Day 1 Sessions
Day 1: Welcome and Opening Plenary – Unlocking possibility: How I turned an idea into reality
Entrepreneurs with disabilities will share key moments that shaped their business journeys and what they learned along the way. This panel will provide practical advice and valuable insights on how to turn a vision into reality.
Three resources, disability edition: Managing time, money and energy in business with a disability
Turn your limits into leverage. Learn how to manage time, money and energy in ways that work with, not against, your disability, and walk away with strategies to build a business that supports both your health and your goals. Maria Chapman, a successful entrepreneur and founder of Journey 2 Success, and author of The Power of the Pivot, shares how to rethink these three critical resources when your body sets different rules.
From refugee to entrepreneur: A journey of resilience
In this heartfelt presentation, Mali Phonpadith reflects on her path from refugee to entrepreneur, demonstrating how resilience, purpose, and courageous clarity shape a meaningful life and business. She offers empowering insights to help entrepreneurs stay true to their mission, even when challenges arise. Attendees will walk away feeling seen, inspired, and reignited in their purpose.
Demystifying the language of startup capital
Smart Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses
Investment terms can feel like a secret code, especially when you’re just starting out. This beginner-friendly session will break down common terms such as burn, churn and conversion rates and explain such acronyms as SAFEs, TAM and MVP. You’ll learn what they actually mean, why they matter, and how to use them with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re preparing for your first pitch or chatting with potential backers, you’ll leave feeling empowered to speak the language of startup capital and sound like you belong in the room.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready: How to sell and market online
In today’s digital age, high-quality content is paramount for attracting, engaging, and converting customers. During this practical session, learn how to attract and convert customers through smart digital marketing. Discover how to understand your audience, create compelling content, optimize for search and social media, and stay ahead of marketing trends.
Start small, dream big: Building generational wealth with purpose and power
Starting small doesn’t mean staying small. In this transformative session, Ruby “Sunshine” Taylor shares practical tools to turn limited resources into generational wealth through financial literacy, low cost and long-term investing, and generational wealth goals. Discover how you can build a legacy that reflects your purpose, values and empowers future generations.
Growing your social media presence: Practical marketing strategies on any budget
Learn how to use Canva and social platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to grow your business. This session will share practical tips on creating content that connects, understanding your audience, and building an authentic online presence without breaking the bank.
Day 2 Sessions
Plenary – From idea to impact: How VR agencies support disability-owned businesses
Discover how State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies (SVRA) can support people with disabilities, including helping them launch their own businesses. Hear firsthand from SVRA directors, counselors and successful entrepreneurs who have used VR resources to turn their ideas into reality. During this engaging session, a diverse group of speakers will deliver short but insightful presentations and then come together for a panel discussion to explore common themes and answer your questions.
From Fed to business owner: Tips for disabled new entrepreneurs leaving federal government
Many disabled workers are leaving federal service and seeking to new ventures. While starting a new business may seem to be the opposite of being a federal employee, there are many similarities that can help entrepreneurs launch and succeed. Join two disabled entrepreneurs who are former feds to learn about applying skills from your time in the public sector to set your new business up for success.
Maximize your income and impact: An Introduction to hosting on Airbnb
Whether you’re looking to cover household expenses or save for a special occasion, offering short term rentals can provide a significant income stream as well as opportunities to meet people from across the world. By incorporating accessibility features, you not only broaden your potential guest base but also increase the travel opportunities for people with disabilities. In this insightful session hosted by Airbnb, Super hosts will share their personal experiences and provide valuable strategies to enhance the rental experience for both hosts and guests.
Partnering for success: Maximizing your experience with SCORE and beyond
Owning your own business can be both exciting and daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. This engaging session provides insights on how to make the most of your relationship with SCORE, a national nonprofit that offers mentoring and resources to help entrepreneurs and small business owners succeed. Learn about SCORE’s services and how to advocate for your needs so that your experience is positive and empowering. Discover too how to connect with other agencies like Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) to create a strong, integrated support system.
Work smarter: Using AI to power your small business
Running a small business means juggling a lot, including emails, marketing, customer service, planning, and more. In this practical session, learn how cutting-edge AI solutions can optimize your workflow and reduce operational burdens. You will leave with actionable strategies, tips and tools to help you make AI an integral part of your business growth.
Closing Plenary – Entrepreneurial journeys: Reflections on starting and growing a business
Entrepreneurs with disabilities will share thoughtful reflections on their experiences starting and growing their businesses. This session will explore both their successes and challenges, along with the lessons they have learned along the way. Whether you’re looking to start a business, expand what you’ve already built, or mentor others, their stories will spark new ideas and provide actionable tips.