Florida SBDC Network State Office (Pensacola, Fla.) – The Florida SBDC Network, the state’s principal provider of business assistance, has opened registration and call for presentations for the 2026 Small Business Success Summit, which will be held August 17-18 at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor.
Now in its fifth year, this year’s Summit coincides with the Florida SBDC Network’s 50th anniversary, marking five decades of helping entrepreneurs across the state launch, grow, and thrive. In this milestone year for the network, the Summit will bring together small business owners, experienced Florida SBDC Network consultants, and knowledgeable experts together to share valuable information to help business owners take their business to the next level.
Attendees will hear from expert keynote speakers, connect with fellow business owners and resource partners, and gain practical strategies to help their businesses start, scale, and sustain long-term growth. The 2026 Summit will celebrate the Florida SBDC Network’s 50-year legacy while highlighting the strategies, insights, and tools small business owners need to succeed in today’s evolving business environment.
“For 50 years, the Florida SBDC Network has helped small businesses launch, grow and thrive,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network. “The Small Business Success Summit brings that mission to life by giving business owners practical tools, expert insight, and meaningful connections they can put to work immediately.”
The Florida SBDC Network has also launched a call for presentations to invite industry experts and thought leaders to speak at the 2026 Small Business Success Summit, as well as the Annual Florida SBDC Professional Development Conference, which will be held immediately following the Summit. Key areas of focus for breakout sessions include access to capital, business operations, business growth, government contracting, technology, and marketing.
Last year’s sold-out Summit, held at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, drew more than 500 attendees. The event featured keynote presentations from Erik Qualman, five-time #1 international bestselling author and global speaker; Jess Eskstrom, bestselling author and founder of Headbands of Hope; and Dr. Jerry Parrish, Chief Economist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
The conference also featured a Reverse Trade Show, which provided business owners the chance to meet with government agencies and prime contractors to explore partnerships. This unique opportunity will return for the 2026 Summit.
Registration for the event is $350, with a discounted early bird rate of $300 available until July 17. The deadline to submit a presentation proposal is March 31.
For more information about the 2026 Small Business Success Summit, call for presentations, sponsorship opportunities, and to register, please visit https://floridasbdc.org/success_summit/.
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