Level Up Your Business: Don’t Miss Small Business Week (May 3–9)

Next week marks National Small Business Week (May 3–9, 2026)—a timely opportunity to sharpen your strategy, connect with resources, and invest in your business growth. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, there’s a full lineup of workshops and events designed to help you take the next step.

Here’s a quick, chronological guide to what’s happening:

Monday, May 4
Kick off the week with sessions focused on fundamentals:

• Business Planning & Start Up (10–11:30AM)
• Is Your Business AI Ready? (2–3:30PM)

Tuesday, May 5
A packed day of learning and resources:

• Starting Your Business II (10–11:30AM)
• Fighting for Fair Markets Locally (10AM PT)
• Access to Capital: Funding Options (11AM PT)
• SBA Virtual Summit Day 1 (11AM–5:45PM ET)
• How to Get Funding to Start, Grow, and Expand (2–3:30PM)

Wednesday, May 6

• Financing Your Business (10AM-11:30AM ET)
• SBA Virtual Summit Day 2 (11AM–4:40PM ET)

Thursday, May 7
Restaurant-focused sessions:

• Funding Your Restaurant Dream (12–1:30PM)
• Marketing Your Restaurant Using Social Media (2–3:30PM)

Friday, May 8

• AI for Marketing (12–1:30PM)

Beyond the Week
Keep the momentum going with additional opportunities:

• Capitalizing on Success: A Small Business Guide to Grants (May 13, 2PM ET)
• South Bay Small Business Know Your Rights (May 19, 5:30PM)
• Mastering Business Cash Flow (May 20, 11AM)
• San Leandro Business Expo (May 21, 2:30–6:30PM)

Plus, don’t miss the Oakland/San Leandro Taste of Asia (May 10–17)—a great way to support and network with local businesses.

Why it matters
These events aren’t just informational—they’re practical. From funding and cash flow to AI and marketing, each session is built to help you make smarter decisions and stay competitive in a fast-changing environment.

Get registered
Secure your spot early:

• Venturize workshops: https://venturize.org/upcoming-events
• Oakland workshops: https://www.eastbaysbdc.org/2026-oakland-sbweek-workshops/
• East Bay SBDC workshops: https://www.eastbaysbdc.org/events/?e_source[]=all
• SBA Virtual Summit: https://www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/virtual-summit
• San Leandro Chamber of Commerce Business Expo: https://members.sanleandrochamber.com/ap/Events/Register/J5FyKWRUJCzC3

Take advantage of the week. Even attending one or two sessions can give you tools that pay off all year.