ICIC's 2026 Annual Conference: Changemakers Take Action

Get ready for one of the most dynamic small business events of the year. ICIC’s Annual Conference, Changemakers Take Action: Leveraging Innovation for Growth, brings together entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and community leaders who are shaping what’s next for small businesses.

Whether you’re growing your company, exploring new opportunities, or looking for fresh strategies and stronger connections, this conference is designed to help you take action. You’ll meet other driven business owners, gain insights you can apply immediately, and discover resources that support real growth and long-term success.

Join us as we celebrate standout success stories, recognize changemakers, and create momentum for the next chapter of innovation, opportunity, and economic impact.

• Expert Keynote Speakers: Hear from business experts driving new strategies and shaping the future of small business growth.
• Shark Tank-Style Pitch Competition: Finalists from ICIC’s small business programs pitch live to a panel of expert judges.
• Business Growth Marketplace: Connect with ICIC alumni businesses, funders, and ecosystem partners in a dynamic space designed to spark new opportunities.
• Interactive Workshops and Funding Resources: Engage in sessions focused on practical skills, growth strategies, and capital pathways you can apply immediately.

Info: The conference begins at Rosé & Rye, a modern rooftop bar atop Hotel Colee, featuring panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline, signature beverages, and delicious curated bites. Open to all conference attendees and included with registration, the evening sets an energetic, welcoming tone for the conference and offers ample opportunity to network with fellow attendees.

Rosé & Rye is walking distance from the Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead

Info: Track: Accessing Opportunities for Growth | Join leading economists and banking industry experts for a timely conversation on the trends shaping today’s business landscape. This session will break down key economic indicators, risks, and opportunities to help small businesses plan with greater confidence in the year ahead.

Info: Step into the Business Growth Marketplace, a space created to ignite collaboration and open doors to new possibilities. This dynamic hub brings together entrepreneurs, sponsors, and partners who are shaping the future of small business.

Info: Breakout Session | Track: Accessing Opportunities for Growth | Learn how to clearly define your brand, sharpen your message, and show up where your ideal clients are already paying attention. This session will share practical strategies to help small businesses stand out, build credibility, and attract the right customers more consistently.

Info: Breakout Session | Track: Leveraging Innovation for Growth

Info: Details will be announced soon. This keynote will highlight how entrepreneurship and community partnerships are shaping stronger, more vibrant local economies.

Info: The “Gentler, Kinder” Shark Tank-style Pitches offer three ICIC program alumni the chance to practice their pitch for capital to a panel of kinder Sharks, who will provide them with constructive feedback to help them on their capital access journey. While no capital investment will be made, attendees will be the ultimate judge and vote on which business they’d invest in!

Info: Breakout Session | Track: Spotlighting Transformational Change in Communities |
Join a panel of experts to examine how entrepreneurs are reactivating vacant and underutilized spaces to drive economic opportunity, cultural vibrancy, and community connection. Panelists will share real-world examples of place-based entrepreneurship and the partnerships that make this work sustainable.

Info: Breakout Session | Track: Leveraging Innovation for Growth |
Explore best practices for company-wide AI adoption, with a focus on effective change management, workforce readiness, and day-to-day implementation. A panel of small business owners will share firsthand experiences, key lessons learned, and how they have successfully integrated AI across their organizations.

Info: Step into the Business Growth Marketplace, a space created to ignite collaboration and open doors to new possibilities. This dynamic hub brings together entrepreneurs, sponsors, and partners who are shaping the future of small business.

Info: Breakout Session | Track: Leveraging Innovation for Growth | Discover how innovative funding sources are reshaping access to capital for small businesses. Learn how these approaches can help unlock new opportunities, reduce barriers, and create more equitable pathways to growth.

Info: Breakout Session | Track: Accessing Opportunities for Growth | Hear directly from corporate and institutional buyers as they demystify how their procurement pipelines really work. This roundtable will explore how small businesses can navigate vendor requirements, build relationships, and position themselves to compete successfully for larger contracts.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, 3300 Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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