If you’re a small business owner in the US, you know how important it is to keep learning, connecting, and staying ahead of the curve. One of the best ways to do this? Attending events tailored just for you! These gatherings are perfect for networking, picking up new strategies, and finding the inspiration to take your business to the next level.

Of course, it wouldn't be possible to attend all the events for small business owners that are happening in 2025. We instead suggest identifying the highest impact ones based on your goals and business opportunities, and then planning your time accordingly.

Here’s a friendly rundown of the top 10 events for small business owners in the US for 2025. Get ready to mark your calendar!

1. NRF 2025: Retail’s Big Show

• Date: January 11-14, 2025
• Location: New York City, New York
• Website: https://nrfbigshow.nrf.com/

Retailers and small business owners in the US looking to innovate should not miss this event. It covers retail trends, customer experience, and technology, offering tools and strategies for business growth.

Why You Should Attend:

• Learn how to optimize customer experiences.
• Discover cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of retail.
• Connect with retail leaders and innovators.

2. National Small Business Conference

• Date: February 11-13, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Website: https://www.n8asbc.org/

This event is a must-attend for small business owners looking to connect with federal agencies and large corporations. It focuses on supplier diversity and federal contracting, making it an excellent opportunity to learn how to position your business for government contracts.

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Why You Should Attend:

• Network with government and corporate decision-makers.
• Attend workshops on procurement, funding, and scaling your business.
• Gain insights into the federal contracting process.

3. NSCA Business & Leadership Conference

• Date: February 25-27, 2025
• Location: Irving, Texas
• Website: https://www.nsca.org/events/business-leadership-conference/

The NSCA (National Systems Contractors Association) Business & Leadership Conference is a premier event tailored for small business owners in the systems integration industry. It offers a unique platform to gain insights into business management, leadership, and market trends.

Why You Should Attend:

• Engage with industry experts on the latest developments in the systems integration sector.
• Participate in leadership workshops designed for small business owners.
• Connect with fellow entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore potential collaborations.

4. SXSW Conference

• Date: March 7-15, 2025
• Location: Austin, Texas
• Website: https://www.sxsw.com/

SXSW brings together creativity, technology, and business innovation, making it ideal for small business owners looking to stay ahead of the curve. With sessions on branding, marketing, and emerging tech, this event is packed with insights for entrepreneurs.

Why You Should Attend:^‍‍

• Explore the latest trends in digital transformation.
• Network with creative professionals and tech innovators.
• Learn how to build a standout brand in a competitive marketplace.

5. Small Business Institute Annual Conference

• Date: April 2-5, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Website: https://www.smallbusinessinstitute.biz/

This academic-focused conference connects researchers, educators, and practitioners in the small business sector. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn best practices and strategies.‍

Why You Should Attend:

• Access the latest research in small business management.
• Collaborate with academics and practitioners in the field.
• Gain insights into sustainable growth strategies.

6. National Small Business Week

• Date: May 4-10, 2025
• Location: Various locations across the US
• Website: https://www.sba.gov/

Organized by the US Small Business Administration (SBA), this week-long event celebrates the contributions of small business owners across the US. It includes workshops, webinars, and networking events tailored to entrepreneurs.

‍Why You Should Attend:

• Gain actionable insights into funding, operations, and marketing.
• Celebrate and learn from other successful US-based small businesses.
• Access SBA resources and support.

7. WBENC National Conference and Business Fair

• Date: June 23-26, 2025
• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Website: https://www.wbenc.org/

This event focuses on women-owned businesses in the US. It offers valuable networking opportunities, workshops, and resources for small business owners committed to diversity and inclusion.‍

Why You Should Attend:

• Meet corporations supporting women entrepreneurs.
• Learn from successful women-owned businesses in the US.
• Access resources to scale your business effectively.

8. Small Business Expo

• Dates & Locations: Multiple cities across the US
• Website: https://www.thesmallbusinessexpo.com/

As the largest B2B trade show in the US, the Small Business Expo is perfect for entrepreneurs seeking tools, resources, and partnerships to grow their businesses. It offers workshops, product demonstrations, and a bustling trade show floor.‍

Why You Should Attend:

• Meet vendors specializing in services for small businesses.
• Participate in free educational sessions on marketing and operations.
• Network with other US-based small business owners.

9. Annual America’s SBDC Conference

• Date: September 2-5, 2025
• Location: Orlando, Florida
• Website: https://americassbdc.org/annual-conferences/

This conference is a hub for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network, providing resources, expert advice, and workshops for entrepreneurs across the US.

‍Why You Should Attend:

• Access expert-led sessions on funding, marketing, and operations.
• Network with SBDC advisors and fellow entrepreneurs.
• Learn how to leverage SBDC resources to grow your business.

10. INBOUND by HubSpot

• Date: September 3-5, 2025
• Location: San Francisco, California
• Website: https://www.inbound.com/

INBOUND is a premier event for small business owners focused on marketing, sales, and customer engagement. Hosted by HubSpot, this event is perfect for learning strategies to attract and retain customers while scaling your business.

Why You Should Attend:

• Gain insights from industry leaders in marketing and sales.
• Discover tools and strategies to improve customer experience.
• Network with growth-oriented entrepreneurs across the US.

Tips to Maximize Your ROI from Events

• Set Clear Objectives: Define what you want to achieve, such as finding new clients, learning specific skills, or networking with industry leaders.
• Research Attendees and Exhibitors: Plan whom to connect with and which sessions to attend.
• Engage Actively: Take notes, ask questions, and participate in discussions.
• Follow Up: Email or connect on LinkedIn with people you meet to nurture relationships.

Attending these events for small business owners in the US is your ticket to gaining valuable tools, fresh insights, and meaningful connections to help your business thrive in 2025. Whether you’re eager to learn new strategies, explore cutting-edge technologies, or grow your network, these conferences have something for everyone. So, block your calendar, start planning your travel, and get ready to take your business to the next level!

Do you think we missed any events that should be on our list? Write to us at [email protected] and we’ll add it to this list!Want to stay updated about more resources? Subscribe to The Stack - our biweekly newsletter curated especially for small business owners like you. 💜