Watson Institute

06/20/2026

2 days, Chicago. Are you ready? 🎤

In just two days, 15 small business owners from Chicago, Washington D.C., and Baltimore will take the stage to share the businesses they’ve built, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the impact they’re creating in their communities.

Get ready for:
✨ Live pitches
🤝 Meaningful networking
👀 Special guests
🎁 Giveaways
🍽️ Hors d’oeuvres & refreshments
🛍️A business expo featuring products, services, and exclusive offers

Limited FREE seats remain, register now https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com

06/20/2026

Today is World Refugee Day. 🌍

A day to recognize the resilience, leadership, and vision of those building change in communities around the world and the leaders standing with them.

The 2026 Western Union Global Fellowship was built for changemakers like these.

The priority application deadline is coming up fast. Don't wait.

Fully funded. 16 weeks. Global impact.

Apply now! https://watson.is/western-union-global-fellowship-application/

06/18/2026

The panel is set! 🔥

We’re excited to reveal the judges who will be evaluating 15 small business owners at the first-ever Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Summit in Chicago, as they take the stage to share the businesses they’ve built and the impact they’re creating across their communities.

This live pitch competition brings together small business owners from Chicago, Washington D.C., and Baltimore, showcasing how they are increasing access to financial products and services and amplifying other small businesses in their communities. At the end of the evening, three winners will receive cash prizes.

Meet this year’s judges:
Erica Trejo, Wells Fargo’s Senior Vice President, Community Relations Chief Strategy Officer
Brad McConnell, CEO, Allies for Community Business
Irene Sherr, Deputy Bureau Chief, Cook County Bureau of Economic Development
Dwayne Griffith, Watson Institute's Vice President of Programs

Are you ready?
This is a free event, but seats are limited. Learn more and register at the link in bio.
📍 David Rubenstein Forum
📅 Monday, June 22, 2026
🕒 4:00-7:00 PM CT
https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com

06/17/2026

Meet the small business owners taking the stage at the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Summit in Chicago! 🎤

Together, this year's Fellows have raised nearly $9M, created 181+ jobs, and delivered over 65,000 hours of technical assistance. And this is only the start.

On June 22, fifteen of these small business owners will present their ventures to an audience. Live pitches, real stories, real impact. You'll hear what they built, why they built it, and what it took to get here.

You'll also be in a room with local business owners, esteemed community leaders, funders, mentors, and organizations — all who believe that when you support small businesses, you build stronger communities.

This is an exclusive, limited-seat experience.
Join us on June 22 👉 https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com

Tickets are FREE but going fast.

06/17/2026

The momentum from Atlanta was incredible, and we're not done yet! 🚀

We are one week away from the 2025–2026 Truist Foundation Fellowship Summit Virtual Showcase!
💻 Watch-from-anywhere. Live chat networking opportunities. Remarks from Lynette Bell, Truist Foundation President. High-level of inspiration. Witness a dedicated lineup of founders building ventures that matter… from the comfort of your home (or office)!

June 24 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET | Crowdcast

This event is free to attend. Can't make it live? Register anyway and we'll send the full recording straight to your inbox.

Register here: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/26-tff-summit

06/16/2026

Melissa Picciola and LANE will be joining us on Monday, June 22, at the first-ever Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Summit in Chicago!

Taking place at the David Rubenstein Forum from 4:00-7:00 PM, this Summit is an opportunity to hear directly from small business owners driving meaningful change across Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. Through the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship, these entrepreneurs have gained the training, capital, and support needed to grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen their communities.

What to expect:
🎤 Live Fellow Pitches – Hear directly from small business owners across Chicago, Washington D.C., and Baltimore sharing what they've built and the impact they've made
🎙️ Exclusive Lakeside Chat – Feauturing Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Kimelyn Harris, Wells Fargo's Head of Small Business Growth Philanthropy, for an intimate conversation on economic opportunity and building thriving communities
🤝 Meaningful Connections – Fellows, community leaders, funders, mentors, partners, and key stakeholders all in one room
🛍️ Local Business Expo – Discover and shop local businesses showcasing their products, services, and special offerings
🍽️ Sips & Bites – Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
🎁 Giveaways – Expect exciting prizes throughout the evening!

Whether you're a business owner, community leader, aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking to connect with others who care about economic opportunity and community impact, this event is for you.

🎟️ FREE admission. Limited seats available. Grab your ticket now before it's too late! https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com

06/06/2026

See you in 5 DAYS, Atlanta 🏙️

The 2025–2026 Truist Foundation Fellowship Summit In-Person Showcase is almost here, and we are ready to welcome you!

June 11 | 6:00–9:00 PM ET | The Gathering Spot, Atlanta, GA

🎤Live Truist Foundation Fellow pitches
🏦Keynote remarks from Kathy Farrell, Head of Truist Asset Finance and Truist Foundation Board Chair
💜Alumni spotlight from 2024 Truist Foundation Fellowship Alumna Kacie Lauders, Founder of Cool be Cool
🎶Music Performance by National Collegiate Entertainers Group
🤝Face-to-face connections with entrepreneurs, funders, and community builders.
🍽️Sips & bites
🎁 First 50 guests through the door will receive a special gift bag
🍨First 100 guests through the door will receive a free King of Pops popsicle

This event is free and open to all, but space is limited. If you haven't grabbed your ticket yet, don’t wait!

Get your ticket here:

National Footprint. Local Stage.

06/01/2026

Meet the entrepreneurs taking the stage 👏
The 2025–2026 Truist Foundation Fellowship Summits, powered by Watson Institute, features 31 Founders pitching the ventures they've built to strengthen small businesses, create career pathways to economic mobility, and foster thriving communities across Truist Foundation's national footprint.

In-Person Showcase → Atlanta, GA | June 11 | 6:00–9:00 PM ET
Virtual Showcase → Crowdcast | June 24 | 10:30 AM–12:30 PM ET

Both events are free. Both are powerful.

RSVP for In-Person: https://26-tff-summit.eventbrite.com
RSVP for Virtual: https://www.crowdcast.io/c/26-tff-summit

05/27/2026

Dear Chicago,

Something special is coming your way.

For the first time ever, the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Summit is landing in your city — and it's bringing small business owners from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Chicago together on one stage.

These are your neighbors. Your community members. People who saw a need, built something from scratch, and never stopped showing up.

Together, they've raised nearly $9M and created 181+ jobs. On June 22, they'll share their stories. And you're invited.

This evening is for the dreamers still figuring it out. For the builders already in the middle of it. For the supporters who know that when small businesses win, whole communities win.

🎤 Live Fellow pitches
🤝 Curated networking
🍽️ Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
👀 Special guest you won't want to miss

Free admission. Limited seats. First 30 registrants get a special gift!

Secure your FREE spot now! https://wfsbf-summit.eventbrite.com

05/21/2026

Chicago, this one's for you! 🏙️

For the first time ever, the Wells Fargo Small Business Fellowship Summit comes to the city. Small business owners from Washington D.C., Baltimore, and Chicago will take the stage to share the businesses they've built and the communities they've changed.

28 Fellows. Nearly $9M raised. 181+ jobs created.

This is a free event built for business owners, community leaders, funders, and anyone who believes that backing small businesses builds stronger communities.

🎤 Live Fellow pitches
🤝 Curated networking
🍽️ Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments
👀 Special guests you won't want to miss

Seats are limited — and the first 30 registrants get a special gift! Plus, expect giveaways and raffles throughout the evening!

Don't wait on this one. Secure your FREE spot now!

Wells Fargo and Watson Institute are opening their doors, and this year, Chicago is where it all comes together.