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The free events will take place August 1, 15 and 22 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., with Spanish- and English-language sessions on technology, artificial intelligence, marketing and access to funding.
By Hola Nebraska
Grand Island, NE — The Nebraska Small Business Conference will hold three events in August 2026 for aspiring entrepreneurs and established business owners in Grand Island, Omaha and Lexington.
The series begins Saturday, August 1, in Grand Island, continues August 15 in Omaha and concludes August 22 in Lexington. Each event will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time.
Admission is free, and participants must register separately for the city they plan to attend. Programming will be available in Spanish and English and is designed for people at different stages of business ownership.
Under the theme “Small Business, Smart Future,” the conference will focus on how technology and artificial intelligence are changing small businesses. Sessions will also cover marketing, social media, financing and strategies for growth.
Related: Shop Local! Shop South O! supports small businesses in South Omaha
Grand Island will open the conference series August 1
The first event will take place Saturday, August 1, at College Park, home to Nebraska Extension in Hall County.
Programming will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 3180 W. U.S. Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68801.
Participants will hear from business owners and industry specialists, learn about tools for starting or expanding a company and connect with service providers and organizations that support small businesses.
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: College Park
Address: 3180 W. U.S. Highway 34, Grand Island, NE 68801
Cost: Free
Registration: Register for Grand Island
The Omaha conference will take place August 15
The Omaha event will welcome entrepreneurs Saturday, August 15, at The Salvation Army Kroc Center in South Omaha.
Sessions will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and cover digital tools, social media trends, marketing strategies and financing options.
Participants will also be able to meet exhibitors and connect with organizations that work with small businesses. Omaha registration is separate from registration for Grand Island and Lexington.
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: The Salvation Army Kroc Center
Address: 2825 Y St., Omaha, NE 68107
Cost: Free
Registration: Register for Omaha
Lexington will host the final conference August 22
The third event will take place Saturday, August 22, at Kirk’s Nebraskaland Restaurant in Lexington.
The conference will offer resources for people working to turn an idea into a business, along with tools for owners who want to strengthen their digital presence, adopt new technology or explore funding opportunities.
Programming will begin at 8 a.m. and continue for six hours.
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Hours: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Kirk’s Nebraskaland Restaurant
Address: 3002 Plum Creek Parkway, Lexington, NE 68850
Cost: Free
Registration: Register for Lexington
Technology and artificial intelligence will lead the agenda
The fifth annual Nebraska Small Business Conference will focus on the changes technology and artificial intelligence are bringing to small companies.
Sessions will provide practical tools for launching or growing a business in an increasingly digital marketplace. Topics will also include promotion strategies, social media trends and resources for accessing capital.
The program will feature presentations from experts and entrepreneurs, networking opportunities and an exhibitor area with services and resources for small businesses.
The conference will offer bilingual programming
Sessions will be available in Spanish and English, expanding access to business training for entrepreneurs from different communities across Nebraska.
The conference is organized by Rural Prosperity Nebraska’s Small Business Program in partnership with SCORE. Both organizations provide training, mentoring and resources for people interested in starting or strengthening a business.
Sandra Barrera is the contact for additional information and can be reached at [email protected].
The full schedule and city-specific registration links are available on the Nebraska Extension website.
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