Small business owners, policymakers and industry leaders will gather in Indianapolis on Wednesday, June 24, for Empowering America’s Small Businesses to Succeed in the AI Economy, an event focused on how AI and digital tools can support small business growth.

Hosted by Verizon, the event will bring together public- and private-sector leaders for a practical conversation about how small businesses can use technology to improve operations, build capacity and compete in an increasingly AI-driven economy.

The program will feature remarks and perspectives from leaders including Gov. Mike Braun, U.S. Sen. Todd Young, TechPoint President and CEO Eric Christopher and Verizon Chief Responsible Business Officer Donna Epps. The event will also include a live Small Business Digital Ready workshop, giving attendees a closer look at AI tools and digital resources designed for small business needs.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, June 24, 2026
Time: Doors open at 12:30 p.m.; program runs from 1 to 3:15 p.m.
Location: Mavris Arts & Event Center, 121 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN 46204

Speakers

  • Gov. Mike Braun
  • U.S. Sen. Todd Young, video remarks
  • Eric Christopher, President and CEO, TechPoint
  • Donna Epps, Chief Responsible Business Officer, Verizon
  • Ose Idigbe, Senior Director, Next Street
  • Tony Lewis, Vice President of Public Policy, Verizon
  • Tristen O’Brien, VBG Solutions Specialist, Cybersecurity & AI, Verizon
  • Vanessa Sinders, President and CEO, Indiana Chamber of Commerce
  • Brandon Taylor, Executive Director, LISC Indiana
  • Sharon Lee Thony, Founder and CEO, SLT Consulting
  • Jetta Vaughn, Owner, Jetta V Ent. LLC

Verizon will provide a complimentary boxed lunch and refreshments. Attendees are responsible for ensuring that their acceptance of these items complies with any applicable ethics rules.

Register for the Event