For Immediate Release
March 21, 2025
Economic Development Contact: Jennifer Coronado
Email: JCoronado@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 548-2005
City Media Contact: Communications and Community Relations
Email: Communications@GlendaleCA.gov
Phone: (818) 550-4424 or (818) 548-3342
City of Glendale to Hold 3rd Annual “Let’s Grow Glendale” Summit to Support Small Business
Glendale, CA – Recognizing the everyday challenges of starting and running a small business, the City of Glendale will host the 3rd Annual Small Business Summit “Let’s Grow Glendale” on Thursday, May 1, 2025. Glendale's small business community is a key driver of economic growth and job creation, with more than 13,000 businesses that together provide over 96,000 jobs.
The Small Business Summit will be held at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Glendale from 2:00 PM to 6:30 PM. The half-day summit, attracting hundreds of attendees and growing each year, is specifically designed with the business owner and entrepreneur in mind by providing leading-edge business development content and resources, valuable information on capital sources, networking opportunities, and inspiration for new and experienced small business owners and entrepreneurs alike.
“Glendale is committed to supporting its small business owners by offering numerous programs and resources to ensure they thrive in the Jewel City,” said Bradley Calvert, Community Development Director at the City of Glendale. “The Small Business Summit is a fantastic event that benefits entrepreneurs and business leaders, aligning with Glendale’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses."
A few of the many ways Glendale supports small businesses include:
- Being a business-friendly city, Glendale was recognized as a top five finalist for L.A. County’s Most Business-Friendly Large City (2024) by the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, highlighting our commitment to economic growth and business support.
- The Glendale City Council proclaimed November 30, 2024, as "Small Business Saturday," to encourage residents and visitors to shop small and shop local.
- Glendale provides a step-by-step guide on how to do business in the city and a free human resource hotline for employers.
At the Small Business Summit, attendees can choose to participate in one of several breakout session, which include:
- Funding Your Future: How to Secure Capital for Your Business (presented by L.A. SBDC)
- Marketing an Auto Piolet: How AI Can Drive Leads and Boost Sales (presented by Khalid Robinson)
- The Profit Playbook: Strategies for Growth & Long-Term Success (presented by Eddy Sumar)
- Certified for Success: Winning 6 & 7-Figure Government Contracts (presented by Lizzy Okoro Davidson of Women’s Business Center Pasadena)
Along with the breakout sessions and business resource exhibition, the Summit will include remarks by Calvert, Deputy Director of Economic Development Soua Vang and Director of U.S. Small Business Administration’s Los Angeles District Office Julie Clowes. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to win exciting giveaways, including a one-night stay, courtesy of Embassy Suites, and Dodger tickets, courtesy of Professional Sports Publications.
To register for the Summit or to learn about additional sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities go to ChooseGlendaleCA.com/sbs25.
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About Glendale
Glendale is one of the largest cities in Los Angeles County, with a population nearly 200,000. Glendale is a thriving cosmopolitan city that is rich in history, culturally diverse, and a bustling downtown that is home to many corporate headquarters and tech giants, two first-class regional shopping malls, and a walkable Arts & Entertainment District with endless fine dining opportunities. Visit ChooseGlendaleCA.com for more information about Economic Development in Glendale or connect on X, Instagram, and Facebook @ChooseGlendale
