O2O Event – Oakland Region featuring The Road to 2026

March 9, 2026 | 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. ET

Commerce Charter Township

Perry Johnson is a Michigan businessman known for his work in quality management and operational improvement. Over several decades, he has advised companies on reducing inefficiencies, strengthening standards, and improving competitiveness in the manufacturing sector. He has been active in public policy discussions focused on government efficiency, fiscal discipline, and tax reform.

O2O Event – Capital Region

March 10 | 4:30pm – 6:30pm ET

Dewitt

Looking Glass Brewing Co. is independently owned and operated by Lansing natives. Opened in the Spring of 2018, Looking Glass is Clinton county’s first microbrewery, featuring hand-crafted beers, wines, meads, and hard ciders.

Attendees will enjoy a selection of libations and bites all in a beautiful historic building in charming downtown Dewitt.

Road to 2026: Meet John James (R)

Monday, March 23, 2026

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM ET

Royal Oak

Congressman John James is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served eight years in the U.S. Army as a Ranger‑qualified aviation officer.

He later led his family’s logistics company as president and currently represents Michigan’s 10th Congressional District. James lives in Shelby Township with his wife Elizabeth and their three sons.

Tickets for this event are $30 each, or free for SBAM’s VIP and Elite members.

Webinar: Fueling Growth: How Michigan Small Businesses Win with a PEO

March 19, 2026 | 11:00am – 11:30am ET

Virtual

As labor laws grow more complex and competition for talent intensifies, more Michigan businesses are partnering with a PEO to simplify compliance, control HR costs, and offer competitive benefits that attract and retain top talent.

In this 30-minute webinar, Shannon Burkel, President, Axios HR, an Engage PEO company, will share how strategic HR outsourcing enables leaders to focus on strategy and growth, backed by recent client success stories.

Webinar: The Silver Tsunami is Here

March 24, 2026 | 11:00am – Noon ET

Virtual

This exclusive webinar addresses the “Silver Tsunami” as Baby Boomers, who own over 50% of privately held businesses, begin a $14 trillion transition of business value. The session highlights the sobering reality that only 30% of businesses successfully sell and 75% of owners regret their exit, positioning financial planners to act as the “Quarterback” of the transition team to improve these outcomes.

This webinar is offered through SBAM Academy.

State of Michigan Contracting 101 Webinar

March 31, 2026 | 10:00am – 11:00am ET

Virtual

Join representatives from the Department of Technology, Management & Budget’s Central Procurement Division on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, from 10:00 AM -11:00 AM for a webinar covering how to bid on State of Michigan contracts.

Speakers will review the basics of how to do business with the state & will include info on initiatives geared towards increasing opportunities for Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBE). We’ll also review our Let’s Do Business vendor toolkit on Michigan.gov.

The presentation is virtual.

MCSB Summit & Luncheon   April 21, 2026 | 11:00am – 5:45pm ET Lansing   Learn, connect, and level up at Michigan’s premier small business Summit. The MSCB Summit delivers powerful education, meaningful networking, and real‑world insights designed to help Michigan small businesses grow stronger together. Attendees will explore topics like leadership, strategy, marketing, operations, AI, and long‑term growth – all in one high‑energy day. Lunch is included, making it easy to connect with peers and partners from across the state.   Ticket prices are $129 each, or bundle with the VIP Reception for $159.

VIP Reception   April 21, 2026 | 5:45pm – 7:15pm ET Kellogg Center, East Lansing   Keep the momentum going at the MSCB VIP Reception. This evening experience brings together awardees, business leaders, partners, and supporters to celebrate Michigan’s small business community. It’s the perfect setting for meaningful conversations, relationship‑building, and raising a glass to what’s next.   Individual tickets are $49 each, or bundle your Summit + VIP Reception ticket for just $159.

Capitol Day   April 22, 2026 | 8:30am – 12:30pm ET House Office Building, Lansing   Capitol Day connects Michigan’s small business leaders with policymakers at the heart of state government. Participants will learn about current issues impacting small businesses and engage directly in conversations about advocacy, policy, and the future of entrepreneurship in Michigan.   Ticket prices are $65. Includes breakfast, lunch, and walking tour of the Capitol.

Awards Gala   April 22, 2026 | Agenda Details Coming Soon! Lansing   The Michigan Celebrates Small Business Awards Gala is the “Academy Awards” of the small business community. Join entrepreneurs, leaders, and supporters from across the state for an unforgettable evening honoring Michigan’s 2026 award‑winning businesses. This black‑tie celebration recognizes innovation, resilience, and the incredible impact small businesses have on our economy.   Ticket prices start at $189.

Michigan’s Next Big Idea Pitch Competition   April 21, 2026 | During the MCSB Summit Lansing   The Michigan Celebrates Small Business Pitch Competition is searching for innovative, high‑potential Michigan companies ready to scale. Finalists will pitch their business live at the 2026 MSCB Summit, competing for $10,000 and statewide exposure. This high‑energy competition gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their ideas in front of industry leaders, investors, and fellow business owners, while highlighting the next big ideas shaping Michigan’s small business future.   Applications are due March 6, 2026.