Small Business Expo 2026
Event Date
June 25–25, 2026
Location
South San Francisco, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe San Francisco Small Business Expo (officially the San Francisco Small Business Conference) is the Bay Area's stop on the national Small Business Expo tour, a free, full-day B2B trade show, conference and networking event for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Small Business Expo is San Francisco's largest business growth event, offering free workshops, panels, speed networking events, and more.
The day combines a bustling exhibitor hall with educational workshops, keynote presentations and structured networking. The event serves as a platform for showcasing products, accessing resources, and participating in interactive seminars, workshops, and speed networking sessions, where attendees can connect with potential clients, partners, and industry experts.
It is aimed at a broad small-business audience. The event is ideal for small business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, and B2B professionals operating in San Francisco or the greater Bay Area who want to grow their network, learn from experts, and discover new business tools. Remote and home-based business owners are also encouraged to attend for networking, resources and guidance.
Show Highlights
- Free educational workshops and classes led by local entrepreneurs, business leaders and industry experts covering marketing, finance, operations, AI tools and growth strategy.
- Keynote speakers, including Shark Tank success stories. The 2026 San Francisco lineup features Nicole Denise (Brand Intelligence Strategist & CEO of CoAgency), Eugenia Chen (Pandaloon, Shark Tank), and Nic Lamb (IceBeanie, Shark Tank).
- Workshop speakers from major brands and agencies such as AWS, Comcast Business, Gusto, Verizon, the IRS and the California Franchise Tax Board.
- Speed Networking sessions and industry meet-ups that give attendees a dedicated space to connect with professionals across industries.
- Networking Happy Hour and additional networking spaces available to paid badge holders.
- GET dotted® color-code system — a dotted badge provided at check-in helps attendees quickly locate and connect with people in specific industries.
- Exhibitor hall with vendors offering products and services to help businesses grow.
Attendance
The organizer reports figures for the Small Business Expo series overall rather than for the San Francisco show specifically. Over 5,000 businesses register for each expo. According to the organizer, 81% of attendees are business owners or C-level executives, and 82% plan to purchase within a year.
Registration
General admission is free. General admission is free, giving attendees access to networking opportunities, exhibitors, and select educational sessions.
To register:
- Enter your full name and email at the top of the event page.
- Click "Register (or upgrade)."
- Use the same email address if you later choose to upgrade your badge type.
Paid (upgraded) badge types provide access to additional networking spaces, including the Networking Happy Hour. Registration and check-in open at 9:30 AM. Prospective exhibitors and sponsors can request rates and information through the Exhibitor Information page.
History
Small Business Expo has been producing live, in-person B2B events for well over a decade. Since 2008, the organizer has produced live, in-person B2B conferences in over 20 major U.S. cities. The brand has over 1.2 million followers and describes itself as a go-to hub and authority for small business vendors and resources. The Expo is produced by The Show Producers (Small Business Expo LLC) and runs an annual multi-city national tour, with San Francisco held at the South San Francisco Conference Center.
Venue & Travel
Venue
South San Francisco Conference Center
255 South Airport Blvd, South
The South San Francisco Conference Center is a dedicated events venue in the heart of the Bay Area biotech corridor, minutes from San Francisco International Airport. The conference center contains 20,500 square feet of exhibit space across 13 meeting rooms. It is designed to host conferences, corporate meetings, conventions and receptions of all sizes.
Parking
Free parking is available. Free parking is offered at the Conference Center, Park Point Hotel and DoubleTree Hotel, with additional free street parking on Utah and Mitchell Avenues.
Getting There
The venue is highly accessible from San Francisco, Silicon Valley and the greater Bay Area. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 2.9 miles away, and Oakland International Airport (OAK) is roughly 11.4 miles away. The organizer encourages public transit or Uber/Lyft and notes a free shuttle from South San Francisco BART, Ferry and Caltrain stations.
Nearby Hotels
The venue is surrounded by numerous airport-area hotels within walking distance or a short drive:
- DoubleTree by Hilton San Francisco Airport South Airport Blvd — adjacent to the conference center, with a free airport shuttle.
- Park Pointe Hotel — nearby, with free parking for expo attendees.
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Francisco Airport South San Francisco (250 Gateway Boulevard) — all-suite full-service hotel.
- Best Western Plus Grosvenor Airport Hotel, Holiday Inn Express San Francisco-Airport North, La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Francisco Airport N and Sonesta ES Suites San Francisco Airport San Bruno are all within about a mile.
The South San Francisco Conference Center is surrounded by a variety of hotels and motels providing more than 3,000 guest rooms, from economy to deluxe. When reserving a group block, guests can inquire about complimentary shuttle service between the conference center and South San Francisco hotels.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the San Francisco Small Business Expo?
The San Francisco Small Business Expo takes place on June 25, 2026 at the South San Francisco Conference Center, located at 255 South Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA. Registration and check-in open at 9:30 AM.
Is the San Francisco Small Business Expo free to attend?
Yes. General admission is free and includes access to networking opportunities, exhibitors, and select educational sessions. Paid badge upgrades unlock additional networking spaces such as the Networking Happy Hour.
Who should attend the San Francisco Small Business Expo?
The event is ideal for small business owners, entrepreneurs, startups, and B2B professionals in San Francisco and the greater Bay Area who want to grow their network, learn from experts, and discover new business tools. Remote and home-based business owners are also encouraged to attend.
How do I register for the San Francisco Small Business Expo?
Enter your full name and email on the event page and click Register (or upgrade). If you later want to upgrade your badge type, use the same email address you registered with.
Is there parking at the venue?
Yes. Free parking is available at the Conference Center, Park Point Hotel and DoubleTree Hotel, plus free street parking on Utah and Mitchell Avenues. Public transit or rideshare is encouraged, and there is a free shuttle from the South San Francisco BART, Ferry and Caltrain stations.
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