Attend One of the Top DC Networking Events
Welcome to the Small Business Expo, one of the most well-known business networking events in DC and a trusted hub for entrepreneurs across the DMV. Each year, local business owners, founders, creators, and service providers gather to learn, connect, and find the tools that help them grow.
Held at the centrally located Charles E. Smith Center, the Expo brings the region’s small business community together under one roof for a full day of education, collaboration, and real business opportunities. Whether you operate in downtown DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Silver Spring, or anywhere in the DMV, this event is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward.
Our business event in DC is at the Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd St NW, Washington, DC 20052. This year, the expo will take place on April 8, 2026, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.
As one of the most established Washington DC networking events, the Small Business Expo is built specifically for DMV businesses. Every workshop, panel, and networking opportunity is curated to reflect the challenges and opportunities facing local entrepreneurs, like government contracting, regional marketing, local funding resources, and scaling in a competitive metropolitan area.
You’ll explore a packed trade show floor filled with companies offering tools, services, and insights tailored to small business growth. If you have a B2B product or service built for entrepreneurs, you can even register as an exhibitor and get in front of highly engaged local decision-makers.
Each of our DC networking events features an expansive, bustling Washington D.C. trade show floor. Do you have a B2B product or service that’s geared toward a small business? Please register to Exhibit at our Trade Show!
What to Expect at Our Washington DC Business Networking Event
The Small Business Expo is thrilled to organize the most distinguished small business marketing Trade Show in Washington, DC. The event is a hub of business networking and educational experiences. Every session has been created with Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs in mind.
The Expo is renowned as the city’s top platform for business advancement and growth. Our DC Events & Trade Shows offer a unique opportunity to engage with fellow professionals. Here, you’ll gain essential insights to boost revenue and scale your business.
Learn more about what to expect at our DC business networking event below.
Expand Your DMV Business Network
These connections can lead to:
– Local partnerships
– New clients
– Vendor relationships
– Mentorship opportunities
– Community collaborations
The Expo environment makes it easy to start real conversations, whether that’s on the trade show floor or during structured networking experiences.
Gain Actionable Knowledge from Local Business Leaders
Our workshop sessions feature top voices in the DMV business ecosystem, including:
– DC-based entrepreneurs
– Local marketing experts
– Small business finance professionals
– Community leaders
– Government and contracting advisors
These sessions offer practical, up-to-date insights on how to grow and compete in the region’s fast-moving economy, from digital marketing and branding to funding strategies and day-to-day operations. Check out the DC Events Agenda for a full list of workshops and speakers.
Learn from Successful DMV Entrepreneurs
The DC Expo is known for spotlighting local entrepreneurs who have built thriving businesses in one of the country’s most competitive regions. You’ll have the opportunity to hear about their journeys, challenges, and lessons learned, making this one of the most authentic and inspiring business events in DC for founders at any stage.
Access Exclusive Vendors & Special Offers
The trade show floor features dozens of exhibitors offering:
– Exclusive product discounts
– Free consultations
– Trial software and tools
– Local business services
– Marketing and branding resources
These deals are only available to Expo attendees and are structured to help you save money while strengthening your business.
Register Today for the Washington DC Small Business Expo and Trade Show
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Exhibit Your Brand at One of the Best Business Networking Events in DC
Exhibiting at one of the largest business networking events in DC gives your brand exceptional visibility among decision-makers and business owners actively looking for new solutions.
Exhibit to Connect
Exhibiting provides a unique platform for face-to-face engagement with potential clients and partners. Face-to-face engagement is essential for building trust and establishing strong business relationships. This direct interaction facilitates immediate feedback, understanding of client needs, and the ability to showcase your products or services effectively.
Exhibit for Visibility & Qualified Sales Leads
Participating in the Trade Show exposes your brand to a broad and engaged audience. That’s a critical factor in differentiating yourself in a crowded market. The diverse mix of attendees ranges from industry experts to potential customers. That makes the expo a unique opportunity to showcase your products or services.
Exhibit for Growth
Choosing to exhibit at the Expo represents a strategic investment in the growth of your brand. It serves as an effective platform to showcase your products or services. You will demonstrate your brand’s unique value proposition directly to a targeted audience. This environment provides the perfect backdrop for introducing new offerings, highlighting special features, and distinguishing your brand from competitors.
Exhibit for Results
Exhibiting at the DC Small Business Expo is a strategic move to enhance your brand’s visibility. Participating can significantly increase brand awareness among a relevant audience, which is crucial for attracting more customers. This heightened exposure often translates into an expanded customer base. It can potentially lead to increased revenue for your Business.
Are you ready to showcase your Business? Exhibit at the largest small business networking event in DC!
We can’t wait to see you at our next Business Networking Event in Washington, DC!
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 Brand Intelligence Strategist & CEO, CoAgency
Nicole Denise Phillip is a Brand Intelligence Strategist and founder of CoAgency, where she helps coaches, consultants, and online service experts turn clarity into consistent conversion. Through her Intelligence Pillars framework — Business Intelligence, A...
Read MoreMark Albert Former CBS News Correspondent, Peabody & Emmy Award Winner, and Co-Founder of Media Mastery Experts
Mark Albert is the co-founder of the Media Mastery Experts brand and CEO of Media Advisory Experts, a Washington, DC-based consulting firm providing media training, crisis communications, earned media, storytelling and video production services to clients in t...
Read MoreJohn Bates Leading TED Talk Coach (35+ TEDx Events) and Co-Founder of Media Mastery Experts
Media Mastery Experts co-founder John Bates’ driving purpose is simple yet profound: to uncover the brilliance within every individual and help it shine brightly in the world, creating a lasting impact. As a Leadership Communication Expert and Strategic Commu...
Read MoreWorkshop Speakers
Braxton Fleming CEO, Stealth Bros & Co. and Shark Tank Success Story
Braxton T. Fleming is the founder and CEO of Stealth Bros & Co., a pioneering brand that designs discreet medical storage solutions for individuals managing ongoing medical needs. His company gained national recognition after appearing on ABC’s Shark Tank,...
Read MoreJamie Ratner Shark Tank Success Story
Jamie Ratner is an entrepreneur, Maryland mother of two, and Founder & CEO of CertifiKID (www.certifikid.com), a nationally-recognized e-commerce site that offers discounts on kids’ activities and family experiences. Sprouted from an idea that started at h...
Read MoreSteve Gordon Million Dollar Author
Steve Gordon is the founder of Million Dollar Author, where he and his team help ambitious entrepreneurs get more credibility, land more clients, and create “category of one” positioning using a bestselling book in 90 days. Steve is the author of five books, i...
Read MoreCharis Gullage Verbsz Marketing
Charis is a strategic Business Development Manager at Verbsz Marketing, where she drives revenue growth by building high-value partnerships and delivering data-driven marketing solutions. She specializes in identifying new opportunities, strengthening client r...
Read MoreSreekanth Saseendran Verbsz Marketing
As CEO of Verbsz Marketing, Sreekanth leads the agency’s strategic direction and oversees all client relationships. With extensive experience in digital transformation and brand growth, he has played a key role in elevating Verbsz into a globally recognized ma...
Read MoreThin Green CyberSec And I
Thin Green is the Relationship Manager for CyberSec And I. As a Relationship Manager with over a decade of experience in IT and Cybersecurity, she possess a strong foundation in planning, executing, and delivering successful IT and Cybersecurity projects. Sh...
Read MoreJeff Hunter CyberSec And I
Jeff Hunter is a seasoned product leader who thrives in fast-paced environments that demand continuous learning and innovation. Currently, he leads the Product Management team at TPx, where he focuses on delivering comprehensive cybersecurity products and serv...
Read MoreAisha Jorge Massengill Sedgwick Andrews Legal & Consulting
Aisha Jorge Massengill grew up at the intersection of the Sedgwick Housing Project and Andrews Avenue in the Bronx — and she has spent her career turning that foundation into fuel. From becoming the first student in Phillips Academy’s history to earn 12 varsit...
Read MorePaavan Kotini Kotini & Kotini
Paavan Kotini is the visionary strategist and founder of Kotini & Kotini, a boutique Virtual Family Office (VFO) built to help first-generation wealth builders, high-net-worth families, and entrepreneurs Sleep Well At Night (S.W.A.N.©) through proactive, m...
Read MoreRaja Marimuthu OneData Software Solutions
Raja Marimuthu is a veteran entrepreneur and technologist with over 25 years of experience across IT, Cloud, and Data Architecture. As the Founder and CEO of OneData Software Solutions and OneCare Health, Raja sits at the intersection of deep technical heritag...
Read MoreVince Peyronel City First Bank
Vince Peyronel is a Business Banking Relationship Manager at City First Bank, a mission-driven community development financial institution serving entrepreneurs and growing companies across the Washington, DC region. He specializes in helping small businesses ...
Read MoreMichelle Serna TruNorth Dynamics
Michelle is a Microsoft MVP for Dynamics 365 Business Central and SVP of Revenue at TruNorth Dynamics. A seasoned speaker, educator, and true Dynamics hype woman, she’s a power user of all things Microsoft and a master at turning chaos into clarity. Based in S...
Read MoreJessica Spaulding Verizon
Jessica Spaulding grew up in an anti-sugar home, but there was one exception to this rule, CHOCOLATE, not just any chocolate, high-quality chocolate. Her mother knew the higher the quality of the chocolate, the lower the sugar and the better the flavor . They ...
Read MoreChet Thaker Telebright
Chet Thaker is a telecom industry entrepreneur with over 35 years of experience helping organizations navigate complex telecom and technology environments & their obsolescence. He has worked with major carriers including the Bell System companies. He has t...
Read MoreNatalia Thaniel Internal Revenue Service
As a Public Affairs Specialist, Natalia is part of the Tax Outreach, Partnership, and Education Branch of the IRS. Natalia is a former US Army broadcaster and schoolteacher. She has also worked for the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affai...
Read MoreDISCOVER 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Register for the Washington, D.C. Small Business Expo by filling in your name and email at the top of this page. Click “Register (or upgrade)” to complete your registration. If you've already signed up, this form will give you the opportunity to elevate your badge type. Use the email address you provided when registering initially.
The Washington, D.C. Small Business Expo attracts a diverse range of businesses across various industries. Exhibitors often represent sectors such as technology, finance, marketing, and retail. They provide a comprehensive showcase of products and services tailored to small and medium-sized businesses.
Learn about opportunities for presenting your business at the Washington, D.C. Small Business Expo. Visit our Exhibitor Information page to learn more.
The Small Business Expo focuses on immediate connections and fostering long-term relationships. We curate industry-specific discussions and panels that delve into current challenges and future trends. As a result, the Expo creates a lasting impact, positioning itself as a hub for ongoing dialogue and collaboration.
Unlike many local events that focus on one industry or format, the Small Business Expo brings the entire DMV business community together in one place. It blends education, networking, speed sessions, and a full trade show floor, making it one of the most comprehensive and inclusive business networking events in DC.
Not at all. Many attendees travel from across Northern Virginia and Maryland, including Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, Bethesda, and Silver Spring. Anyone doing business in the DMV will benefit.
General admission attendees can access all workshops, panels, and networking sessions. Some premium features may require upgraded registration.
Exhibitors include marketing agencies, software companies, financial service providers, HR platforms, consultants, and other B2B service providers supporting small businesses.
Absolutely. Early-stage entrepreneurs consistently say this is one of the most approachable and educational DC networking events for new founders.
Yes. Many well-established companies attend to explore partnerships, strengthen branding, hire talent, and stay current with regional business trends.