Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities

The application portal for session proposals is now closed for 2026. Thank you to those who submitted proposals for an opportunity to present your best practice at CEC!

The 2026 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference is designed for community leaders from local chambers, main streets, economic development, business, local government, schools, art councils, nonprofits and other community leaders who want to grow the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The 2026 conference will be May 28-29 from noon to noon in downtown Newaygo and downtown Fremont, Michigan, and will feature 20+ sessions each 45-60 minutes long. Sessions are embedded in shops and businesses throughout the downtowns.

Speakers that submitted a request for proposal to present at this year’s conference were asked to highlight and share their successes and challenges in a creative, innovative, and fun manner.

One complimentary registration is provided for a selected RFP session. Please note that CEC does not provide compensation for speakers; this includes travel costs like mileage and lodging expenses.