The East Bay / Bay Area / Northern California heads into 2026 with a strong lineup of free and low-cost events and resources designed to help contractors and small business owners grow, network and stay competitive. This Spring and Summer, local agencies and business organizations will host workshops, outreach events, and networking opportunities focused on public contracting, business development, financing, and compliance. These gatherings are designed to give contractors and entrepreneurs direct access to industry insights, upcoming project details, and practical tools to help strengthen and scale their businesses while building meaningful connections within the local business community.
We’ve listed a number of these free and low-cost events below:
Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN): Contractor Forum and Training
This event provides contractors with updates on programs and incentives, hands-on training for heat pump water heater installation, and strategies for selling electrification technology.
Location: Cypress Mandela Training Center, Inc., 977 66th Avenue, Oakland, CA 94621
DATE: Thursday, May 28, from 3 pm to 6:30 pm
Cost: Free
San Francisco Small Business Expo 2026
The Bay Area’s largest business networking event, combining workshops with a bustling trade show you don’t want to miss. Come join other passionate bay area small business owners and learn how to increase revenue & grow your business. We foster collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and business development within the small business community by featuring keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive sessions addressing various aspects of entrepreneurship, including:
- Marketing strategies
- Sales growth
- Leadership
- Financial management
- Technology integration and more
A unique space for small businesses to thrive, connect, and learn. Attendees discover innovative solutions to challenges they may face in the competitive market. Whether seeking exposure, partnerships, or resources, attendees can leverage this event to enhance their entrepreneurial journey.
Location: South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
DATE: Thursday, June 25, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Cost: Free
Association of General Contractors (AGC) California Chapter: Small/Underrepresented Business (SUB) Virtual Forum
Join AGC of California’s SUB Forum, which is free and open to anyone in the construction industry. Why attend:
- Expert Insights: Learn from industry experts.
- Real-Life Success Stories: Hear real accounts from businesses that have successfully navigated these opportunities.
- Interactive Sessions: Engage in Q&A sessions to get personalized advice and network with potential partners.
- Actionable Takeaways: Walk away with practical tips and strategies to implement in your business immediately.
DATE: Thursday, July 23, from 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: Free
Association of General Contractors (AGC) California Chapter: Small Business Construction Expo (SBCX) 2026
SBCX is where the momentum begins. SBCX connects Small/Underrepresented Businesses (SUBs) with the partners, projects, and opportunities shaping California’s future. Connect directly with public agencies, prime contractors, and specialty trades from across California. Get insider access to upcoming opportunities, build relationships that matter, and gain insights to grow your business and secure contracts.
Cost: $15
Location: Hilton Anaheim, 777 W Convention Way, Anaheim, CA 92802
DATE: Friday, August 28, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC): Small & Diverse Business Expo 2026
The CPUC conducts small business expos to promote procurement opportunities and educate businesses on important topics such as how to do business with state agency, utility, and other entity. The purpose of the expos is to:
- Help connect small and diverse businesses to utility, government, and other entity procurement specialists.
- Educate small and diverse businesses on the benefits of becoming certified as a small, women, minority, disabled veteran, LGBT, and/or persons with disabilities business.
- Enlighten small and diverse businesses of utilities and other entities’ best business practices and “how to get in the door.”
- Inform small and diverse businesses of utility, government, and other entity contract opportunities.
- Provide networking with other business owners.
Location: South San Francisco Conference Center, 255 S Airport Blvd, South San Francisco, CA 94080
DATE: September 30, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Cost: Free