Vanessa McNeal, Speaker, Certified Life Coach, and Faculty at mindbodygreen Institute

The Readiness Myth
You've been waiting to feel ready—ready to take that leap, launch that idea, or claim the success you've earned—but what if that feeling of readiness you're chasing is actually the very thing keeping you stuck? Your biggest competition isn't in the marketplace, it's in your mind, where invisible forces quietly sabotage your potential before you even step into the arena. In this eye-opening keynote, you'll discover the surprising science behind why your brain keeps you waiting in the wings and learn to recognize the hidden patterns that masquerade as wisdom but are actually rooted in outdated survival mechanisms. Through a blend of neuroscience, compassionate insight, and real talk about the inner game we all play, you'll walk away with a radically different relationship to readiness itself—feeling lighter, more connected to your authentic power, and equipped with the permission you've been waiting for someone else to give you.

10:15 a.m. | Break

10:30 a.m. | Session One: Marketing & Media

Startup Track — Foundations: From “what do I say?” to “here’s my pitch.” Clarify your brand identity, craft your origin story, and leave with foundational marketing pieces that make you findable and credible. Best for founders still shaping their offer and voice.

Panelists: Lexi Marek-Beeler, Ashley Craft, Lisa Taft, & Natalina Sents-Bausch

Scaling Track — Strategic Growth: Upgrade from ad-hoc marketing to a system. Learn how to evaluate hiring needs, set goals and budgets, and choose the right channels and materials for a scaling brand. Best for established businesses aiming to expand capacity and increase consistent demand.

Panelists: Amber Selman, Barb Determan, & Delaney Howell

11:15 a.m. | Session Two: Financial Literacy

Startup Track — Foundations: Your capital roadmap, minus the jargon. Compare funding paths (banks, CDFIs, SBA, grants), build a simple ask, and leave with a lender checklist you can use immediately to be ‘lender-ready’. Plus, we will uncover insurance basics to cover your key exposures. We’ll also build a simple hiring model to decide if it’s time to bring someone on, including a clear ROI so you know when a new seat pays for itself. Best for side-hustlers and new businesses building their first financial toolkit.

Panelists: Jennifer Thomas, Melissa Johnson, & Emily Schwickerath

Scaling Track — Strategic Growth: In this session, we will discuss not only the mechanics of succession planning but also the reasons why succession planning is critical, but often difficult to focus on.  We will delve into the process for business owners to develop their succession plans, with a focus on valuation and drivers of value.  Additionally, we will look at why having a well-funded plan in place can be critical for business owners.  This session will also cover the different types of buyers, such as family members, business insiders, and outside buyers, as well as the challenges and opportunities unique to each situation. Featuring insights from Nationwide’s Technical Director, Gail Brannock.

12:00 p.m. | Lunch & Lighting Resource Round

Lightning Resource Round
Refuel and connect over lunch while discovering powerful business resources available right here in Iowa and beyond. During this “speed-dating” style session, you’ll hear quick-hitting presentations from programs like the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, Drake Business Clinic, Iowa Center for Economic Success, and more. In just a few minutes each, they’ll spotlight the tools, training, and opportunities they offer to help you grow and strengthen your business.

Presenter: Chase Spencer, Program Manager, Entrepreneurship Centers, Drake University
The Drake Business Clinic is an 11-week program designed for entrepreneurs who are just starting out or ready to take their business to the next level. Through a comprehensive, hands-on approach with weekly topics, mentorship, and a strong support community, the clinic helps business owners clarify ideas, solve problems, and build a solid foundation for growth.

Presenter: Jacki Boldt, Executive Director, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a national education program provided to small business owners focused on growth.  Iowa's 12-week program provides a best-in-class curriculum directly applicable to your business.  Through the program, you will work closely with other like-minded small business owners from across the state, experiencing the same challenges and focused on the same goals.  Additionally, business advisors provide individualized support and guidance throughout the entire program at no cost. 

1:00 p.m. | Session Three: Business Development

Startup Track (Foundations): Turn outreach from awkward to natural. You’ll map your ideal customer, craft value-first messages, and set up a simple, repeatable pipeline. We’ll define who you target, what you offer, how you follow up, and how you ask for introductions. You’ll leave with a lightweight business development system: referrals, weekly activity goals, and three plug-and-play emails you can send tomorrow. Best for early-stage builders who want a repeatable process without the complexity.

Scaling Track (Strategic Growth): Professionalize your pipeline. Get clarity on segments, the KPIs that matter, and the sequence of first hires. Explore the right mix of channels to build sustainable growth. Best for teams aiming to expand capacity and protect margins.

1:45 p.m. | Break

2:00 p.m. | Networking Roundtables

Moderated by event partners and sponsors

3:15 p.m. | Fireside Chat

Charise Flynn, COO and Co-Founder of Hummingbirds

4:00 p.m. | Final Remarks