City of Ventura Launches Small Business Week With Events Supporting Local Businesses

The City of Ventura’s Economic Development team is celebrating Small Business Week, May 4-8, with a series of events and opportunities designed to support and connect the local business community.

“Small businesses are a vital part of Ventura’s economy and what makes our community unique,” said Meredith Hart, Economic Development Manager for the City of Ventura. “We’re committed to providing the resources, connections, and tools they need to succeed.”

On Tuesday, May 5, the Small Business Success Hub will be held at the Museum of Ventura County, located at 100 E. Main Street, with drop-in hours from 8:00 a.m. to noon. This free resource fair brings together City teams and partner organizations, giving business owners the opportunity to connect directly with experts and explore tools to support their growth. Participating organizations include the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Economic Ventures, Workforce Development Board of Ventura County, Economic Development Collaborative, and the Small Business Development Center of Ventura County, among others.

On Thursday, May 7, the Pivot and Prosper Workshop will take place from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at Palomino, located at 33 S. Palm Street. The workshop will feature keynote speaker Heidi Luerra, who will guide business owners in refreshing their business plans for today’s evolving environment. The session will include interactive discussion and real-time feedback. Attendance is free, but space is limited. Register online.

In addition to these events, the City is introducing Small Business Studio Sessions, a new year-round program offering one-on-one meetings with the Economic Development team. These sessions provide personalized guidance, local insights, and access to business data tools to help business owners make informed decisions.

The City is also launching the Showcase Your Small Business campaign, inviting local businesses to share their stories for a chance to be featured across the City’s social media platforms. Participating businesses can also request a free Small Business window decal designed to encourage community pride and support for local shopping.

For more information, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/SmallBusinessWeek.