MCSB Summit
Learn, connect, and level up.
MCSB Summit | April 21, 2026
If you’re building, growing, or supporting a Michigan small business, this Summit is for you.
- Small business owners & founders at any stage—from startup to second‑stage growth
- Entrepreneurs and innovators ready to learn, connect, or compete in the Pitch Competition
- Business leaders and teams focused on leadership, operations, talent, and growth
- Second‑stage companies looking for strategy, peer connection, and momentum
- Ecosystem partners & supporters committed to Michigan’s small business success
Here’s what to expect:
Education & Connection
Justin Ayers – AI on a Budget: Practical Automation Strategies
Jason Dodge – Discovered, Not Clicked – AI Search Visibility
Lisa Cooper – Building Your First HR Function
Kim Bode – The Hard Costs of Soft Skills
Dr. Brenda Oldham – Profit Power Moves
Jeffrey J Smith – Creative Pathways to Engage Research Universities
Matthew Russell – Digital Transformation or Digital Chaos?
Camron Gnass – Brand Clarity Lab
Caitlin Moyer – Talent & Culture Transformation
Elena Stegemann – Fueling What’s Next: Turning Strong Culture Into Scalable Performance
Jessica Starks – How to Build a Sellable Business
Cynthia Kay – Should You Stay or Should You Go?
Rich Miller – Building Your Security Stack
Joshua Watson – From Chaos to Clarity: CRM for Growth
Todd Gustafson – Navigating Leadership in Change
Patti Eisenbraun – Rise and Thrive: Building a Mindset that Works for You
Sheri Welsh – Finders, Keepers: Retaining Talent
Nikki Thompson Frazier – SYSTEMS: Roadmap to Sustainable Growth
Lunch & Connection
All attendees are invited to join us for lunch and networking to kick off the Summit! Stay tuned for details on our lunch presentation.
pitch competition
New for 2026, Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition puts innovation front and center at the Summit. This live pitch experience gives high‑potential Michigan businesses the opportunity to take the stage, share their vision, and compete for $10,000 and statewide visibility. Finalists will pitch in front of a live audience and expert judges, making this a high‑energy moment that celebrates bold ideas, entrepreneurial courage, and what’s next for Michigan small business.
Attendees will experience the excitement of the live pitch competition AND have a say in part of the judging process. You won’t want to miss this exciting addition to the MCSB Summit!
full schedule of events
11am: Registration Opens
11:30am – Noon: Lunch Buffet & Networking
Noon – 1pm: Keynote Presentation
1:15pm – 2pm Breakout Sessions
2:15pm – 3:15pm: Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition
2:15pm – 2:45pm: 50 Companies to Watch Edward Lowe Foundation Session (optional for 50 Companies to Watch awardees only)
3:30pm – 4:15pm: Breakout Sessions
4:25pm – 4:50pm: SBAM Foundation Presents the Entrepreneurial Score Card with Remarks by Brian Calley
5pm – 5:45pm: Breakout Sessions
5:45pm – 7:15pm: VIP Reception (separate ticket required)
*Subject to change. All times in Eastern
Ticket prices are $129 each, or bundle with the VIP Reception for $159.