Join us for a dynamic business conference for small business owners and entrepreneurs at every stage!

Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for decades, this event will equip you with the insights and strategies you need to thrive. Our expert-led sessions will cover essential marketing and sales topics like using AI to automate your marketing, customer discovery, running ad campaigns, turning web traffic into sales, and making the most of your marketing budget.

Beyond the training, you’ll have the opportunity to network with like-minded business owners, exchange ideas, and build valuable connections that can help propel your business forward. Don’t miss this chance to gain actionable knowledge and expand your network—register today!

Agenda

9:45 AM – Doors Open

10:00 – Welcome

10:30 – 11:30 – Breakout Session 1

• Paid Ads That Pay Off: Running Ad Campaigns with Meta and Google
  • Presenters: Jay Lester and Elizabeth Ladner, Central Virginia Small Business Development Center
• Mastering the Message: Discovering Your Brand and Customer Base
  • Presenters: Serena Gruia, Albemarle County, and Teira E. Farley, Community Investment Collaborative
• Hungry for Customers: Proven Marketing Tactics for Food and Beverage Brands
  • Presenters: Hope Lawrence and Kate Zuckerman, Central Virginia Small Business Development Center

111:45 AM – 12 :45 PM – Lunch Panel

• Marketing on a Small Budget: Where to Spend Your First (or Next) Dollar
  • Panelists: Jay McCartney (Crutchfield), Bill Hamilton (Gearheart’s), Sarah Sweet (Scrappy Elephant), Ashley Fore (Flow Lactation)

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – Breakout Session 2

• Stop Losing Leads: Converting Web Traffic into Sales
  • Presenter: Ed Marlowe, 29 News/Gray Media
• Beyond the Algorithm: How Small Businesses Can Actually Grow on Social Media
  • Presenter: Hannah Pierce, Three Cheers Marketing
• Work Smarter, Not Longer: Using AI and Automation to Scale Your Marketing
  • Presenter: Max Mohr, Gig Strategic

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – Networking Reception (refreshments provided)

3:15 PM – Piedmont Pitch Competition

Early Bird Tickets until April 30th – $20

Ticket price goes up May 1st – $25

(Scholarships are available upon request)

Co Sponsors – City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development and Albemarle County Economic Development

Register here