West Palm Beach celebrates Small Business Week with full schedule of events supporting local entrepreneurs

West Palm Beach, Florida – The City of West Palm Beach is preparing to shine a spotlight on its entrepreneurial community as it gears up to celebrate Small Business Week with a full calendar of events aimed at growth, learning, and connection. Scheduled for May 4 through May 8, the weeklong initiative reflects a national tradition that dates back decades, when the President of the United States first began formally recognizing the importance of small businesses in 1963.

This year’s observance brings that national recognition down to the local level, where the city’s Office of Small Business Programs has crafted a series of workshops, networking opportunities, and training sessions tailored to entrepreneurs at different stages of their journey. The goal is simple but ambitious—to equip business owners with the tools they need to succeed while also celebrating the role they play in shaping the local economy.

The week begins on Monday evening with the Next Level Mixer and Panel, hosted at the Mandel Public Library. Designed for business owners ready to expand, the event blends networking with leadership insight, offering participants a chance to exchange ideas and explore strategies for scaling their operations. It sets the tone for what follows—a mix of practical guidance and community-building.

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On Tuesday, attention shifts to growth in a more technical sense. At City Hall’s Flagler Gallery, the Bonding Readiness and Technical Assistance Series will launch, providing contractors with guidance on how to position themselves for larger opportunities. The program is one of the office’s cornerstone initiatives, focusing on real-world preparation for businesses aiming to take the next step.

Midweek programming continues with a focus on financial stability. The Start Smart session, held at the InclusiFi main office, is geared toward early-stage entrepreneurs who are still laying their foundation. Here, the emphasis is on avoiding common financial pitfalls while building a clearer understanding of how to manage and grow a business with confidence.

Thursday’s event returns to InclusiFi for the final installment of the Brand Lift Series 2026. By this point in the week, participants will have explored operations and finances—now, the spotlight turns to identity. The session focuses on helping entrepreneurs shape a recognizable brand and develop marketing strategies that resonate in a competitive environment.

The week concludes on Friday with a forward-looking approach. Back at City Hall, the AI Business Essentials Workshop will introduce participants to practical ways artificial intelligence can be integrated into daily operations. From improving efficiency to driving innovation, the session aims to demystify a rapidly evolving technology and make it accessible to smaller enterprises.

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Behind each event lies a broader mission. The Office of Small Business Programs is not only offering guidance but reinforcing its ongoing commitment to advocacy and support. For many entrepreneurs, especially those operating on a smaller scale, access to resources and information can make the difference between stagnation and growth.

Small businesses, after all, are more than storefronts or service providers – they are a vital part of the community’s fabric. They create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to the unique character of neighborhoods across West Palm Beach. By dedicating a full week to their development and recognition, the city is acknowledging both their challenges and their impact.

As the dates approach, business owners across the area are being encouraged to participate, connect, and take advantage of the opportunities offered. Whether just starting out or looking to expand, the message is clear—this week is about moving forward, together, with the support of a city that sees small businesses not as an afterthought, but as a driving force.