Small Business Playbook Events

Every business owner dreams of creating a lasting brand, but only a handful succeed. Enter Flamingo Estate Founder Richard Christiansen, who went from pandemic vegetable farmer to one of the most sought-after luxury produce, fragrance, and seasonal pantry goods suppliers around. Heirloom tomato candles and LeBron James honey, anyone? From regenerative farm partnerships to retail pop-ups and celebrity collaborations, learn how to go from grassroots to multi-million-dollar business in record time.

Small businesses continue to be weighed down by a shrinking labor force, unrelenting wage pressures, and unavoidable price hikes. Expert insights from LinkedIn Chief Economist Karin Kimbrough on current inflation and labor trends, AI’s impact on work, and tips to navigate today’s challenging landscape.

For many entrepreneurs, growing a customer base is a never-ending challenge, especially on social media when it feels like most of the time you are fighting algorithms for eyeballs. So, what’s the secret to turning your passion into a fulfilling and profitable business? Lena Imamura, owner of a neon light business, shares strategies that have been key to her success, while also struggling with crushing rent, recruiting talent and material costs.

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires have resulted in $250 billion in economic, property and employment losses, and nearly 45 percent of commercial buildings destroyed. Two local business owners impacted by this historic disaster share their frustrating road to recovery as they navigate revenue losses, financial aid, and insurance red tape. And we’ll get an update from a leading developer working to fast-track the rebuilding process for disaster survivors.

Whether it is recovering from natural disasters, expanding your company, or securing a loan, small business owners do not have to face challenges alone. U.S. Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler shares new initiatives and policies aimed at supporting Main Street economies and job creators to start, grow and succeed.