2025 Small Business Summit

October 29–30, 2025 | Washington, D.C.

After a few busy years of growth and evolution here at The Design Edge, we’re excited to share an important update — we’re still here, stronger than ever, and continuing to grow alongside our amazing clients!

As a proud 2018 graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program, Diane recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend the third 10,000 Small Businesses Summit — the largest gathering of small business owners in the U.S. By engaging with national leaders, innovators, and policymakers, Diane gained valuable insights into emerging business trends and advocacy efforts that will help The Design Edge deliver even more strategic, forward-thinking solutions for our clients. This summit celebrates and empowers entrepreneurs across America, ensuring that small business owners have a seat at the table in shaping policies that affect their futures.

The Objective

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy, there are now over 36 million small businesses in the United States, accounting for nearly 46% of private-sector jobs.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown in Washington, D.C., the energy and optimism among small business owners remained unwavering.

“America’s small business owners are the engine of the American economy, and we are growing our businesses despite clear challenges to the business environment.”

— Jessica Johnson-Cope, Chair of the 10,000 Small Businesses Voices National Leadership Council and President of Johnson Security Bureau, Inc.

Small Businesses. Big Voice.

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses is a nationwide initiative that helps entrepreneurs create jobs and drive economic opportunity by providing access to education, capital, and business support services.

The GS 10k 2025 Small Business Summit brought together thousands of alumni from across the country for a powerful experience of learning, networking, and advocacy. It was a rare opportunity to celebrate small business achievements, gain fresh insights, and collaborate to create positive change for small businesses nationwide.

Highlights from the 2025 Summit

Over two dynamic days, Diane and more than two thousand small business owners gained insights from leaders across business, policy, entertainment, and innovation. Topics included workforce retention, access to capital, leveraging AI, and navigating new economic realities — all while engaging in meaningful discussions on Capitol Hill.

Featured Speakers Included:

• Michael Bloomberg — Founder, Bloomberg L.P. & Bloomberg Philanthropies; Co-Chair, 10,000 Small Businesses Advisory Council
• Martha Stewart — Emmy Award–Winning TV Host & Founder, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
• Michael Phelps — 23-Time Olympic Gold Medalist & Mental Health Advocate
• Daymond John — Shark Tank Investor & CEO, FUBU
• Ken Langone — Co-Founder, The Home Depot
• Kevin O’Leary — Shark Tank Investor, Entrepreneur & Author
• Anastasia Soare — Founder & CEO, Anastasia Beverly Hills
• Ethan Mollick — Innovation & AI Thought Leader, The Wharton School

…and many more inspiring voices shaping the future of business.

The Design Edge Difference

I sincerely want to thank the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program for its generosity and ongoing support of entrepreneurs nationwide. The knowledge, inspiration, and community this program provides have strengthened my resolve to continue growing, innovating, and helping our clients succeed.

This experience reaffirmed our mission at The Design Edge — to help businesses find their voice and grow their presence through creative, results-driven design.

We’re more motivated than ever to help our clients shine across print, digital, retail, video, and social media marketing — especially as new AI technologies open up exciting opportunities for innovation and growth.

Many of our clients tell us they prefer working with smaller design firms like ours because of the personal connection, attentive service, and craftsmanship we bring to every project. At The Design Edge, we take pride in offering:

• Superior quality and creativity in every design solution
• Time-saving efficiency and convenience
• Personalized service from a team that truly knows your brand
• Community-minded collaboration focused on your success

Still Here. Still Growing.

We’re thrilled to reconnect and reaffirm what drives us every day — the success of our clients and the power of design to make a difference.

The Design Edge remains committed to helping all businesses stand out, communicate clearly, and grow confidently in a constantly evolving marketplace.

We’re here, we’re growing, and we’re excited for what’s next.

— Diane Ullemeyer-Trimbath,
Founder / Creative Director, The Design Edge

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