Bay Area Summit Agenda

We have lots of great sessions in store! Stay tuned as the agenda is being finalized.

Summit Theme: Reimagine: Building Community Power

The Summit will center on building community power, which is essential for the success of entrepreneurial ecosystems. This Summit aims to transform fragmented, isolated efforts into a cohesive, regenerative network that sustains and amplifies our collective success. By uniting ecosystem builders from across the nation, the Summit will explore how different regions, from Richmond and East Oakland to San Francisco and beyond, can support each other's work, pool resources, and advocate for greater systemic change. The Bay Area's unique blend of Silicon Valley innovation and Oakland's community-driven economics demonstrates how to balance economic vitality and social benefit. The Startup Champions Network, recognized for its collaborative spirit and grassroots approach to inclusive economic development, offers a platform to challenge the dominance of monopolistic platforms and support the resurgence of small businesses and startup ecosystems. While one Summit won't solve every challenge, it will spark essential conversations, paving the way for a more connected and sustainable entrepreneurial future.

Agenda at a glance

Wednesday (10/30): WHAT’S WORKING/NOT WORKING

Host Site: CoBiz Richmond

8:00 AM: Registration, Breakfast & Networking

8:00 AM: SCN New Member Orientation

9:30 AM: Summit Kickoff

10:00 AM: Opening Session on Perception vs. Reality of Our Ecosystems

11:00 AM: Intercultural Unity Session

12:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 PM: Day 1 Sessions

Building Community Power Through Entrepreneurship: Strategies for Inclusive Economic Growth
Collaboration and Resource Sharing Among Ecosystem Builders: Strengthening Our Collective Impact

3:30 PM: East Bay Tour led by Spirit of the Town

5:00 PM: Exhibits on Black Power and Art of Xicanx People at Oakland Museum of California

6:00 PM: Opening Reception / Dinner with Locals

8:00 PM: Social Hour at Mad Oak (optional)

Thursday (10/31): SOLUTIONS

Host Site: Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center in San Francisco

8:00 AM: Breakfast & Networking

9:00 AM: Day 2 Kickoff

10:00 AM: Catalyzing Inclusive Entrepreneurship in the Bay Area: Leading Initiatives Driving Change

12:00 PM: Lunch on your own at Ferry Building Marketplace

2:00 PM: Bay Area Entrepreneurial Showcase at Block Inc. in Oakland

Amalgamated Bank

4:30 PM: Roses & Thorns

6:30 PM: Dinner on your own

Friday (11/1): WHAT’S NEXT? CALL TO ACTION

Host Site: Oakstop in Oakland

8:00 AM: Breakfast & Networking

9:00 AM: Day 3 Kickoff

10:00 AM: Keynote Fireside Chat on Bridging the Gap: Investing in Community Power for Inclusive Economic Growth with Debra Gore, President & CEO, The Greenlining Institute

11:00 AM: Closing Session on Strengthening Our Ecosystems