2026 Pikes Peak Small Business Week

Join us for Pikes Peak Small Business Week, a celebration of the entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who power our local economy. This exciting week brings together the region’s business community for opportunities to connect, learn, and grow through networking, thought-provoking conversations, and celebrations of small business success.

This year, we invite you to Navigate the Small Business Safari—an adventure through the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship. Running a business can feel a lot like a safari: full of challenges, opportunities, unexpected turns, and incredible discoveries along the way. During Small Business Week, you’ll explore new ideas, connect with fellow trailblazers, and gain insights that help you navigate the path ahead with confidence.

Throughout the week, we’ll celebrate the entrepreneurs who drive our community forward, honor outstanding small business leaders, explore emerging trends shaping the future of business, and create spaces where business owners can share ideas directly with community partners and policymakers. From celebrating achievement to tackling real-world challenges, each event offers a unique opportunity to strengthen the small business ecosystem in the Pikes Peak region.

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy—fueling innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the character of our community. Small Business Week is your chance to step into the safari, meet fellow explorers, and discover new paths for your business to thrive.

Don’t miss a moment of the adventure! Purchase an all-access pass to attend every event at a discounted rate, or choose individual events that best fit your schedule. Either way, you’ll be part of a week dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and empowering small businesses across the Pikes Peak region.

Monday, May 4 – Kickoff Celebration & Awards Presentation

📍 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo | ⏰ 4:00 – 6:00 PM
💸 $25

Kick off Small Business Week with a lively networking event featuring a cash bar, appetizers, and a celebration of our thriving small business community.

Tours will be offered of the new animal enclosure and event space at 4:00pm and 4:30pm. Wear comfortable walking shoes and be prepared for steep terrain!

Food and networking start at 4:30pm.

🏆 Awards Presentation – We will honor outstanding entrepreneurs and business leaders with the following awards:

• Veteran-Owned Small Business Award

• Small Business Person of the Year

• Family-Owned Small Business Award

• Small Business Champion Award

• Young Entrepreneur Award

• Micro Business of the Year

Celebrate the success and resilience of local business owners while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community supporters!

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Tuesday, May 5 – AI Power Up

📍 Tava House | ⏰ 8:00 – 10:00 AM
💸 $25

Power up your business with a practical and engaging look at how AI is transforming the way we work. This session will explore real tools, trends,and strategies to help small businesses work smarter and stay competitive. Enjoy coffee and muffins while gaining valuable insights on the future of business technology. 

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Wednesday, May 6 – Small Business Listening Tour

📍 Catalyst Campus | ⏰ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
💸 $25

A collaborative session where small business owners share challenges and opportunities directly with policymakers. Lunch tables will be structured as working groups to facilitate meaningful feedback and discussion. 

Panelists:

Brian Risley- City Council

Jessie Kimber- City Economic Development

Lauren Nelson- County Commissioner

Crystal LaTier- County Economic Development

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Thursday, May 7 – Pitch Competition

📍 Mentally STRONG | ⏰ 4:00 - 7:00 PM
💸 $25

In partnership with Predictive AI, this exciting pitch competition will showcase innovative small businesses and startups leveraging artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems. Attendees will hear live pitches from entrepreneurs competing for a $50,000 prize package of AWS AI services, highlighting the cutting edge of AI-driven business innovation.

🚀 Want to Pitch Your Business?
Are you building something innovative with AI? Apply to pitch your business live at this year’s competition for a chance to win a $50,000 AWS AI services prize package and gain exposure to a panel of judges, industry leaders, and the local business community.

Spots are limited—submit your application here: https://luma.com/73pr747j

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Friday, May 8 – Closing Celebration

📍 Trainwreck | ⏰ 4:00 – 6:00 PM
💸 $25

Wrap up the week with a networking celebration at Trainwreck! Enjoy a cash bar (with one drink ticket per guest), light refreshments, a chance to connect with peers and partners, and maybe a door prize or two!