Small Business Expo 2026

Kick off the new year by celebrating San Diego’s vibrant small business community at the first Small Business Expo of 2026, hosted at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley.

The Small Business Expo is coordinated by the Center for Business Advancement at Southwestern College and its core programs, including the San Diego, Orange & Imperial APEX Accelerator, the San Diego Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, and the San Diego Women’s Business Center (WBC). This powerful team of resources stands ready to assist our small business community.

This dynamic event is designed to help small business owners take the next step toward growth and success. Attendees will gain practical insights on accessing capital, navigating government contracting opportunities, and connecting with key public- and private-sector partners. Through expert panels and direct engagement, businesses will learn how to position themselves for contract opportunities with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as major organizations across the region.

Participants also can meet directly with procurement representatives, corporate buyers, lenders, and trusted resource partners. Advisors from the SBDC, WBC, and APEX Accelerator will be on hand to provide guidance on lending, certifications, contracting pathways, and business development strategies.

Join us for an engaging morning featuring light refreshments, valuable information, and meaningful networking with San Diego’s small business ecosystem.

Featured Highlights

• Support & Lending: Meet the region’s leading small business resource organizations and specialized lenders. Guest speakers and exhibitors include the Women’s Business Center, Small Business Development Center, SBA, APEX Accelerator, and more.
• Procurement Opportunities: Learn how to pursue government and institutional contracting opportunities.
• Networking & Connections: Build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, corporate buyers, and representatives from city, county, state, and regional agencies.

This event is made possible through the generous support of U.S. Bank, County of San Diego, San Diego Gas & Electric, Civic Communities, California Department of General Services, General Atomics, Metropolitan Water District, Banner Bank, Pacific Premier Bank, Primary Funding, Harper Construction, Otay Water District, SANDAG, LendSpark, CDC Small Business Finance, San Diego International Airport, San Diego Unified School District, , Sweetwater Authority, Founders First Capital, and Wells Fargo Bank.

We look forward to seeing you on February 26, 2026, at the Handlery Hotel in Mission Valley for an inspiring day of learning, collaboration, and opportunity.

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Host or Publisher San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network