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May 20, 2026 Renaissance Center- Joliet

P.O.W.E.R. Small Business Symposium

Platform for Opportunity, Workforce, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience

Centering Women, BIPOC, Veteran and Disabled 50% owned and operated small businesses

Register Now Become a Vendor
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May 20, 2026

About The Symposium

This FREE conference is designed to give marginalized business owners and operators the resources needed to succeed.

 

The P.O.W.E.R. Small Business Symposium, presented by the Will County Center for Economic Development, brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for a dynamic day of connection, education, and opportunity. This high-energy event is designed to spark growth, deliver actionable insights, and build meaningful partnerships that move businesses forward. Centered on supporting Women, Minority, Veteran, and Disabled owned and operated businesses, the symposium connects attendees with the resources, experts, and opportunities needed to elevate and strengthen their operations. Vendors represent a wide range of industries, ensuring that every attendee—regardless of annual revenue or stage of growth—walks away with tools and connections that make an impact.

P.O.W.E.R. stands for Platform for Opportunity, Workforce, Entrepreneurship, and Resilience, reflecting our commitment to equipping businesses with the tools, connections, and momentum they need to thrive.

Register Now Become a Vendor
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Event Partners

P.O.W.E.R. Small Business Symposium

Inaugural Keynote Speaker

Dan Seals

President and CEO, Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council

Dan Seals serves as President & CEO of the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (ChicagoMSDC). He previously served as CEO of Intersect Illinois, where he helped drive more than 5,000 new jobs and nearly $4 billion in investment while strengthening the state’s business attraction efforts. His career spans the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, including serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and holding senior leadership roles with the American Medical Association, GE Capital, and T-Mobile.

Symposium Agenda

Check back at a later date for a detailed agenda.

  1. 11 a.m. Full Business Symposium Ticket

    Vendor Fair Opens + Networking

  2. 12 p.m. Full Business Symposium Ticket

    Keynote Speaker + Seated Lunch

  3. 1:15 p.m. - 4 p.m. Vendor + Breakout Sessions Ticket

    Vendor Fair Reopens + Workshops

Workshop Presenters

Meet The Speakers

View the Lineup

Midland States Bank

Presenting Sponsor
Leonard McCoy

VP of Statistical Analysis +
Data Reconfiguration

Janice Rand

VP of Statistical Analysis +
Data Reconfiguration

Montgomery Scott

VP of Statistical Analysis +
Data Reconfiguration

Ready to Transform your Business Register Today!

Register Now

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Presenting Sponosors

Presenting Sponosors

Presenting Sponosors

Presenting Sponosors

YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the P.O.W.E.R. Small Business Symposium?

 The P.O.W.E.R. Small Business Symposium is a one-day event hosted by the Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) designed to connect small business owners and entrepreneurs in Will County with resources, service providers, and regional partners. The symposium focuses on information-sharing, networking, and practical insights that support business growth and sustainability. 

Who should attend?

 The event is open to small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, startups, established firms, and business support organizations throughout Will County and neighboring counties/communities. The symposium intentionally centers Women, Minority, Veteran, and individuals with disabilities who own businesses, while remaining open and welcoming to the entire small business community. Whether you are launching a new venture or looking to scale an existing business, the event offers access to valuable connections, resources, and perspectives. 

Is there a cost to attend?

 No. The P.O.W.E.R. Small Business Symposium is free to attend. Registration is required to help us plan appropriately and ensure a quality experience for all participants. 

How can my organization get involved?

Organizations may participate as vendors or sponsors. Vendors have the opportunity to showcase services and resources that support small businesses across the region. Sponsorship is exclusively available to Will County Center for Economic Development (CED) Investors and provides recognition for their commitment to advancing economic development efforts throughout the region.

For more information about vendor participation or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Kayla Sorensen at Kayla.Sorensen@WillCountyCED.com or Jeremiah Anderson at Jeremiah.Anderson@WillCountyCED.com.