Level Up: Small Business Summit brings together the entrepreneurs, small business owners, nonprofit leaders and community partners who are driving the Quad Cities forward. Whether you're looking to attract new customers, secure funding, hire and retain great employees, streamline operations or explore emerging technology, you'll find ideas and connections that can help move your business ahead.

Throughout the day, attendees will hear from experienced business leaders, participate in hands-on breakout sessions, explore resources in the Vendor Marketplace and learn about funding opportunities and business incentives available throughout the region. Nationally recognized entrepreneur Ramon Ray will headline the event with a keynote designed to inspire business owners to think bigger about what's next. 

Participants can tailor their experience through three content tracks: Marketing & Innovation, Capital & Finance, and Business Operations & Technology. Whether you're looking to attract new customers, secure funding, streamline operations or leverage emerging technologies, you'll find actionable strategies and real-world insights you can put to work immediately.

If you're serious about growing your business, expanding your network and discovering new opportunities, this is a day you won't want to miss. Join us to learn, connect, and level up alongside some of the region's most innovative business leaders.

Meet your Keynote Speaker

Raymon Ray is a small business expert, entrepreneur, author of Celebrity CEO and publisher of ZoneofGenius.com. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurs, Ray has built his career around sharing the stories of Main Street business owners and helping them grow stronger, more visible brands. As the founder of SmartHustle Media and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at ALICE, he brings firsthand experience as a business owner, having launched four companies and successfully sold two.

Recognized nationally for his expertise in technology, marketing, sales, business growth and personal branding, Ray has testified before the United States Congress, spoken at the White House and interviewed President Barack Obama during the president's first live Google Hangout. He also served as part of the U.S. delegation to India for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. Through thousands of articles, speaking engagements and business consultations, Ray has helped hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs gain the insights and confidence needed to grow and thrive. RaymondRay.com