CapacityCon 2026

The landscape of entrepreneurship, community building, and nonprofit development has changed. Budgets are tighter. Needs are bigger. And the truth is… waiting for someone else to figure it out is no longer an option.

That’s why Capacity Time 2026 is all about taking bold action. Our theme, We Don’t Wait. We Work., is not just a mantra—it’s a movement.

This event is built for the doers:

The ecosystem builders looking for stronger partnerships.

The nonprofits navigating reduced funding but rising community needs.

The entrepreneur support organizations rethinking what “capacity” really looks like in an ever-changing world.

We’re coming together to collaborate, fund, support, and work toward a better reality for ourselves and those we serve. This isn’t networking for the sake of it. This is purpose-driven connection and execution-focused conversation.

ATTENDEES SHOULD EXPECT

-Expert-Led Sessions: Learn from industry leaders and gain insights into the latest strategies for capacity building and organizational efficiency.

-Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded professionals throughout the state and expand your network to foster collaboration and support.

-Hands-On Workshops: Participate in interactive sessions designed to provide practical, actionable plans that you can implement right away.

-Energy Enhancing Lunch: Our Give It Get It Lunch allows you time to see where collaboration really is, while enjoyed tasry bites and sips with your fellow ecosystem partners. Meet someone new or catch up with old friends.

-Resource-Rich Environment: Access a wealth of resources, including a comprehensive CapacityCon manual, to guide your organization's growth and development.

AGENDA

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM | Registration & Breakfast

Kick off the day with networking over breakfast! Connect with fellow attendees, speakers, and business leaders as we prepare for a day of learning, collaboration, and action.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM | Fireside Chat

Hosted by Chisa Pennix-Brown, this engaging conversation will explore the vital role of Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in creating connected and sustainable business ecosystems. Learn how local, regional, and national collaboration can drive economic growth and business success.

10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Break

Recharge and get ready for the next interactive session.

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | Calendar Collision

This is the time for you to bring out your calendars and share what you have coming up that is already planned for 2026. Dates are up, venues are booked, and registration is ready. This exercise will provide us with a real community calendar of events and allow us to see what is happening in real time.

10:45 AM – 11:15 AM | The Questions

Led by LaShon Harley This engaging session will pose a series of questions that will get you thinking about how you and your organization show up in the ecosystem and find pathways for you to think more collaboratively.

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM | Mental Wealth Break

Take a moment to network and refresh before diving into funding strategies.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Meet Your Metrics & Funding Strategies

Led by La-Tasha Best-Gaddy

This powerful session will help ESOs and entrepreneurs define success metrics, identify funding sources, and create sustainable growth strategies. Learn from top experts how to align your business goals with financial opportunities, understand what funders look for, and position yourself for financial sustainability. This session will also highlight how the Give It Get It Membership helps business owners track their progress, access funding resources, and build meaningful business connections.

12:30 PM – 1:15 PM | Give It Get It Lunch

A unique lunch experience focused on mental wellness for entrepreneurs and business leaders. Enjoy a delicious meal while engaging in conversations about how you can Give It & Get It for your organization or business.

1:15 PM – 3:15 PM | 90 Day Focus: Marketing & Collaboration

Led by Chisa Pennix-Brown, this hands-on workshop will help you develop a 90-day action plan for marketing and collaboration. Learn how to leverage partnerships, streamline content, and use AI-driven marketing strategies to elevate your brand and increase engagement.

3:15 PM – 4:00 PM | Wrap-Up & Feedback

A chance to reflect, share key takeaways, and provide feedback on the day’s sessions. Walk away with actionable insights, new connections, and a clear strategy to implement in your organization or business.