This special event series is designed to equip small businesses with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to identify, prepare for, and capitalize on the economic opportunities that mega events like FIFA World Cup 2026™, the Super Bowl, and the Olympics bring to their cities. This four-part series delivers a step-by-step approach to help you build credibility, access capital, market effectively, and fulfill increased demand.
In-person workshops
Philadelphia | October 14, 2025
Convene 30 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, PA
This event will feature the workshop "Build to win: Crafting your capabilities statement for major contracts" by Twyla Garrett . In this workshop, participants will learn how to craft a compelling capabilities statement that speaks directly to decision-makers. Whether targeting FIFA vendors, local governments, or corporate buyers, this session equips entrepreneurs with a foundational tool they can use well beyond the event.
You'll also hear from local organizations including the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, Small Business Development Center at Temple University and Stimulus, Inc. who can help you understand the opportunities to get in the game in Philly.
Newark | October 15, 2025
53 Edison Place, Newark, NJ
This event will feature the workshop "Build to win: Crafting your capabilities statement for major contracts" by Twyla Garrett. In this workshop, participants will learn how to craft a compelling capabilities statement that speaks directly to decision-makers. Whether targeting FIFA vendors, local governments, or corporate buyers, this session equips entrepreneurs with a foundational tool they can use well beyond the event.
You'll also hear from local organizations including the New York/New Jersey World Cup Host Committee who can help you understand the opportunities to get in the game.
San Jose | October 21, 2025
12 N. San Pedro Street, San Jose, CA
This event will feature the workshop "Fulfillment Ready - Managing Inventory for High-Volume Opportunities" featuring Jessica Spaulding, Founder & CEO, Harlem Chocolate Factory. Learn how to build a proactive inventory and fulfillment strategy to meet large orders and demand spikes driven by major events like FIFA World Cup 2026™ while building lasting visibility for your brand.
You'll also hear from representatives from local organizations including the Bay Area World Cup Host Committee, the City of San Jose and the San Jose Chamber of Commerce who can help you understand the opportunities to get in the game.
Atlanta | October 28, 2025
2625 Circle 75 Parkway, Atlanta, GA
This event will feature the workshop "Your brand in play: Marketing strategies for major events and beyond" featuring Sharon Lee Thony of SLT Consulting. Learn how to craft marketing strategies such as themed campaigns and localized outreach that tap into the excitement of events like FIFA World Cup 2026™ while building lasting visibility for your brand.
You'll also hear from representatives from local organizations including the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce and Showcase Atlanta who can help you understand the opportunities to get in the game.
Miami | October 29, 2025
2916 N. Miami Ave. 6th FL, Miami, FL
This event will feature the workshop "Your brand in play: Marketing strategies for major events and beyond" featuring Sharon Lee Thony of SLT Consulting. Learn how to craft marketing strategies such as themed campaigns and localized outreach that tap into the excitement of events like FIFA World Cup 2026™ while building lasting visibility for your brand.
You'll also hear from representatives from local organizations who can help you understand the opportunities to get in the game.
Los Angeles | October 30, 2025
13031 W. Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
This event will feature the workshop "Build to win: Crafting your capabilities statement for major contracts" by Twyla Garrett . In this workshop, participants will learn how to craft a compelling capabilities statement that speaks directly to decision-makers. Whether targeting FIFA vendors, local governments, or corporate buyers, this session equips entrepreneurs with a foundational tool they can use well beyond the event.
You'll also hear from representatives from local organizations who can help you understand the opportunities to get in the game.
Virtual event workshops
Workshop 1
October 21, 2025
Build to win: Crafting your capabilities statement
Winning contracts tied to major events starts with presenting your business the right way. In this workshop, you will learn how to craft a compelling capabilities statement that speaks directly to decision-makers. Whether targeting FIFA World Cup 2026™ vendors, local governments, or corporate buyers, this session equips entrepreneurs with a foundational tool they can use well beyond the event.
By the end of this workshop, you'll be able to:
- Identify the six core components of a capability statement.
- Draft a preliminary version using the guided template.
- Evaluate a peer’s statement and provide constructive feedback.
- Refine your draft into a polished, event-ready statement that drives interest.
Workshop 2
October 28, 2025
Capital ready: Securing financing ahead of major events
Mega events create massive opportunity—but you need funding to scale. This workshop guides participants through evaluating their financial readiness, identifying the right financing sources, and preparing key documentation. We'll also explore how to budget for temporary staffing, increased payroll, and other event-related expenses. Attendees will walk away with a capital readiness checklist and actionable next steps to secure the funds needed to meet demand.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the financing pathways for small businesses.
- Understand the elements of capital readiness.
- Complete a readiness checklist.
- Evaluate your business’s strengths and gaps.
Workshop 3
Nov 4, 2025
Your brand in play: Marketing strategies for mega-events and beyond
Get your brand on the field—literally. This workshop helps small businesses craft marketing strategies that tap into the excitement of events like FIFA World Cup 2026™ while building lasting visibility. From themed campaigns to localized outreach, participants will learn how to attract attention, create promotions that convert, and turn short-term exposure into long-term growth.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to:
- Develop a holistic approach to event marketing and leverage that power to build lasting brand value.
- Clarify your marketing goals, budget, and timeline.
- Align your marketing campaigns to the context of the moment and with clear messaging.
- Measure your success and lessons-learned for future events.
Workshop 4
November 11, 2025
Fulfillment ready: Managing inventory for high-volume opportunities
When opportunity knocks, will you have the inventory to deliver? In this workshop, participants will learn how to forecast demand, source materials, and manage inventory during high-volume periods like FIFA World Cup 2026™. We’ll cover how to avoid supply chain bottlenecks, reduce risk, and scale responsibly so businesses are ready to fulfill large orders when visibility and demand peak.
By the end of this workshop, you’ll be able to:
- Evaluate how to right-size your fulfillment strategy to reduce risk.
- Forecast sales and build relationships to meet large orders.
- Create inventory management strategies to address costs and demand spikes.