In celebration of National Small Business Week, the Women & Minority Small Business Market Inc. (WMSBM) will host Vend Con: Market Ready.
Money Smart: a three-part vendor development experience designed to equip small business owners with the tools, connections, and real-world experience needed to grow and succeed.
All three components of Vend Con will take place at the AMP at 16 Tech, guiding participants through a structured process of learning, practicing and executing their business strategies in one central location.
The experience begins with a Vendor Education Conference on May 2, 2026, where participants will receive foundational training on relevant topics. The day will also introduce practical tools, including the use of artificial intelligence to streamline business operations.
On May 7, 2026, participants will attend a networking mixer designed to help them apply what they learned. The Stronger Together – Connection Affair mixer will include guided networking and opportunities to connect with fellow entrepreneurs and potential collaborators.
The experience concludes with a live vendor market. On June 27, 2026, at the Shop Until You Drop – Retail Experience, participants will put their knowledge into action by selling their products and engaging with customers in a real-world setting.
“Vend Con is about more than vending. It is about helping entrepreneurs become market-ready and money-smart,” said Jeana Ouattara, co-founder of WMSBM and production manager at the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. “We want vendors to walk away with confidence, strategy, and real experience they can build on.”
While each event can be attended individually, participants are strongly encouraged to complete all three experiences to maximize their growth and readiness for future opportunities.
The full Vend Con experience is offered at a founding year rate of $45, providing access to all three components. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Vend Con serves as WMSBM’s contribution to National Small Business Week programming in Indianapolis, and focuses on supporting women and minority-owned businesses through education, community, and economic opportunity.
For more information or to register, visit www.wmsbmarket.org/events.
 will host Vend Con: Market Ready. The full Vend Con experience is offered at a founding year rate of $45, providing access to all three components. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged. For more information or to register, visit www.wmsbmarket.org/events.){kind=link}