# Event Details - **Event Name**: Austin Small Business Connections Conference - **Event Start and End Date**: Wed, 19 Aug, 2026 at 08:00 am – Wed, 19 Aug, 2026 at 02:30 pm - **Event Description**: Austin's Small Business Connections Conference brings together Austin's small business community for a full day of learning and networking.About this EventAustin Small and Minority Business Resources, in partnership with Austin Economic Development and Austin Financial Services, invites you to the 4th Annual Small Business Connections Conference on Wednesday, August 19, from 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center.This no-cost, full-day conference brings together Austin's small business community for a day of learning, networking and resource-sharing. Whether you're an established business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur or somewhere in between, you'll connect with the people, programs and tools you need to grow and thrive.This year's theme, Small Business Strong, celebrates the resilience, creativity and economic impact of Austin's small businesses. From neighborhood storefronts to home-based startups, small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and this conference is designed to help them remain vibrant, resilient and STRONG.What to ExpectExpert-led sessions on access to capital, marketing, contracting with the City, navigating permits and licenses and building business resilienceA resource expo featuring City departments, local lenders, chambers of commerce and nonprofit business support organizationsNetworking opportunities with fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners from across AustinOne-on-one connections with representatives from Small & Minority Business Resources, Economic Development and Financial ServicesWho Should AttendCurrent small business ownersAspiring entrepreneursFreelancers and independent contractorsNonprofit leadersAnyone interested in starting or growing a business in AustinEvent DetailsDate: Wednesday, Aug. 19Time: 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.Location: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX 78704Cost: Free and open to the publicParking: ValidatedRegistration: Required via EventbriteAgenda?: 08:00 AM - 02:30 PMSign in/Registration?: 09:00 AM(Elevator) Pitch, PerfectInfo: Can you explain what your business does in 30 seconds? A strong elevator pitch opens doors at every networking table you sit down at. Start your morning at the 4th Annual Small Business Connections Conference with a session built to sharpen yours. 9–9:30 a.m., first floor. ?: 09:00 AM - 09:45 AMCoffee Connections Networking HourInfo: Coffee Connections is an open networking hour built for real conversation, with no formal program and no pitch required. Grab a seat, meet a fellow Austin business owner and trade the kind of advice that only comes from someone doing the same work. Staff will be on hand to make introductions and point you toward the right resources.?: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AMWelcomeInfo: It starts here. Edward Campos of Austin Small and Minority Business Resources, James Scarboro of Austin Financial Services and leadership from Austin Economic Development open the 4th Annual Small Business Connections Conference.?: 10:15 AM - 11:45 AMUpcoming Projects and OpportunitiesInfo: Want to know what the City is building next? Austin Capital Delivery Services, Austin Financial Services and more walk through upcoming City of Austin projects and the purchasing opportunities that come with them. ?: 12:00 PM - 01:30 PMLunch Break and NetworkingInfo: Lunch is included, served by two local food trucks: I Juan Tacos and Stack City BBQ. Tacos, barbecue sandwiches and a vegetarian option. Two small businesses feeding a room full of small businesses.?: 01:30 PM - 02:30 PMConnections Breakouts - Second FloorConnection 1: Small Business Funding Info: Accessing funding can be challenging. From microloans to business lines of credit to traditional business loans, the choices can be overwhelming. Presenters will share what lenders evaluate, discuss funding options, and answer your questions. Connection 2: Procurement 101Info: Throughout the year, the City of Austin buys all manner of goods and services. No matter your type of business, this sessions will help you understand how to do business with the City as a vendor and stay updated on upcoming opportunities.Connection 3: Increase Your Sales NOW!Info: Learn how to identify and organize your products or services by category, better understand your ideal customer, find the right audience, and create opportunities to sell more. Walk away with tools to improve your sales approach and start growing your business with confidence. Connection 4: Certification 101Info: Learn how to get certified as a Minority, Women-Owned, or Small Business and access contracting opportunities with the City of Austin. Discover certifications that can open doors to new opportunities for you and your business. Connection 5: Build an Ecosystem: Diversifying Revenue Info: Revenue diversification and strategic partnerships aren't separate business strategies—they're two sides of the same growth strategy. Through practical examples and real-world stories, discover how collaborating with organizations and businesses that already serve your ideal customers can help you grow smarter, reduce risk, and build a resilient business ecosystem. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/austin/austin-small-business-connections-conference/100001989051311015 - **Event Categories**: business, conferences, exhibitions - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 2 - **Event Highlights**: - Age Limit: all_ages - door_time: 2026-08-19T12:00:00Z - Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes - Location: Palmer Events Center - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: USD ## Event venue details - **city**: Austin - **state**: TX - **country**: United States - **location**: Palmer Events Center - **lat**: 30.2604625 - **long**: -97.75315049999999 - **full address**: Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, United States ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: Austin Small Business Connections Conference - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/b8872001decc678ab982ffdf0dd7b4f9cd2a1651a37cd381727ac4e14629ba89-rimg-w1200-h600-dceff4f4-gmir.jpg?v=1781064389 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is Austin Small Business Connections Conference being held? - **A:** Austin Small Business Connections Conference takes place on Wed, 19 Aug, 2026 at 08:00 am to Wed, 19 Aug, 2026 at 02:30 pm at Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road, Austin, United States. - **Q**: Who is organizing Austin Small Business Connections Conference? - **A:** Austin Small Business Connections Conference is organized by The City of Austin's - Small & Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR). - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** Austin Small Business Connections Conference is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, startup founders, and networking enthusiasts eager to grow their connections. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Austin, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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