrepreneurial success.
• Rob
• The Building Blocks of Great Products - Elissa Wyne and JD Thomason – Regional Tech Council- Great products thrive on clarity, alignment, and vision. Learn how to spot blind spots, unite teams, and deliver lasting value in product development.
• Financial Clarity for Growth - David Bell and Erick Hicklin - Pinnacle Bank- Growth takes more than hard work—it takes financial clarity. Uncover blind spots in cash flow, funding, and banking to transform challenges into long-term growth opportunities.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher WKU Innovation Campus