The Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce will gather businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders from across Western New York at the Kenan Civic Arena next month for its 2026 Small Business Expo.
Since relaunching in 2024 with approximately 125 attendees, the Small Business Expo has grown each year, attracting nearly 200 participants in 2025. This year, organizers are aiming to welcome more than 300 attendees and 50 exhibitors, making it the largest expo to date.
This year’s keynote speaker is local sports industry executive Pat Mathews, president and CEO of Sports Leaders of Tomorrow (S.L.O.T.) and a member of the United Football League’s football operations team.
Mathews brings more than 25 years of experience in the sports industry, including 16 years with the Buffalo Bills and four years in leadership roles with the XFL and United Football League. Through Sports Leaders of Tomorrow, Mathews is working to develop the next generation of leaders in the sports industry through education, workforce development, mentorship, networking and access to real-world opportunities.
“The Small Business Expo is really about giving business owners and professionals permission to step away from the day-to-day for a few hours and focus on where their business is going next,” said Ryan Guerinot, executive director of the Niagara USA Chamber of Commerce. “The growth we’ve seen over the past several years shows how much value businesses place on opportunities to connect, learn from one another and build relationships that can support future success.
“Having Pat Mathews join us adds another dimension to that conversation because his experience in professional sports, leadership and developing people translates directly to the challenges businesses face every day.”
The Small Business Expo takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kenan Civic Arena in Lockport.
The event is designed as a full day of education, networking and business development, the Small Business Expo, presented by M&T Bank, gives business owners and professionals an opportunity to step away from their daily routines and spend time working on their businesses rather than simply working in them.
Businesses and organizations interested in reaching a broad audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders and community partners are invited to participate as exhibitors or sponsors. Exhibitor tables are available for $250 on a first-come, first-served basis, and sponsorship opportunities are available at multiple levels.
For more information, visit https://niagarachamber.org/events/niagara-usa-chamber-of-commerce-small-businessexpo-2026/ .