Leveraging Regionalism to Support Small Business (West Region Launch)

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO) is excited to build on the success of our Leveraging Regionalism to Empower Small Businesses Summit, held May 2, 2024, which explored regional economic development strategies to bolster small business growth, focusing on equitable access, innovative financing, and leveraging technology to foster collaboration between stakeholders.

We are thrilled to kick off our Regional Councils: Leveraging Regionalism to Support Small Business Convening!

Hosted at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, we will bring together key stakeholders from the region to explore the latest economic trends, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and connect with organizations dedicated to empowering small businesses through panel discussions, fireside chats and networking opportunities via a half day in person convening.

Speakers coming soon.

The Association for Enterprise Opportunity’s (AEO) Regional Councils unite local champions from diverse sectors—government, private industry, foundations, and non-profits—to address and elevate the critical issues facing underserved businesses via six regions of the United States. By bringing together these key ecosystem stakeholders, we aim to address the most pressing challenges within our communities collaboratively. Our mission is to deliver localized solutions to regional issues through strategic virtual and in-person events throughout the year.

The AEO Regional Councils are designed to drive action, not just dialogue. Their key activities include:

• In-Person Convenings: Each region will host events, including roadshow stops, to tackle region-specific challenges. These events will feature keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops focused on collective action and community-driven solutions.
• Webinars and Virtual Events: To ensure broad participation, the Councils will also offer webinars on critical topics such as access to capital, policy advocacy, and digital transformation, providing ongoing learning and collaboration opportunities.

• Strategic Partnership: The Councils will form strategic partnerships with government agencies, private enterprises, foundations, and nonprofits, offering small businesses access to the tools and networks they need to succeed.

• Advocacy and Policy Development: The Councils will champion policies that support underrepresented small businesses, ensuring that their perspectives are reflected in local, state, and federal decision-making processes.

Are you an organization and would you like to partner?

Connect with us here!

States included in the West region are Arizona, Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington.

DISCLAIMER: To enter the Federal Reserve Bank, attendees will need to present a government issued photo ID and undergo a security screening upon arrival.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, 101 Market Street, San Francisco, United States