San Diego Small Business Conference
September 18, 2025 10AM-5:00PM PST Sheraton San Diego Resort
WHAT TO EXPECT AT OUR BUSINESS NETWORKING EVENT IN SAN DIEGO
San Diego Small Business Conference & Trade Show | San Diego, CA 2025
Venue: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Date & Time: September 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST
The San Diego Small Business Expo is the region’s largest entrepreneur networking event, bringing together business owners, startup founders, and professionals who are serious about growth. From Downtown San Diego to La Jolla, North County, and beyond, this event connects the city’s most driven professionals under one roof.
This is one of the few business conventions near you where every session and interaction is designed to give you actionable insights, strong professional relationships, and tools you can put to work immediately.
Attendance is completely free, making it easy to invest in your growth without spending a dime.
Boost Brand Visibility in San Diego
Our San Diego networking events put your business in front of the people who matter most in the local small business community. You’ll meet decision-makers across key industries that drive the region’s economy, from biotech and tech startups to hospitality, tourism, and military-support services.
These are the people actively looking for solutions, partners, and opportunities to grow their businesses, and connecting with them can open doors to collaborations, long-term partnerships, and clients who stick.
Business Solutions, All in One Place
Incredible business solutions, and so much more, are what set us apart from other San Diego networking events.
Step onto the trade show floor at the San Diego Small Business Expo and you’ll discover a wide range of exhibitors offering solutions tailored to small businesses. From marketing and finance to HR, logistics, and technology, the vendor hall is packed with resources designed to help you run your business more efficiently and grow smarter.
San Diego Networking Events to Build Your Business
This isn’t just another “networking event near me.” The San Diego Small Business Expo brings together the city’s entrepreneurial community under one roof, creating opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.
You’ll be able to:
– Participate in speed networking sessions with fellow business owners, making connections that can turn into partnerships or new clients.
– Join small-group workshops for hands-on learning and practical strategies that you can apply immediately to grow your business.
– Meet mentors and industry leaders who understand the unique challenges of running a business in Southern California.
These experiences give you meaningful face time with the people shaping the future of San Diego’s business landscape. That’s why this is one of the top San Diego networking events; every interaction is designed to build relationships, share knowledge, and open doors for your business.
Educational Opportunities to Sharpen Your Edge
The workshops and breakout sessions at the San Diego Small Business Expo go beyond surface-level tips, offering actionable insights you can use right away. Each session is designed to help you grow your business in a competitive market.
You’ll also gain perspective on emerging trends that are shaping the future of local business, including the impact of AI on small enterprises, growth strategies for service-based companies, and opportunities unique to San Diego, whether that’s a focus on tourism and cross-border trade or tech innovation.
Attending these San Diego networking events gives you access to expertise and knowledge that can sharpen your edge, helping you make informed decisions and stay ahead of the curve.
Gain Perspective and Prepare for What’s Next
Attending the San Diego Small Business Expo gives you fresh perspectives that help you plan and execute growth strategies with confidence. You’ll learn how to identify emerging opportunities, respond to shifting market demands, and implement innovative approaches that keep your business competitive.
In a fast-moving economy like San Diego’s, these insights are practical guidance you can apply immediately.
Special Offers for Attendees
Beyond learning and networking, the San Diego Small Business Expo delivers real value through exclusive promotions and giveaways. Many exhibitors offer show-only pricing, free trials, and bundled services designed specifically for small businesses.
These offers give you practical tools to reduce costs, streamline operations, and gain momentum, benefits you won’t find at other San Diego networking events.
Why Exhibit at the San Diego Small Business Expo?
If your company serves small businesses, exhibiting at the San Diego Small Business Expo puts you directly in front of the right audience.
Exhibitors gain:
– Visibility with hundreds of engaged entrepreneurs and business owners.
– Face-to-face conversations that build trust and generate qualified leads.
– A chance to showcase products or services to a highly targeted group.
For many brands, the San Diego Small Business Expo is where new offerings are launched, recognition is built, and relationships are forged that continue to generate revenue long after the event ends.
Register Today for the San Diego Small Business Expo Business Event and Trade Show
Connect with us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube and Shmooze to stay updated on the latest news and events from the Small Business Expo.
We can’t wait to see you at our next Business Networking Event in San Diego, CA!
Attend Workshops Led by Industry Experts
Expand Your Network
Learn from Amazing Keynote Speakers
Market Your Business
Meet Vendors to Help Grow Your Business
Keynote Speakers
Nicole Denise meMarketing
Nicole Denise Phillip is a highly successful entrepreneur and CEO. She is the CEO of Ministry Event Marketing (meMarketing) Brand Agency and the founder of Nicole Michelle Collection, a brand that empowers women to live boldly and freely. With her extensive ex...
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Jay Kriner Shark Tank Success Story
Jay Kriner, viral Shark Tank star, festival producer, race car driver, Patent Designer, COO of GALE Project Technologies, and published best selling Author! As a visionary leader in innovation, I am driven by the belief that what was once imagined can now b...
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Workshop Speakers
Linda Hollander Sponsor Concierge
Linda Hollander has been featured by Inc. and Entrepreneur Magazines as the leading expert on corporate sponsorship. She is the author of book, Corporate Sponsorship in 3 Easy Steps. She is also the CEO of Sponsor Concierge and the Sponsor Secrets Seminar. Her...
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Lucius C. Davis III Franchise Tax Board
Lucius C. Davis III is the Small Business Liaison in the Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate’s Office. He assists with the development of small business education and outreach programs in order to help business owners better understand their income tax requirements and...
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Jenna Fuentes Openclassrooms INC
Jenna is an innovative, creative, and international community partnerships builder and project manager who is passionate about developing people as well as developing interdisciplinary systems and solutions for social impact. Her mission and purpose are to hel...
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Brandon West West and Walters: Tax and Wealth Management
Brandon West is a CPA working with small business owners across the country. As a Series 65 financial advisor and soon-to-be CFP, Brandon works with his clients on not only maximizing their tax deductions, but ensuring their businesses are being used optimally...
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Joe Moghaizel Need A Guest
Joe 'Mr. AllwaysGood' Moghaizel is an award-winning international speaker, and bestselling author. His mission is to positively impact a billion lives by helping entrepreneurs overcome their fear of sales and public speaking, enabling them to thrive in their b...
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Gini Trask Need A Guest
Born into a family of entrepreneurs, business is simply second nature to Gini. She began her first business at the age of 16 and never stopped. She has owned and grown numerous small businesses from incubation into the multi millions and continues to help othe...
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James W. Johnson Lifetime Navigators
James Johnson, CLTC, is the President and Owner of All Mark Insurance Services and has been a business owner, a mentor, and an entrepreneur for over 40 years. His core belief is only when we are learning, are we growing. As an ex-Marine and black belt in Judo,...
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Jeffrey Mohlman Lifetime Navigators
Jeffrey Mohlman is a Certified Tax Specialist and Certified Estate and Trust Specialist based in Bradenton, Florida. He graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a B.S. in Agricultural Business in 1997. Jeffrey began his career...
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Nicole McCullum Verizon
A 2x Entrepreneur, Speaker and Digital Marketing Strategist, Nicole McCullum has been at the forefront of internet marketing for over a decade helping businesses leverage the internet to grow. Nicole's proven strategies for leveraging online marketing to gener...
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Carol Xie Internal Revenue Service
Carol Xie has been a vital member of the IRS Tax Outreach Partnership & Education (TOPE) Branch for over three years. With a keen focus on effective communication and relationship-building, Carol serves as a liaison between the IRS and its stakeholders, pr...
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Kelly Cunningham Simpli.fi
For more than 25 years, Kelly Cunningham has been passionate about helping small and regional businesses win. As a former small business & advertising agency owner, he works passionately with local/regional brands, business owners, and agency partners t...
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Ritu A Thakur Smart Tech Inc
Ritu Thakur is a seasoned business and technology consultant with over 20 years of experience spanning multiple industries. In 2007, she founded Smart Tech Inc., a firm dedicated to helping small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) refine their customer outreac...
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Dan Ostler Lightning Kite
Dan Ostler is the President of Lightning Kite, a custom software development agency helping small and medium-sized businesses turn bold ideas into powerful apps, platforms, and internal tools. With a background that spans IT leadership, customer service, and e...
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Rathna Ramakrishnan LeadsPilot.AI
Rathna Ramakrishnan is a Digital Marketing strategist and AI automation expert who specializes in helping small businesses transform their customer acquisition processes. As founder of LeadsPilot.ai, a custom AI solution for small businesses, and a Grow with G...
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Kelly Stephenson OfferUp
Kelly has been helping brands navigate the ever-changing world of marketing and advertising for years. Having seen plenty of “cutting-edge” solutions come and go, she knows what truly works to connect with customers. Today, as a strategy leader, Kelly draws on...
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Betsy Kennedy OfferUp
Betsy has been helping businesses find their competitive edge for nearly two decades. As VP of Sales & Account Management at OfferUp, she focuses on helping local businesses market and sell more effectively, often outshining big brands without big budgets....
Read MoreSan Diego show agenda
Plan your day & Attend Business-Building Workshops, Speed Networking Sessions & Industry Expert Keynote Presentations.
September 18, 202510AM-5:00PM PST
Sheraton San Diego Resort
SMALL BUSINESS EXPO OPEN
Workshop Room 1
Workshop Room 2
Workshop Room 3
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
SMALL BUSINESS EXPO OPEN
Workshop Room 1
Workshop Room 2
Workshop Room 3
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Speed Networking
Workshop Room 1
Workshop Room 2
Workshop Room 3
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Speed Networking
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Workshop Room 1
Workshop Room 3
Speed Networking
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Speed Networking
Workshop Room 1
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Speed Networking
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Workshop Room 3
Industry Meet-Up Networking Session
Gold, Platinum, and VIP Badges Only
SAN DIEGO EXHIBITORS & FLOOR PLAN
San Diego showguide
Workshop Schedule, Exhibitors, Floorplan & Offers from our Supporters!
DISCOVER NEW VENDORS AND BUILD YOUR BUSINESS NETWORK
Meet with Exhibitors that provide Innovative Products & Services to Help Build Your Business.
SHOP NEW PRODUCTS TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS
GET INSPIRED
FIND NEW VENDORS
BUILD NEW RELATIONSHIPS
LEARN FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
GET DOTTEDR
Easily locate & connect with attendees in different industries using our special Color-Code System. A dotted® badge will be provided when you check-in.
Choose Your Industry
What Our Attendees Have To Say
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BADGE REGISTRATION OPTIONS
Our Sponsors
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS!
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MEDIA PARTNERS
PARTNERS
Frequently Asked Questions
The San Diego Small Business Expo is a dynamic event that provides entrepreneurs and small business owners in the San Diego area with networking and growth opportunities. Held in various cities across the nation, including San Diego, the Small Business Expo serves as a platform for showcasing products, accessing resources, and participating in interactive seminars, workshops, and speed networking sessions. Attendees have the chance to connect with potential clients, partners, and industry experts, gaining valuable insights into market trends and innovative solutions. The San Diego Small Business Expo fosters a supportive environment, promoting collaboration and providing a valuable space for businesses to thrive and expand.
The San Diego Small Business Expo is set to take place on September 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM PST. Events are held at the Sheraton San Diego Resort. Check-in will open at 9:30 AM.
The Expo will be hosted at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, conveniently located near the airport and Downtown San Diego. With views of the waterfront, it’s the perfect setting for a productive day of learning and networking.
Join us at the San Diego Small Business Expo to get a firsthand look at the local business landscape. Explore exclusive knowledge resources, participate in exciting and unique networking events, build genuine connections, and uncover collaboration possibilities tailored to your business objectives. The San Diego Small Business Expo is an energetic and edifying platform offering practical insights, opportunities for BtoB connections, and access to innovative tools and services to advance your business.
Unlike smaller mixers or single-industry gatherings, the San Diego Small Business Expo is the largest cross-industry entrepreneur networking event in the city. It brings together professionals from tech, healthcare, hospitality, and more, making it the most diverse and impactful of all San Diego networking events.
Small business owners, startup founders, marketers, independent consultants, and professionals looking to expand their network in San Diego.
Registration is required to attend. To register for the San Diego Small Business Expo, enter your full name and email on the event page. Then, click the “Register (or upgrade)” button. Use this form to easily upgrade your badge type by using the same email address with which you initially registered.
Please visit our Exhibitor Information page for all questions pertaining to exhibiting at the San Diego Small Business expo.
Small business owners attending the San Diego Small Business Expo have the opportunity to tap into a rich array of educational resources. With workshops focusing on marketing strategies, financial management, and in-depth sessions on emerging industry trends, the Expo ensures that participants gather invaluable insights and knowledge necessary for steering the development and growth of their businesses.
Small Business Expo only happens once a year, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of networking opportunities. Check out these other networking events San Diego has to offer the business community.
We’re proud to offer an exciting and free-to-attend Webinar series. Just like our workshop sessions, our Webinars cover a wealth of crucial topics for business success. Topics range from SEO, to digital marketing, to AI and automation and much, much more.
Yes. Registration is free for all attendees. Once you sign up, you’ll gain access to the trade show floor, workshops, networking sessions, and presentations.
Don’t miss the most valuable San Diego networking event of the year.
Register today for the San Diego Small Business Expo and take your place at the heart of San Diego’s entrepreneurial community.