SMBash - The Original Self-Funded Searcher & Operator Event

Get tickets

April 22-24

Rayleigh Underground

Dallas, TX

ABOUT

Where ambitious business buyers, operators, and investors come together to revolutionize the small business ecosystem.

SPEAKERS

SESSIONS

ATTENDEES

DAYS

A MESSAGE FROM THE HOSTS

WHAT'S ON

What to expect

Join us for a three day summit designed to spark ideas, forge partnerships, and shape what's next.

Visionary talks

Hear from acquirers, experienced operators, service providers, and more leading the way in small business.

Visionary talks

Hear from acquirers, experienced operators, service providers, and more leading the way in small business.

Practical workshops

Roll up your sleeves in interactive sessions focused on real-world tools and strategies.

Practical workshops

Roll up your sleeves in interactive sessions focused on real-world tools and strategies.

Purposeful networking

Connect with a like-minded community of entrepreneurs, investors, and operators.

Purposeful networking

Connect with a like-minded community of entrepreneurs, investors, and operators.

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Want to be involved?

Get in touch

TESTIMONIALS

“I’m so excited to be a part of SMBash! This is the event of the year for business owners and future business owners.”
“So, SMBash? Yeah, it was more than just panels and handshakes. It was the spark that's got us all charged up for the next big leap in our ETA adventures. And we're just getting warmed up.”
“SMBash was one of the best networking events I’ve been to so far. I met so many smart people and left with a ton of inspiration after these 3 days. It gave me new ideas and a fresh perspective.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of SMBash! This is the event of the year for business owners and future business owners.”
“So, SMBash? Yeah, it was more than just panels and handshakes. It was the spark that's got us all charged up for the next big leap in our ETA adventures. And we're just getting warmed up.”
“SMBash was one of the best networking events I’ve been to so far. I met so many smart people and left with a ton of inspiration after these 3 days. It gave me new ideas and a fresh perspective.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of SMBash! This is the event of the year for business owners and future business owners.”
“So, SMBash? Yeah, it was more than just panels and handshakes. It was the spark that's got us all charged up for the next big leap in our ETA adventures. And we're just getting warmed up.”
“SMBash was one of the best networking events I’ve been to so far. I met so many smart people and left with a ton of inspiration after these 3 days. It gave me new ideas and a fresh perspective.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of SMBash! This is the event of the year for business owners and future business owners.”
“So, SMBash? Yeah, it was more than just panels and handshakes. It was the spark that's got us all charged up for the next big leap in our ETA adventures. And we're just getting warmed up.”
“SMBash was one of the best networking events I’ve been to so far. I met so many smart people and left with a ton of inspiration after these 3 days. It gave me new ideas and a fresh perspective.”

“I’m so excited to be a part of SMBash! This is the event of the year for business owners and future business owners.”
“So, SMBash? Yeah, it was more than just panels and handshakes. It was the spark that's got us all charged up for the next big leap in our ETA adventures. And we're just getting warmed up.”
“SMBash was one of the best networking events I’ve been to so far. I met so many smart people and left with a ton of inspiration after these 3 days. It gave me new ideas and a fresh perspective.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of SMBash! This is the event of the year for business owners and future business owners.”
“So, SMBash? Yeah, it was more than just panels and handshakes. It was the spark that's got us all charged up for the next big leap in our ETA adventures. And we're just getting warmed up.”
“SMBash was one of the best networking events I’ve been to so far. I met so many smart people and left with a ton of inspiration after these 3 days. It gave me new ideas and a fresh perspective.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of SMBash! This is the event of the year for business owners and future business owners.”
“So, SMBash? Yeah, it was more than just panels and handshakes. It was the spark that's got us all charged up for the next big leap in our ETA adventures. And we're just getting warmed up.”
“SMBash was one of the best networking events I’ve been to so far. I met so many smart people and left with a ton of inspiration after these 3 days. It gave me new ideas and a fresh perspective.”
“I’m so excited to be a part of SMBash! This is the event of the year for business owners and future business owners.”
“So, SMBash? Yeah, it was more than just panels and handshakes. It was the spark that's got us all charged up for the next big leap in our ETA adventures. And we're just getting warmed up.”
“SMBash was one of the best networking events I’ve been to so far. I met so many smart people and left with a ton of inspiration after these 3 days. It gave me new ideas and a fresh perspective.”

SPEAKERS

Keynote speakers

Hear from some of the best minds across business.

All speakers

Chris Williams

System Six

CEO

Michael Girdley

Girdley Enterprises

Chairman and CEO

Michael Girdley

Girdley Enterprises

Chairman and CEO

Jacob Hall

Kando Capital

Managing Partner

All speakers

SMBash Keynote Speaker Small Business Conference

53Days

18Hours

36Minutes

14Seconds

53Days

18Hours

36Minutes

14Seconds

We’re proud to partner with an outstanding group of forward-thinking organizations.

All sponsors

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Become a sponsor

Get in touch

APRIL 22-24, 2026

Topics

Keynote Speech by Jacob Hall

Jacob Hall

Keynote Fireside Chat with Chris Williams

Chris Williams

Keynote: Lessons From 100 Failed Businesses

Michael Girdley

Deal Sourcing 101: Brokered Deals

Killing the Founder's Name: A Live Case Study in Rebranding Three Acquired Businesses

Rich Jordan

How To Be An Executive

Jacob Becker

War Stories from Decades in ETA

Jackie Hirsch

John Hannum

The Big D: SBA Debt Panel

Matthias Smith

Jared Johnson

Matthew Dolsky

So You Want to Build a HoldCo?

Danny Payne

Raising Capital for Your Deal

Joseph Cabrera

Building Meaningful Relationships, Hiring, & Recruiting

Christian Ruf

Jon Matzner

Deal Sourcing 201: Winning Methods in Off-Market Sourcing

Peter Lehrman

Financial Modeling 101

Sam Rosati

Next-Level KPIs & Performance Tracking

Kaustubh Deo

Live Deal Review Workshop

Adam Markley

David Brackett

The "Fraud or Not" Game Show (Quality of Earnings)

Mike Jerman

Risk Management During The Deal

Kevin Henderson

Eric Pacifici

Artificial Intelligence 2.0 for SMBs

Paul Henderson

Morning

PRICING

Get tickets

SMBash limits the number of attendees in an effort to create an intimate, community setting.

Student Fund

$100+

SMBash will match every donation and offer a free ticket to students for every $997.50 (plus fees) in donations received.

Contribute

Student Fund

$100+

SMBash will match every donation and offer a free ticket to students for every $997.50 (plus fees) in donations received.

Contribute

General Admission

$1,995

3,500

Enjoy the official SMBash experience:

Reception with speakers

Networking and meals

Post event recordings

Buy your ticket

General Admission

$1,995

3,500

Enjoy the official SMBash experience:

Reception with speakers

Networking and meals

Post event recordings

Buy your ticket

Team Admission

$1,795

$3,500

Designed for teams and partners. General Admission for up to 5 team members:

Buy 2 tickets and the per-ticket cost decreases to $1,895

Buy 3+ tickets and the per-ticket cost decreases to $1,795

Buy your ticket

Team Admission

$1,795

$3,500

Designed for teams and partners. General Admission for up to 5 team members:

Buy 2 tickets and the per-ticket cost decreases to $1,895

Buy 3+ tickets and the per-ticket cost decreases to $1,795

Buy your ticket

FAQ

Still got questions? Feel free to reach out. We're happy to help.

Ask a question

Who is SMBash for?

SMBash is for entrepreneurs, operators, investors, and professionals passionate about small and medium business acquisition and growth. Whether you’re a first-time searcher, a seasoned operator, or an advisor supporting the ecosystem, SMBash brings together the people shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

What's included with my ticket?

Your SMBash ticket includes everything you’ll need during the event except travel and lodging. This includes three full meals per day, complimentary drinks and snacks, full access to all event content such as keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions, participation in all official activities, post-event recordings of all sessions, and access to exclusive offers and partner specials.

Where is the event taking place?

SMBash 2026 will take place at The Rayleigh Underground in Irving, Texas — a modern, creative venue in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth area. It’s minutes from DFW Airport and Love Field, and surrounded by hotels, dining, and nightlife options.

Will there be virtual access or recordings?

SMBash is an in-person experience designed for live connection and collaboration. However, all attendees will receive access to session recordings after the event.

How do sponsorships work?

Interested in sponsoring SMBash? Contact us to learn more about current partnership opportunities.

What's your refund policy?

Tickets are fully refundable within 30 days of purchase and transferable up to two weeks before the event. If you can’t attend, you’re welcome to reassign your ticket to a colleague or contact us for help managing the transfer.

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The Original Self-Funded Search & Operator Event

The Original Self-Funded Search & Operator Event

The Original Self-Funded Search & Operator Event

Where ambitious business buyers, operators, and investors come together to revolutionize the small business ecosystem.

What to expect

Visionary talks

Visionary talks

Practical workshops

Practical workshops

Purposeful networking

Purposeful networking

Want to be involved?

Keynote speakers

Chris Williams

Michael Girdley

Michael Girdley

Jacob Hall

We’re proud to partner with an outstanding group of forward-thinking organizations.

Become a sponsor

Topics

Keynote Speech by Jacob Hall

Keynote Fireside Chat with Chris Williams

Keynote: Lessons From 100 Failed Businesses

Deal Sourcing 101: Brokered Deals

Killing the Founder's Name: A Live Case Study in Rebranding Three Acquired Businesses

How To Be An Executive

War Stories from Decades in ETA

The Big D: SBA Debt Panel

So You Want to Build a HoldCo?

Raising Capital for Your Deal

Building Meaningful Relationships, Hiring, & Recruiting

Deal Sourcing 201: Winning Methods in Off-Market Sourcing

Financial Modeling 101

Next-Level KPIs & Performance Tracking

Live Deal Review Workshop

The "Fraud or Not" Game Show (Quality of Earnings)

Risk Management During The Deal

Artificial Intelligence 2.0 for SMBs

Morning

Morning

Get tickets

Student Fund

Student Fund

General Admission

General Admission

Team Admission

Team Admission

FAQ

The Original Self-Funded Search
& Operator Event

The Original Self-Funded Search
& Operator Event

The Original
Self-Funded Search
& Operator Event