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Launch Loudoun Small Business Summit Joins Entrepreneurs from Across Loudoun County

More than 200 entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community leaders gathered at The Lodge at Hanson Park on May 5 for the 2026 Launch Loudoun Small Business Summit, a day focused on connection, collaboration, and practical business growth strategies.

Hosted by Loudoun Economic Development’s Launch Loudoun program, the summit featured keynote speaker Kristen Hadeed, entrepreneur, leadership expert, and author of Permission to Screw Up. Hadeed shared lessons from building her business and encouraged attendees to embrace mistakes as part of the entrepreneurial journey while building stronger, more human-centered leadership cultures.

The event also included a panel discussion titled “Start. Scale. Soar: From Idea to Impact in Loudoun County,” moderated by Jen Polt and featuring local business leaders Becky Harris of Catoctin Creek Distilling Company, Dr. Nandini Selvam of The South Asian Herald, and Dr. Valerie Woo of NOVA Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Panelists shared candid insights about growing businesses in Loudoun County, overcoming challenges, and staying connected to the community while scaling their companies.

Designed to support businesses at every stage of growth, the summit provided attendees with practical takeaways, networking opportunities, and access to resources available through the Launch Loudoun program. The event quickly reached capacity, reflecting the continued momentum and energy within Loudoun County’s small business community.

Launch Loudoun continues to provide entrepreneurs with access to educational programming, networking opportunities, office hours, and personalized business support focused on key growth areas including finance, marketing, workforce development, leadership, and legal.

To learn more about Launch Loudoun and upcoming small business programming, visit Launch Loudoun.