The 2026 State of Small Business Symposium was a collaborative forum that brought together researchers, lenders, innovators, and support organizations to explore the multifaceted landscape of small business in America. Co-sponsored by the Federal Reserve Banks of Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Richmond, San Francisco, and the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, this two-day event offered data-driven insights, innovative approaches, and a variety of perspectives. Topics included innovations in capital access, the impact of fintech on small business finance, strategies for neighborhood prosperity and commercial corridor development, advancements in AI and automation, and success stories from rural communities.