Entrepreneurs attending a Q&A workshop and receiving constructive criticism and feedback on their marketing ideas. Photo courtesy of the Minority Business Expo.

The countdown has begun for the 2026 Minority Business Expo this weekend at the SpringHill Suites, 511 W Lime St, Lakeland, FL 33815.

This year marks the third annual Minority Business Expo — powered by The Well Center for Business & Culture, a hub committed to the empowerment of entrepreneurs who are underserved and underrepresented in the Polk County area. This year's theme, “Mindset & Momentum: Building Together,” is a curated two-day event designed to “uplift, equip, and connect minority entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders.”

The Well Center for Business & Culture is located at 114 E Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33801. Photo courtesy of the Minority Business Expo.

The weekend workshop has been intentionally designed as a transformative movement, with the goals of purpose, progress, and possibility for all who attend. Here's what to expect from this weekend's line-up:

• Friday, June 5th - Expo & Information Session: Friday launches with a powerful Expo & Information Session, bringing together vendors, workshops, and organizations dedicated to business growth and development. The evening transitions into a vibrant B2B Networking Mixer at The WELL — where connections are built, collaborations are sparked, and opportunities come to life.

• Saturday, June 6th - Community Impact Gala: Saturday culminates in an elegant Gala Event, celebrating excellence, honoring achievements, and inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

In addition to the planned events, there will also be a “Quick Pitch Business Competition” hosted on Friday at 6 p.m., located at the Well — 114 E Parker St, Lakeland, FL 33801. Here, entrepreneurs have 5 minutes to pitch their creative models to a panel of judges and, afterward, answer a 3-minute Q&A to demonstrate their expertise and knowledge. With a $25 entry fee, entrepreneurs can gain exposure, receive valuable feedback, and win $500 for their pitch.

The Minority Business Expo offers innovators a chance to turn their ideas into reality. Don’t miss the opportunity to network and collaborate this Friday through Saturday. 

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