Agenda

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Welcome: Small Business Growth
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Rob McCabe, Chief Banking Officer & Vice Chairman of the Board, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Small businesses nationwide drive market growth and prosperity within their communities. As this week kicks-off 2026 Small Business Week across the U.S., Pinnacle Financial Partners and Bank Director invite you to Nashville for our inaugural Small Business Summit. Connect with industry experts, discover growth strategies and embrace innovative ideas.

8:35 AM – 9:15 AM
Economic Update
Economic headwinds have impacted businesses across the country, from tariffs to the unforeseen impacts of climate events, from the use of artificial intelligence to inventory and supply chain management. During this session, we navigate the current economic landscape and explore trends impacting small businesses. Stay informed and gain the knowledge needed to thrive in a changing market. Prepare your business for an evolving future with actionable takeaways.

9:15 AM – 9:55 AM
The Cost of Doing Business
Rick Arthur, EVP, Consumer and Small Business Banking, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Bonnie Horton, Owner and Operator, Drybar
Tiny Irwin, Proprietor, Southern Whiskey Society
Brian Moyer, Founder and Managing Partner, Moyer & Company LLC
Matt Proctor, Small Business Program Manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
During this session, we hear from a panel of small business owners as we delve into critical expenses affecting small enterprises. Learn to manage operational costs, optimize budget strategies and boost profitability – all while meeting customer expectations. Gain practical insights to navigate financial challenges and ensure your business’s sustainable growth in today’s competitive landscape.

9:55 AM – 10:35 AM
Financial Intelligence
Join us for an in-depth session on mastering the key financial aspects of your small business. Learn to better manage your balance sheet, understand your financials, enhance your operational efficiencies and optimize your cash flow to drive real results to your top and bottom line.

10:35 AM – 10:50 AM
Refreshment Break

10:50 AM – 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions
(Breakout Sessions run concurrently and are not repeated; please select one to attend.)

Breakout 1: Business Structure Options
Speaker To Be Announced, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Navigate the complexities of business structures in our comprehensive session. Understand the differences and benefits of LLCs, Subchapter S Corporations, C-Corps, S-Corps, charters and bylaws. Learn how to choose the right framework for your business needs to ensure optimal legal protection, tax advantages and operational efficiency.

Breakout 2: Vision & Strategic Planning
Craft your business’s future with clarity and purpose. In this session, learn to define a compelling mission and vision, outline strategic objectives and set long-term goals.

Breakout 3: Capital Raise – Making the Right Investments & Building Value
Unlock financial growth in our session on building market value. During this session, we dive into money management strategies, explore insurance benefits and navigate potential M&A opportunities. We also explore effective capital raising techniques and how to enhance your business’s liquidity.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Networking Lunch

12:30 PM – 1:10 PM
Utilizing Technology Effectively & Efficiently
Cory Kronheim, CEO, SM Advisors
Additional Speakers To Be Announced
Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Position your business for success in our tech-driven world.  During this engaging session, discover how to leverage technology and AI to boost your business’s efficiency. Uncover cutting-edge tools and best practices for integrating technology seamlessly and learn how AI can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences to drive growth.

1:10 PM – 1:50 PM
Fraud & Cybersecurity
Protect your business from emerging threats and learn essential strategies to safeguard your data, detect fraud and implement robust security measures.  During this session, we provide information to allow you to stay ahead of cyber risks with expert insights and practical tools, ensuring your business’s resilience.

2:00 PM – 2:40 PM
Breakout Sessions
(Breakout Sessions run concurrently and are not repeated; please select one to attend.)

Breakout 1: Providing THE BEST Customer Service
Jeff Molyneaux, Co-Founder & Executive Producer, Riverside Entertainment LLC
Larry Whisenant, Client Services Group Manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Michael Shinn, Co-Founder & COO, The Sanctuary Golf and Social
Moderated by: Courtney Theis, SVP, Financial Advisor, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Elevate your customer service to the highest standard of excellence. Learn key principles for delivering personalized, exceptional experiences that foster loyalty and satisfaction. Gain insights into creating a service culture that exceeds expectations, ensuring your business stands out through its commitment to quality and attention to every customer detail.

Breakout 2: Business Systems & Processes
Transform your business with streamlined systems and processes. This session focuses on optimizing workflows to reduce reliance on the owner, enhancing efficiency and scalability. Learn strategies to delegate effectively, automate tasks and build a self-sustaining operation, empowering your business to thrive independently and ensure long-term success.

Breakout 3: Contracts & Agreements
Ann Cargile, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
Master the art of crafting and managing essential contracts and agreements. This session covers leases, vendor contracts and agreements with customers and employees. Learn to protect your interests, ensure clarity and foster positive business relationships through well-structured legal documents. Equip your business with the tools needed for sustainable, secure partnerships.

2:40 PM – 2:55 PM
Refreshment Break

2:55 PM – 3:35 PM
Breakout Sessions
(Breakout Sessions run concurrently and are not repeated; please select one to attend.)

Breakout 1: Developing AI Use Cases for Your Business
Cory Kronheim, CEO, SM Advisors
During this session, SM Advisors demonstrates how businesses apply AI to unlock operational efficiencies and strategic growth. This interactive session explores practical, low-risk use cases using widely available and cost-effective tools. We’ll collaboratively design new, audience-driven use cases for those in the room – showing leaders how to move from abstract to AI concepts to concrete, value-crating initiatives.

Breakout 2: Insurance & Risk Mitigation
Navigate the complexities of business insurance and risk mitigation in this comprehensive session. Explore essential coverages, including General Liability, Professional Liability and Cyber Insurance. Learn to assess your risks effectively and select the right policies to protect your business against unforeseen challenges, ensuring long-term stability and peace of mind.

Breakout 3: Family-Owned Businesses: The Next Generation
Prepare your family-owned business for generational success. This session delves into strategies for smooth transitions, fostering leadership in the next generation and balancing tradition with innovation. Learn to create a sustainable legacy, ensuring your business thrives under future family stewardship while preserving core values and familial harmony.

3:45 PM – 4:25 PM
Data & Market Intelligence
Martin Wise, Founder/CEO, RelPro
Discover how to leverage data and market intelligence to identify new opportunities, understand your competition and make informed business decisions. During this session RelPro demonstrates practical approaches to gathering and analyzing market data, helping you target the right prospects, expand strategically, and stay ahead in an increasingly competitive landscape.

4:25 PM – 5:25 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
As we conclude day one of the Small Business Summit, join fellow business owners and industry leaders to connect and share best practices.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Registration & Breakfast

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Day Two Welcome: Thinking Beyond Your Market
As we kick off day two of the Small Business Summit, we share inspiring ideas for the audience to consider as they think about growth beyond their current markets.

8:35 AM – 9:50 AM
Daymond John’s 5 Shark Points:  Fundamentals for Success in Business and Life
Daymond John, The People’s Shark
Daymond John has been a phenomenally successful business person for over 25 years. Along his entrepreneurial journey, through his many successes as well as failures, he has learned about getting the best out of business and life. He believes the keys to his success include establishing the right mindset and following a few fundamental principles, which he calls his five “S.H.A.R.K. points.”

Get ready! Daymond John is going to share his unique goal-setting and achievement strategies, which will empower audience members to make positive changes in every aspect of their lives.

10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
Breakout Sessions
(Breakout Sessions run concurrently and are not repeated; please select one to attend.)

Breakout 1: Scaling and Growth Planning
Unlock your business’s potential as we explore strategies for sustainable expansion, from market analysis to resource optimization. Learn to set realistic growth targets, leverage technology and build scalable systems, ensuring your small business is prepared for successful and manageable growth in a competitive landscape.

Breakout 2: Accounting Need-to-Knows
Demystify essential accounting principles for small business owners.  During this session, we cover key components of financial statements, cash flow management and tax basics. Gain the confidence to make informed financial decisions and strengthen your business’s financial foundation.

Breakout 3: Loans & Financing
Tim McAuley, SVP and Small Business Lending Manager, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Hear from Pinnacle as they share best practices on how to secure loans, grants and build strong business credit. Learn strategies for managing debt wisely, enhancing financial stability and fueling growth. Equip your business with the knowledge to navigate financial resources effectively for sustained success.

10:40 AM – 10:55 AM
Refreshment Break

10:55 AM – 11:35 AM
Mental Health & Work Life Balance
Learn strategies to prevent burnout, manage stress and maintain healthy relationships. Discover practical approaches to balancing professional and personal demands, ensuring a fulfilling, harmonious life for success and happiness.

11:35 AM – 12:15 PM
Building A Strong Team
Kyle Chowning, President, ROOTs Academy LLC
Matthew Svoboda, Founder, CFPO Consulting LLC
Terry Turner, Chairman of the Board, Pinnacle Financial Partners
Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Explore strategies for nurturing talent, fostering a positive culture and optimizing organizational structure. Learn how to inspire leadership at all levels, leading to a cohesive and high-performing team poised for success and innovation in your business.

12:15 PM – 12:20 PM
Closing Remarks