2026 -Gather & Grow: 13th Annual Small Business Week Conference, Downtown - 5/6
Topics:
Get ready for an inspiring day of connection, learning, and growth! The Gather & Grow meeting is proud to be part of Small Business Week, celebrating the innovation and impact of entrepreneurs in our community. In partnership with the City of Columbia, this event will be held alongside the highly anticipated Small Business Conference.
Together, the Chamber and the City present “Shared Growth. Shared Future. Powered by Small Businesses”—a dynamic conference designed to energize and empower. Attendees will experience a full day of engaging speakers, practical insights, and motivational sessions focused on elevating both professional success and personal development.
Whether you’re an established business owner or just getting started, this is your opportunity to gain valuable tools, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections to help your business thrive.
Speakers: Mayor Rickenmann, Carl Blackstone, Ayesha Driggers, Tina Herbert, Melissa Lindler, Dr. Macie Smith, Representative Wendell Jones, and Karen Jenkins.Event Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1).jpg)
Gather & Graze
Small Business Champion Sponsor
(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1)(1).jpg)
Influencer Sponsor
(2)(1).jpg)
(1)(1)(1).png)
Supporter Sponsor
(1).png)
(1)(1)(1).png)
(1).jpg)
Date and Time
Wednesday May 6, 2026
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM EDT
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
8-9am Registration
9-3pm Conference, lunch, breakout sessions, and vendor showcase
USC Alumni Center, 900 Senate Street, Columbia. Parking is available in the City Garage located at Park and Lincoln Streets.
Location
Celebrate Small Business Week with us and the City of Columbia as we combine Gather & Grow and the City's Small Business Conference at the USC Pastides Alumni Center, 900 Senate Street, Columbia.
Join us a full day of powerful speakers, fresh ideas, and real strategies to grow your business and visit with other businesses, vendors, service providers, and many others.
Don’t miss “Shared Growth. Shared Future. Powered by Small Businesses.”
Fees/Admission
Tickets are $20.00 until April 21st. After the 21st, tickets will increase to $35.00 and we will accept walk-ins on the day of the conference.Gather and Grow participants will be admitted without charge, however, registration is required.
Chamber partners are asked to use the following code upon registration SBW 2026 - GATHERANDGROW
Contact Information
Susan Vaughan McPherson
Send Email
Printed courtesy of columbiachamber.com – Contact the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce for more information.
1225 Lady Street, Suite 100, Columbia, SC 29201 – (803) 733-1110 – inquiry@columbiachamber.com