Dream Big: Small Business Empowerment Forum 2026

Dream Big 2026 is the fourth annual Dream Big Small Business Empowerment Forum, designed to help multicultural entrepreneurs expand access to economic opportunity in the lead-up to the 2028 economy.

Hosted by The California Endowment, Dream Big is organized by LAVA in collaboration with proud strategic partners, including:

California African American Chamber of Commerce
California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce
LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce
Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council
Los Angeles Latino Chamber of Commerce

Together, these partners reflect one of the most diverse statewide coalitions of business organizations, extending Dream Big’s reach across multiple communities and industries.

Program Focus

Panel I
2028: Are You Ready? Accessing Procurement and Economic Opportunity

A focused discussion on how businesses can better understand, prepare for, and access opportunities connected to the 2028 economy.

Panel II
Multicultural Collaboration: Expanding Opportunity Together

A dialogue exploring how multicultural business communities can align, collaborate, and grow their economic, social, and cultural impact.

Confirmed Participants

Moctesuma Esparza, activist and acclaimed filmmaker, CEO of Milagro Cinemas, producer of Selena and over 50 films

Brenda Solórzano, CEO, The California Endowment, the first Latina to lead the organization overseeing approximately $4 billion in assets and significant community investment across California

Additional speakers and moderators to be announced

Early Sponsors and Media Partners

Port of Long Beach
One of the largest ports in the nation and a critical driver of the regional economy. A longstanding supporter of Dream Big.

LA Local
A nonprofit news platform backed by $19 million, representing the future of local journalism and how communities access trusted information. Dream Big will be promoted through digital placements across LA Local platforms beginning in May.

Program Elements

Small Business Help Desk, open throughout the forum
Partner and sponsor exhibition area
Networking and relationship building

Breakfast and lunch provided by Wolfgang Puck Catering

Audience

Multicultural small business owners
Entrepreneurs
Community champions
Corporate and supplier diversity teams
Public agencies and procurement leaders

Dream Big 2026 brings together people, ideas, and institutions that shape opportunity

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

Get App

Host or Publisher LAVA