About the Event

Meet Partners. Explore Resources. Grow Your Business.

Date:	Thursday, October 8th, 2026
Time:	8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location:	The Westin Long Beach, 3rd Floor, 333 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
Directions:	Google Maps
Parking:	Parking vouchers will be provided for self-parking at check-in. Parking vouchers will not be provided for valet services.

Small businesses fuel innovation, create jobs, and help build resilient communities. They also play a critical role in the future success of the Port of Long Beach. As we build the Port of the future and advance our 2050 vision, we know that our success will depend on a strong and connected ecosystem of partners.

On October 8, the Port of Long Beach, City departments, public agencies, and industry partners will come together to help small businesses connect with buyers, discover resources, and prepare for government contracting opportunities. This event is free. Breakfast and lunch are provided for all registered attendees.

Join us to build connections, access practical resources, and strengthen your business as we work together to build the Port of the future.

Agenda & Schedule

Download Agenda & Schedule

Sponsoring Organizations

Buyers and Participating Organizations

Download List of Buyers and Participating Organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

Check to see answers to some of the most frequently asked questions

Register

Attendee Information

Full Name

Job Title

Company Name

Which category best describes the primary goods or services your business provides?

Email Address

Phone Number

Dietary Restrictions

Accessibility Needs

Is your business currently certified as a small business with any government agency?

Which statement best describes where your business is in its government contracting journey?
This question helps us better understand our audience and plan event programming.
Your response does not limit which sessions you may attend.

Government Contracting Journey

My business is interested in government contracting but is not yet contract-ready. We’re looking for guidance on preparing our business to compete.
My business has pursued government contracting opportunities and is looking to strengthen our understanding of the procurement process and improve our competitiveness.
My business has successfully won government contracts and is focused on growing, expanding, and scaling our business.

Morning Breakout Sessions (select either Track 1, Track 2 or Track 3 for each breakout session time)
Your selections are used for planning purposes only and do not reserve your seat in a session.

Breakout Session A:

Track 1: Assess Your Contract Readiness
Track 2: An Inside Look at How Public Agencies Procure
Track 3: Stronger Together: Teaming Strategies for Growth

Breakout Session B:

Track 1: Strengthen Your Financial Foundation
Track 2: Best Practices for a Competitive Proposal
Track 3: Practical AI for Small Business Productivity

Breakout Session C:

Track 1: Lessons from Your Peers: “What I Wish I Knew”
Track 2: Lessons from Your Peers: How to Successfully Win a Contract
Track 3: Lessons from Your Peers: Grow and Scale Your Business

Afternoon Labs & Networking (select the afternoon activities are you interested in)
Selections are for planning purposes only and do not reserve your seat in a session. You may select more than one session.

Afternoon Labs & Networking

1:1 Appointments with SBDC, SCORE, and PACE Business
The RFP Roadmap: Write the Response, Prepare for the Interview
Curating Connections: Industry Meetups

Photography/Videography Consent*

*By registering for the Small Business Summit, I grant permission to use video footage of myself and/or my photograph in print, video and online materials designed for news, informational, educational or commercial and advertising purposes related to the Port of Long Beach. Furthermore, I grant permission to have my contact information shared with conference sponsors and exhibitors.