2026 New Jersey Small Business Summit

The third annual New Jersey Small Business Summit is happening at Montclair State University on Wednesday, October 21, 2026! This expo-style event brings together the state's vibrant small business community for a day of forward-thinking ideas, real talk, and growth.

The Summit will feature:

• breakout sessions
• intentional networking
• panels
• live pitches
• lunch
• free 1:1 consultations in the M+T Small Business Suite with experts on Access to Capital, Credit Repair / Financial Literacy, Business Planning, Budgeting, HR/Hiring, Sales Strategy -Marketing/Social Media, and leveraging AI
• plus plenty of opportunities to connect with the state's small business community!

Come ready to connect, learn, and leave with actionable strategies to thrive in today's business landscape.

Ticket price includes full access to programming, light breakfast, lunch, headshots, 1:1 expert consultations, and swag you'll actually use!

Info: We'll see you in University Hall!

Info: We've got a little something extra for anyone who registers early this year! Register by September 30 and you can get a new headshot, on us! Headshots available from 9am to noon.

Info: Starting off on the first floor of University Hall, the kickoff will set the tone for the day! With special guest speakers and some fun surprises, we will open the day with a short look at what's ahead and how to make the most of your time, before heading into our first feature of the day.

Info: What's next for your small business in an unpredictable economy? This panel brings together experts to unpack the economic and technological trends reshaping the small business landscape, and share what it takes to build a business that can weather inflation and downturns, and thrive under continuous disruption and unprecedented innovation.

Info: In a market where competitors can copy your product, undercut your price, or out-market you overnight, what actually protects your business? In this workshop, growth strategy consultant Jimmy Newson will help entrepreneurs identify and build the defensible advantages, from brand positioning and customer relationships to smart use of technology and data, that make a small business hard to replace.

Info: "Customer Obsession" isn't a slogan: it's a leadership principle that shapes every decision, from product launches to team communication. In this workshop, former Amazon and Gap Inc. leader Myra Deshmukh will show small business owners how to build that same discipline into their own operations. Attendees will explore practical ways to gather and act on customer feedback, anticipate needs, and build trust and loyalty through everyday interactions. We’ll also tackle the tough tradeoffs like what to do when what’s best for the customer conflicts with what’s sustainable or viable for your business.

Info: Boxed lunch and beverages, included in the ticket cost

Info: In this live pitch forum, small business owners take the stage to present their early-stage ventures and get real, unfiltered feedback on the spot. It's part pitch competition, part reality check: a chance to stress-test your business in front of an audience before the market does it for you. Come to experience the thrill of live pitching, and learn how to handle the hot seat!

Info: With five generations now in the workplace, differences in communication styles, expectations, technology, and approaches to work can create real challenges for business owners and leaders. But those differences can also become a competitive advantage. This panel explores the friction points of a multigenerational workforce and identifies practical points of leverage, helping leaders turn generational differences into stronger collaboration, engagement, and performance.

Event venue & nearby stays

Montclair State University / University Hall / 1st Floor, 1 Normal Avenue, Montclair, United States

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