As part of the city’s celebration of Small Business Week, DC Health Link and the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) proudly present the 2026 POWERUP DC | SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT & EXPO – an energizing event designed to equip small business owners and nonprofit leaders with the tools, insights, and connections they need to succeed. Centered on this year’s theme of Resilience, Survival, and Growth, the summit will deliver timely strategies, practical resources, and forward-looking conversations that empower entrepreneurs to strengthen their foundations, adapt to change, and accelerate their impact.

Small businesses fuel the American economy, employing more than half of the private-sector workforce while creating jobs, spurring innovation, and strengthening the nation’s competitive edge. Washington, DC’s small businesses play an equally critical role in driving local economic vitality and community prosperity. DC Health Link, the Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB), and their business partners are proud to champion the continued growth and success of the District’s small business community, recognizing its indispensable contribution to a strong, resilient local economy.

The POWERUP DC | SMALL BUSINESS SUMMIT & EXPO is a premier gathering designed to empower DC small business owners, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders through a dynamic mix of expert-led panels, professional seminars, interactive workshops, and high-impact networking sessions. Bringing entrepreneurs, industry experts, and local leaders together, the summit addresses key challenges and opportunities facing small businesses, offering actionable insights and practical strategies for growth. Focused discussions will explore critical topics such as access to capital, digital transformation, and regulatory changes, while connecting participants to valuable resources and partnerships that strengthen collaboration and foster a vibrant, resilient small business community across the region.

General admission to the event is FREE and includes a continental breakfast, an open plenary session, workshop tracks, business coaching, speed networking opportunities, access to a vendor marketplace, and a registration bag. Please note that the Executive Luncheon is a separately ticketed event. Also, keep in mind that each track occurs at the same time, so participants must choose only one to attend.

SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS

Track A: Pre-Venture (Pre-Start Up) | Self-Employment
This track is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals interested in becoming self-employed. Business experts will share the necessary steps to establish a successful business, franchising opportunities, various business models, common pitfalls as well as mentoring resources and other support services.

Track B: Newly Established Business
This track is designed for newly established businesses of 3 years or less. Panelists will share knowledge and skills to equip current entrepreneurs with tools to manage and grow their businesses effectively. Information will be presented on Licensing, Access to Capital, PR and Marketing, Business Certifications, AI technology, and DC-based Programs and Incentives.

Track C: Established Businesses
This track is designed for established businesses seeking to scale and strengthen their growth strategies. Panelists will share practical approaches to building operational resilience, setting sustainable business goals, and pursuing procurement and financing opportunities. Participants will gain insights on navigating changing economic and policy environments, cultivating strategic partnerships, and implementing innovative practices to support long-term success.

Track D: Women in Business
This track will focus on overcoming barriers and building a pathway to success for women in business. Accomplished women entrepreneurs will share insights, tips, and best practices on seizing opportunities in the business world, and offer advice on leveraging ingenuity, innovation, and influence to succeed.

Track E: Financial Technology (FinTech)
This track is designed to provide business owners with skills to implement technology in daily business operations and to navigate the venture and capital ecosystem. Attendees will learn from experts how to leverage technology to identify challenges, risks and opportunities for business growth as well as to explore technology for their financial needs.

Track F: Faith-Based and Nonprofit Capacity Building
This track is designed to equip leaders with knowledge, practical tools and strategies to strengthen their operations, increase sustainability and expand their impact within their congregations and the communities they serve. Panelists will share insights on untapped public and private funding opportunities, financial stewardship, accessing government and other resources, leveraging facility equity for upgrades and repairs, volunteer engagement, marketing, strategic community partnerships, and effective use of technology.

SPEED NETWORKING & BUSINESS COACHING

Small business speed networking and coaching sessions are valuable tools for everyone. It is designed as a one-on-one interactive session with resource partners to obtain information quickly and have your questions answered by experts. The forum allows networking with senior business executives to generate business contacts and relationships between small businesses, private organizations, federal agencies, nonprofits and/or prime contractors. This is an added component to POWERUP DC that occurs following the Workshops.

POWERUP DC GOODS AND SERVICES MARKETPLACE

The POWERUP DC Marketplace is an interactive space where participants can explore and learn about the wide range of goods and services offered by DC government agencies and the local business community. Several Made in DC vendors will be onsite, showcasing their unique offerings. Made in DC is a local initiative that supports and promotes businesses that design, make, produce, or assemble their products right here in the District.

THE POWERUP EXECUTIVE LUNCHEON

This Executive Business Luncheon is a ticketed event featuring accomplished business owners who will share their innovative and inspiring success stories of resilience, survival and growth. Space is Limited! Reserve your seat today

Note: Let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. Please contact Veronica Cordova at [email protected] by Wednesday, April 29th.