During Launch Loudoun’s annual Small Business Week Celebration, the Department of Economic Development is hosting an educational summit on Tuesday, May 6th, from 8:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at The Lodge at Hanson Park in Brambleton. The goal of the summit is to connect with and provide resources for small business from all industries who are looking to start or scale their concept or current plan. Join us to learn from two nationally acclaimed speakers, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and enjoy a free lunch provided by some of Loudoun’s best food purveyors.
Launch Loudoun Small Business Summit
The Lodge at Hanson Park
23394 Endeavor Drive,
Aldie, VA 20105
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m. Registration, Networking, and Breakfast
8:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Welcome Remarks from Buddy Rizer
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. Keynote Speaker Announced Soon!
9:50 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Break
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Table Talk Networking – Learn and Share best practices in Sales/Marketing, Legal, HR, Finance, Ownership/Leadership
10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Break
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Discover Service as Your Superpower | Louie Gravance, former Disney Institute Professor and acclaimed author
12:00 p.m. – 12:10 p.m. Closing Remarks
12:10 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Lunch & Business Networking
About the program
Entrepreneurs who lead businesses of all sizes, at all stages of development, and in all industries, encounter common issues that can stall or kill progress. Whether a business is at the Start or Scale phase of growth, this Small Business Summit will kickstart a program designed to be a trusted resource partner for Loudoun entrepreneurs.
A full team of professionals at your service
Businesses of all sizes will benefit from each level of comprehensive programming & value-added services provided by the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development and partners. Join the Small Business Summit on May 6, 2025 to gain inspiration from a keynote speaker and learn essential business concepts directly from industry leaders.
Meet the Speakers
Discovering Service as Your Superpower: Delivering WOW Moments that Transform Careers
When employees ask, “What’s in it for me?” the answer is clear: EVERYTHING. Exceptional service doesn’t just benefit customers—it enriches the lives and careers of those delivering it. Louie Gravance, renowned for inspiring Walt Disney World cast members, reveals how delivering WOW moments can transform service interactions into powerful personal and professional growth opportunities.
This dynamic keynote dives deep into the art and science of creating WOW moments, exploring how they not only delight customers but also energize and inspire employees, driving overall business success. Louie draws from his pivotal role in designing, developing, and delivering Disney Institute’s groundbreaking programs, as well as decades of experience reigniting service cultures across diverse industries—from healthcare to hospitality, retail, and beyond.
Through practical insights, actionable strategies, and unforgettable stories, your team will learn:
- The transformative power of viewing service as a personal superpower
- How to identify and create WOW moments in any customer interaction
- Techniques for turning routine transactions into memorable experiences
- Strategies for fostering a culture of service excellence that benefits employees, customers, and the bottom line
- The direct link between exceptional service and career advancement
Aimed at owners and managers tasked with modeling and inspiring service excellence, you will come away with a training template for sharing what you’ve learned back home.
TESTIMONIALS
”Thanks for reaching out and passing along this program. I can honestly say in all the markets where we have properties, none have as robust of a program as you have shared – congratulations, its really impressive.
Whitney L.
”As a small business owner, you want to know a valid program exists before you share your company's confidential data. The human contact/touch point has to be part of this process. Thanks for your customer care and support. You represent our County well!
Terry G.
”I so appreciate the fact that Loudoun County is supporting local small businesses.
Kathy S.
THANK YOU!!!
