More than a pop-up:
a marketplace, learning hub & growth experience for Michigan entrepreneurs.
Join a vibrant, affordable, community-centered Expo built to help entrepreneurs get seen, make sales, meet customers and peers, learn from experts, and connect with resources for what comes next.
Michigan Black Expo/Summit.
Key dates for vendors
- Oct 14–Nov 8Free Vendor Table Contest2026
- Nov 12–15Winners + Early Access2026
- Nov 16Public registration opens2026
- Dec 18Early bird ends, if approved2026
- Jan 22Registration closes2027
- Jan 29Table + load-in details2027
Win a vendor table.
We are planning to give three Michigan small businesses a place to get seen, make sales, and build real connections. Tell us, in a few sentences, what a table at the Expo would do for your business.
Planned entry window: October 14 through November 8, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Winners announced November 12. Subject to approved official rules.
Your next opportunity starts here.
Form preview. Entry details and official rules will be available before launch.
One day. More visibility.
More customers.
More connections.
The Emerge Small Business Expo brings Michigan entrepreneurs and the community together to shop, sell, connect, learn, and grow.
This is more than a vendor pop-up. It is a community-centered marketplace where small business owners showcase products, reach new customers, build peer relationships, learn from experts, and connect to resources.
Choose the path that fits you.
Vendor or attendee. There is a place for you here.
Choose your experience
Business owner? Join the vendor waitlist. Coming to shop and connect? Get Expo updates.
Get ready
Vendors prepare their business details and use the Vendor Playbook. Attendees get event updates.
Show up & engage
Sell and shop, meet customers and peers, attend expert conversations, and make connections.
Find your next step
Use the relationships and Emerge resource connections to keep moving forward.
Stay connected
Emerge follows up so your Expo experience becomes an entry point to longer-term support.
Coming for the Summit?
Make room for the Expo.
The planned 2027 partnership brings the Expo into the Michigan Black Expo/Summit experience, with Expo access included for Summit ticket holders through their wristband.
Not attending the Summit? Expo-only tickets are planned, with sales opening December 1.
Partner language, wristband access, and ticket pricing are pending final confirmation.
MORE OPPORTUNITY.
Shop. Connect. Learn. Grow.
VENDOR
PLAYBOOKBEFORE · DURING · AFTER
Your next opportunity, planned.
Get Expo-ready before
you reserve your table.
A practical before, during, and after checklist for turning one Expo day into sales, leads, and lasting connections.
- Set your Expo goals and must-do targets
- Prepare your offer, pricing, signage, and payments
- Build a simple lead-capture plan
- Follow up within 24–48 hours
- Pack with confidence and use your post-Expo scorecard
Download form preview. Planned release: November 2, 2026.
Michigan.
Coming from across Michigan?
Bring your business to a community built around connection. Meet potential customers and fellow entrepreneurs, explore practical resources, and make the day part of your next stage of growth.
A vendor table is proposed at $75. The final venue, program, and vendor package will be shared before registration so you can plan with confidence.
See the energy.
Real businesses. Real conversations. A community moving forward.
Photos from Emerge community events.
Approved testimonials and confirmed partner marks will complete this section.
Built to give Michigan entrepreneurs more access.
Emerge Innovation Hub created the Small Business Expo to help entrepreneurs, especially those in smaller and more rural communities, gain access to visibility, customers, peers, and resources they may not reach consistently on their own.
Everything you want to know.
Who is the Expo for?
Michigan entrepreneurs at every stage, plus shoppers, supporters, resource partners, and community members.
How much is a vendor table?
The proposed vendor rate is $75. Final pricing and any early bird offer will be announced before registration opens.
How much are attendee tickets?
Expo-only admission is proposed at $10. Final pricing will be confirmed before ticket sales open, planned for December 1, 2026.
I have a Michigan Black Summit ticket. Do I need a separate Expo ticket?
The planned partnership includes Expo access for Summit ticket holders using their wristband. Final access and check-in details will be confirmed.
How does the Free Vendor Table Contest work?
The planned contest offers three free vendor tables. Entries are scheduled for October 14 through November 8, with winners announced November 12. No purchase is necessary. Official rules and eligibility will be available before entries open.
I am not local. Is it worth the drive?
The Expo is designed to connect businesses from across Michigan with customers, peers, experts, and resource partners. Watch for the confirmed program and venue details as you plan your trip.
When and where is the Expo?
Friday, February 5, 2027 is the working event date, with Benton Harbor, Michigan as the planned host city. The venue and event hours will be announced after confirmation.
What is included with a vendor table?
The Expo centers on visibility, customer conversations, sales opportunities, and resource connections. Table specifications, setup instructions, and the final vendor package will be shared before registration.
What kind of programming can I expect?
The plan includes a marketplace, expert conversations, networking, and connections to business resources. The final schedule and speakers will be announced.
Is this a good fit for a new business?
Yes. The Expo is designed for entrepreneurs at different stages, including first-time vendors. The Vendor Playbook will help you prepare your offer, display, and follow-up plan.
What is the Expo-Ready Vendor Playbook?
A free before, during, and after checklist covering your Expo goals, pricing and display, lead capture, packing, follow-up, and a post-Expo scorecard.
What happens after the Expo?
Emerge plans to follow up with resources, connection opportunities, and next steps so entrepreneurs can keep building after event day.
See you in Benton Harbor.
Make room for your business, your next idea, and the people who can help it grow.
Be the first to know.
Signup preview. The live form will open with the Expo launch.