2026 Southern Indiana Small Business Conference

Get ready to connect, learn, and grow your small biz with fellow Southern Indiana entrepreneurs and leaders.
About this Event

What to Expect

• Dynamic Speakers sharing strategies for sustainable business growth
• Expert-Led Panels on marketing, finance, operations, and community impact
• Vendor Expo featuring local businesses, creators, and service providers
• Networking to build meaningful connections
• Awards & Recognition Ceremony celebrating excellence in entrepreneurship
• Closing Reception to unwind, connect, and celebrate the day

Who Should Attend

Entrepreneurs • Small Business Owners • Creatives • Community Leaders • Students • Ecosystem Builders • Anyone passionate about business growth in Indiana

Why Attend

IBE is committed to AMPLIFYING your voice, EDUCATING through relevant and accessible programming, and ADVOCATING for the success of Indiana’s business community. This conference is more than an event — it’s a catalyst for collaboration, innovation, and economic empowerment.

Agenda

🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:20 AM
Welcome and Opening of the Conference
Host: Deidra Collins- IBE President
🕑: 09:20 AM - 09:50 AM
Strategic Thinking: Taking your business to the next level
Host: Julia Royston-Product Creation. Publishing. Promotion Co
🕑: 09:50 AM - 10:20 AM
Finance: 3 Things every small biz should do before getting an LLC
Host: Greg Scales-Vice President at First Merchants Bank
🕑: 10:20 AM - 10:30 AM
Morning break & Networking
🕑: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Coaching: Small Biz Burnout is real
Host: Lindsay London-Sales & Growth Coach l Behavioral Perform
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Lunch & Mini-Grant Ceremony
Host: April Starks- A Lasting Solution
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Marketing: Simple Marketing for your small business
Host: Michael Sizemore-Director of Corporate Sales
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:10 PM
Afternoon break & networking
🕑: 12:30 PM - 01:00 PM
AI: Using AI Tools to streamline your biz
Host: Vanessa Collins-Product Creation. Publishing. Promotion
🕑: 01:10 PM - 02:00 PM
The Southern Indiana Small Biz Ecosystem
Host: Wendy Dant Chesser-IN State Representative

Info: Supporting small businesses takes all of us. Engage directly with community leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers in a candid panel discussion designed to inform, inspire, and empower.

🕑: 02:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Networking, Vendor Market & Happy Hour