2026 Suncoast Small Business Conference & TEMPO News Business Awards Luncheon Announced
Sarasota FL – JD Wms Diversity Group, LLC – registration is now open for the 2026 Suncoast Small Business Conference & TEMPO News Business Awards Luncheon, taking place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Westcoast Black Theatre Troupe.
Registration Information
• Early Bird Conference Registration: $40 (limited time)
• Luncheon Only
Tickets: $25
Register:
JDWmsDiversityGroup. com or eventbrite.com/e/2026-suncoast-smallbusiness-conference-and-awards-lunchen-tickets1987803758552?aff=oddtdtcreator
Event Details
What: 2026 Suncoast Small Business Conference & TEMPO News Business Awards Luncheon
When: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: West coast Black Theatre Troupe 1012 N. Orange Ave., Sarasota, Florida.
Who Should Attend: Small business owners, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, and community stakeholders.
Conference registration includes access to workshops and the TEMPO News Small Business Awards Luncheon. Registration is available through Eventbrite and the JD Wms Diversity Group website.
This year’s conference theme, “Building Together: Cooperative Economics & Community Wealth,” focuses on connecting entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and community organizations to strengthen small business growth and sustainability throughout the Suncoast region. The conference is expected to attract business owners and professionals from Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, Bradenton, Sarasota, Venice, North Port, Fort Myers, and surrounding communities.
Hosted by JD Wms Diversity Group, the conference will feature interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and access to resources focused on:
• Access to capital
• Marketing and artificial intelligence strategies
• Government contracting opportunities
• Business wealth management
• Cooperative economics and community development
Featured presenters include:
• Francina Hollaway, CPA — Business Wealth Management
• Chris Williams, Aginto Marketing— Marketing & AI Strategies
• Moriah Fobbs, USF SBDC APEX Accelerator — Government Contracting
• Brandon Martinez — Suncoast Credit Union Micro Enterprise Development Specialist The conference will also feature the TEMPO News Small Business Awards Luncheon, honoring outstanding small business leaders making a positive impact within the community. Podcaster and radio host Ronnie Phelps will host a live podcast segment during the conference highlighting entrepreneurs, business conversations, and community leadership.
“We create space where entrepreneurs can connect to real opportunities, meaningful partnerships, and resources that strengthen their business and our communities,”
said Judith Williams, Founder and CEO of JD Wms Diversity Group. “The Suncoast Small Business Conference exists because small busi-
ness owners deserve a space created for them, and the awards luncheon exists because their success deserves to be celebrated.” — Judith Williams Founder & CEO, JD Wms Diversity Group
