Virtual Summit Offers Entrepreneurs Insights and Strategies for Success

The recent 2025 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit was a massive success, bringing together over 20,000 registrants and 7,000 participants over the two-day event held on May 6-7. Co-hosted by SCORE, the leading network of volunteer business mentors, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the summit aimed to provide invaluable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the challenging landscape of small business ownership.

This year’s event featured a plethora of educational workshops and panel discussions centered around critical issues faced by small business owners today. Notably, attendees had the unique opportunity to access on-demand recordings of sessions through SCORE's website, allowing for a flexible learning experience.

Engaging Workshops and Expert Insights

Throughout the virtual summit, participants were privy to sessions led by accomplished business leaders, industry experts, and successful entrepreneurs. Topics covered included artificial intelligence (AI), e-commerce solutions, cybersecurity measures, financial strategies, and more. This diverse range of subjects catered to the pressing needs of small business owners exploring innovative approaches to growth and sustainability.

A highlight of the summit was the AI-focused discussion, where industry specialists emphasized harnessing technology to enhance business operations. John Lawson, president of ColderIce Media, provided actionable advice in his session titled The Small Business AI Advantage Practical Tools to Grow Your Business. He encouraged attendees to embark on small-scale AI experiments to evaluate effectiveness, stating, "Start with a two-week trial period to implement different strategies and track your results. Measuring both time saved and stress alleviated can provide tangible insights into the benefits of AI."

Real-World Success Stories

Alongside expert insights, small business owners shared their personal experiences, spotlighting the potential challenges and opportunities that lie within the entrepreneurial journey. Natasha McCray, the owner of 1818 Farms in Mooresville, Alabama, discussed the power of customer engagement through e-commerce platforms. She stressed the significance of customer reviews, stating, "Engaging with your audience to generate user-driven content is paramount; authentic reviews can be one of your strongest marketing tools."

Another inspiring session was presented by Brice Sokolowski, inventor and founder of Vaucluse Gear LLC, who spoke about his struggles with retail payment processing during the Money Matters: Mastering Payment Methods for Small Business Success session. He highlighted how building a supportive network is crucial in overcoming obstacles, stating, "As entrepreneurs, we often feel isolated, but resources like SCORE and various financial institutions are invaluable allies on this journey."

The Value of Mentorship

SCORE mentor Mark Dobson led a workshop on developing strong business plans, encouraging attendees to prioritize foundational elements necessary for success. He reinforced the idea that collaboration with a mentor significantly enhances the chances of business success, insisting, "Owning a business provides empowerment; it puts you in charge of your own destiny."

The 2025 National Small Business Week Virtual Summit is an illustrative example of the power of connection and collaboration within the entrepreneurial sphere. With over 17 million entrepreneurs assisted since its inception in 1964, SCORE continues to be a key player in fostering the next generation of small business success stories.

For more information about SCORE's extensive mentoring services, or to find ways to engage with their programs either as a mentor or a mentee, visit SCORE.org.