The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will host the 2024 Innovation Ecosystem Summit on November 14 and 15. This virtual event is free and aims to connect entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) from both public and private sectors to exchange insights, collaborate, and strengthen the nation's innovation ecosystem.

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, head of the SBA, stated that "Innovation is the engine that drives our national and economic security, and it is small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs that drive ideas and R&D into viable, highly productive businesses." She emphasized the importance of SBA as a catalyst for American innovation. The summit will gather leaders from various sectors to develop strategies and channel resources necessary for global competitiveness.

Bailey DeVries, Associate Administrator for SBA's Office of Investment and Innovation, highlighted the significance of trusted partnerships in expanding access to resources needed for deep-tech innovation. "The SBA’s role as a catalyst and connector for private sector innovation and growth has never been more important," she said.

The summit will feature fireside chats, rapid-fire presentations, panel discussions, and breakout sessions aimed at providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of innovation ecosystems. Topics include global competition in ecosystems, asset mapping for regional advantages, capital acquisition strategies, supporting hard technology small businesses, licensing federal technology transfer, building diverse ecosystems, federal funding primers for ESOs, among others.

Speakers will include industry experts from national and international organizations like the Ecosystem Building Leadership Network and the Global Entrepreneurship Network.

For further details on scheduling or registration for the summit: https://innovationecosystemsummit.vfairs.com/