2018 Small Business Week Events (with Free Food)

National Small Business Week 2018 is next week, April 29 – May 5! Learning, networking, and growing as a professional are great and all, but we all know the real reason why we’re at those small business week events: the free food.

Fine, maybe it’s just me, but food simply tastes better when it’s free. We sorted through the many local events for Small Business Week in the U.S., and made sure to share the good stuff (read: yummy and affordable).

All jokes aside, there are so many great local Small Business Week events to bring business owners and employees together. If you can’t find a local event below, you can look for events through your local Small Business Association website or check out Eventbrite and your local newspaper for listings.

Without further ado, here’s a sampling of events for National Small Business Week that are providing some bites for business owners.

2018 Small Business Week Events

April 30

Hack the Hood x WeWork Small Business Information Session – Oakland, CA

• Start your Monday morning out right, learning how tech can improve your small business, side hustle, or startup.
• Address: WeWork City Center, 1111 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
• Time: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Savory status: Excellent! “Enjoy complimentary catering from High XII Cafe.”

May 1

Small Business Coffee Chat – Anderson, IN

• Owning a small business isn’t easy and can sometimes feel lonely as you face challenges. The East Central Indiana SBDC is offering coffee and encouragement during Small Business Week.
• Address: Heaven’s Delight Bakery & Cafe LLC, 1309 Park Road, Anderson, IN 46011
• Time: 8 – 9 a.m.
• Savory status: Great. C’mon, it’s coffee!

Doughnuts & Dialogue – Miami, FL

• Mr. Eric G. Knowles of the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce will be speaking on business leadership, plus a meet-and-greet with The Office of Economic Opportunity.
• Address: Miami-Dade County Public Schools Administration Building (Auditorium), 1450 NE 2 Avenue, Miami, FL 33132
• Time: 8:30 – 10 a.m.
• Savory status: Five stars for doughnuts.

A Crain’s Small Business Week Event: The Health-Tech Innovators Panel – Chicago, IL

• You can expect a panel discussion from the State of Illinois Business Enterprise Program (BEP) about the opportunities for healthcare and IT industries.
• Address: Chicago Urban League, 4510 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653
• Time: 9 – 11 a.m.
• Savory status: Passable. “Light refreshments will be served.”

May 2

Mayor Eric Garcetti’s Small Business Summit 2018 – Los Angeles, CA

• You can take advantage of access to capital, L.A. City Small Business resources, workshops, and certification assistance.
• Address: Los Angeles Trade Technical College, 400 West Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90015
• Time: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Savory status: Two thumbs up for two meals! “Free continental breakfast and lunch.”

Lunch & Learn – Get the Maximum Impact with Direct Marketing – Detroit, MI

• Join Build Institute, the Small Business Association, and the USPS for a workshop on how direct mail works in today’s marketplace and why it should be in your marketing mix. And, there’s more great events at the link above.
• Address: Build Institute, 2701 Bagley Avenue, Detroit, MI 48216
• Time: Noon
• Savory status: C+. “Cost: $5, includes lunch.”

SouthernCakeQueen & Carolima’s Roundtable Discussion – North Charleston, SC

• Sameka Jenkins of Carolima’s Lowcountry Cuisine and Emma Cromedy of SouthernCakeQueen will share information to help you start your business or grow your existing business.
• Address: The Harbor Entrepreneur Center, 1505 King Street Extension, Suite 200, North Charleston, SC 29405
• Time: 9 a.m. – noon
• Savory status: Good. “A complimentary continental breakfast is included – tickets $10.”

May 3

Capital Region Small Business Week: Growing Your Business Internationally – Citrus Heights, CA

• The California Asian Pacific Chamber of Commerce is bringing together experts from PEREZ APC, the Small Business Administration, and Jack Novicio Insurance to share advice on how to conduct business overseas and secure funding and bonding for international projects.
• Address: SBA Headquarters, 6501 Sylvan Road, Citrus Heights, CA 95610
• Time: 9 – 11:30 a.m.
• Savory status: Surprisingly satisfying. No food, but a “wine basket giveaway at the end of the event.”

DeKalb: Celebrating Small Business Week – Tucker, GA

• Decide DeKalb Development Authority and the DeKalb Chamber will host a film screening of the documentary Dream, Girl, a powerful film about inspiring and ambitious entrepreneurs sharing their stories on what it means to be a woman, a leader, and a dream chaser. There’s also a panel of seasoned business owners to empower the spirit of entrepreneurialism.
• Address: Movie Tavern, 4043 Lavista Road, Tucker, GA 30084
• Time: 5 – 8 p.m.
• Savory status: Complimentary wine and movie theater popcorn for $10? I’m here for it.

Staunton Creative Community Fund Small Business Celebration – Staunton, VA

• A reception with light fare and drinks to bring together and support local small business owners while enjoying food and conversation.
• Address: Staunton Creative Community Fund, 10 Byers Street, Staunton, VA 24401
• Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Savory status: Sounds like my kind of party!

May 4

The Talk: Small Business Week Event – Kalamazoo, MI

• The Talk will feature experienced business owners of color and their unique journey in entrepreneurship while overcoming barriers. In addition, there will be a panel discussion and a chance for attendees to connect with key business resources in the community.
• Address: The Foundry, 600 East Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
• Time: 6 – 8 p.m.
• Savory status: Pleased. “Light refreshments will be provided”.

Make sure to mark your calendars for the Small Business Week events in your area. It’s a great time to celebrate all of your hard work as a company and get inspired as a business owner or employee.

Have more Small Business Week events you want to add to the list? Get in touch at outreach@goshippo.com.

Happy Small Business Week!

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