From Pink Slip toOwnership!

Don't start a business—buy one. We'll show you how.

January 22-24, 2025

Live Virtual Event • 10:00 am – 4:00 pm ET
VIP Sessions Daily: 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm ET

You’ve Earned More Than a Job Offer.

You Deserve Ownership.

You’ve sent out a hundred résumés into the black hole.

Watched younger, cheaper hires take roles you could run in your sleep.

Been told to “be patient” while your experience gathers dust.

Meanwhile, the market moves on — but your mortgage, your family, and your goals don’t.

You’re overqualified, underpaid, and too ambitious to sit still.

This isn’t about chasing titles anymore. It’s about dignity, control, and cash flow.

The fastest path to financial freedom isn’t another job—it’s ownership.

Your Reinvention Starts Here.

The Next Act CEO Summit is a 3-day live virtual experience built for professional women 45+ who are done waiting for opportunity and ready to own it.

Hosted by Melinda Emerson (“SmallBizLady”), alongside a powerhouse team of brokers, lenders, and franchise experts, you’ll get the step-by-step roadmap to buy a business or franchise with real revenue, staff, and systems already in place.

If you’re ready to turn decades of corporate experience into equity, this is where it begins.

January 22-24, 2026

Online

Online from Anywhere

Is The Next-Act CEO Summit Right for Me?

Are you?

A professional women (especially 45+) who's been laid off, edged out, or is done selling?
A leader who wants ownership now—not in two years?
A Go-getter who loves checklists, clear steps, and real numbers?

If that’s you → you’re in the right place.

What You'll Learn,

(and Actually Use).

Pathways to Ownership — Main Street acquisitions vs. franchises: which fits your life, skills & budget
Deal Flow Secrets — Where to find real listings (brokers, resales, private sellers)
Due Diligence 101 — How to read ops, people, and P&L without an MBA
Financing, Not Guessing — SBA, CDFI, seller notes, ROBS & creative funding that actually close
Growth & Exit Strategy — Buy right, build value, plan your next move

This time, you’re not climbing someone else’s ladder — you’re building your own

"Melinda is a treasure trove of knowledge, and her advice has given me amazing and practical insight that has transformed my business."

Olivia C.S. Thomas

M.A., Brand and Business Consultant, Wintentional Development Co.

Why This Event Matters Now

Ownership = Options. Transfer your corporate skills into a profitable enterprise.
Real Talk, Real Numbers. No fluff — just proven strategies for buying and funding your next act.
Risk Reduction. Spot red flags, negotiate smart, and protect your investment.
Access to Experts. Brokers, lenders, legal pros — live Q&A sessions all 3 days.
Financial Freedom. Replace rejection emails with revenue and peace of mind.

You don’t need 2 years to build from scratch.
You just need the right business and the right plan.

Secure Your Seat Here

Conference Schedule

Day 1Discover & Fund Your Deal

Find clarity and funding confidence.

Franchise vs. Acquisition – your best path
Pinpoint the right fit for your life and budget
Financing that actually works
Position yourself as the buyer sellers want

Day 2De-Risk & Negotiate with Confidence

Learn to buy smart and close strong.

Spot red flags and hidden gems
Negotiate terms like a pro
Live deal reviews + expert feedback

Day 3Operate & Scale

Step in as a CEO ready to thrive.

What to expect post-closing
Scaling & next-deal playbook
First 90-day plan

VIP Power Hour 4-5pm ET Daily

Exclusive Q&A and Expert Office Hours

"Melinda helped me scale my online business Darngoodyarn.com, since we've worked with her, I've made the Inc. 5000 list every year."

Nicole Snow

CEO, Darngoodyarn.com

Meet Your Speakers & Experts

Franchise consultants & operators (what cash + time it really takes)
Franchisors and M&A Lawyers
Business brokers (how to source and bid)
Lenders – SBA/CDFI/Franchise (what wins underwriting)
Operations pros (leases, payroll, benefits, contracts transfer)

Below are some of these speakers and experts:

Melinda Emerson “SmallBizLady” – America’s #1 Small Business Expert
Jack Wilson – Franchise Expert
Kyle Griffith – Business Broker
Barry Moltz – Deal & Exit Strategist
Alicia Miller – Franchise Advisor
Boynton Weeks – Franchise Consultant
Andrea Diaz, CPA – Deal & Exit Strategist
Vanessa Lindley – Bernstein Wealth Advisors
Richard Snow – Finance Consultant
Leyanis Diaz – Business Consultant
MC: Sharon Manker

Your Summit Toolkit (Delivered Digitally)

"Working with Melinda has taken my business from being transactional to becoming a powerhouse in food manufacturing. Scaling one’s business can be daunting. However, Melinda helped us transform our business model by taking a whole systems iterative approach that allowed us to pursue more opportunities and gain growth partners."

Toni Johnson

CEO, Dr. Brownies, The Original Plant-Based Brownie Company

Tickets & Perks

Ready to transform your brand at Brand in Demand LIVE?

This event will feature Melinda Emerson, Team SmallBizLady, a phenomenal emcee, special guest speakers, corporate marketing leaders, media professionals and incredible SURPRISES!

We offer two amazing ticket options tailored to your preferences and needs. Dive straight into the action with our general admission or amplify your experience with our exclusive VIP admission, packed with exciting extra perks!

January 22-24, 2026 | 10 am to 4 pm ET

General Admission

3 days of live sessions + breakouts
Summit Workbook Pack (checklists, scripts, templates)
Replay Access through Jan 31st

$97

(Early Bird thru Nov 30 | Regular $197)

VIP Admission

Everything in General Admission +
Exclusive pre-conference training session with SmallBizLady
12-month replay library
Daily VIP-only bonuses + expert office hours

$147

(Early Bird thru Nov 30 | Regular $247)

Note: Early Bird Pricing ends November 30 — seats are limited!

FAQs

Is this only for women of color?

No, not at all. We welcome all women. Our content and community are built to be affirming and inclusive.

Do I need business experience?

No. When you buy a franchise, they provide the necessary training and tools to guide you through the process.

Will you help me find financing?

You’ll learn about the full range of options (SBA, franchise lenders, CDFI, seller notes, and ROBS) and how to prepare a lender-ready package.

Are sessions recorded?

General Admission receives a short replay window, while VIP gets 12 months of replay access.

Refunds?

Tickets are non-refundable but transferable.

Is this financial or legal advice?

No—educational only. We’ll share frameworks and bring in pros so you know what to ask.

Are Sponsorships available for this event?

Yes, Sponsorships are available. Click here for details.

"I highly recommend Melinda as a coach, mentor, speaker, consultant, trainer, and all-around influencer in helping organizations and businesses achieve top-performing results. Thank you, Melinda, for being my Game Changer!"

Michelle Snow

Grow with Snow

Your Next Act Starts Now

You’ve spent your career building others’ dreams.
Now it’s time to own yours.

Skip startup chaos — step into a business with customers, staff & cash flow from Day 1.

You don’t need permission — you need a plan.
This is it.

Sis, don’t start a business. Buy one. We’ll show you how.

Ready to stop applying and start owning?

Early-bird pricing ends Oct. 30. Grab your seat, and block your calendar—Jan 22–24, 2025

"One phone call with Melinda had me rethinking my entire business model. She may tell you some things you don’t want to hear, but as an expert in her field, you NEED to hear it. Throughout our coaching session, she pointed out the holes in my business and gave me solutions on how I can fix them. If you are not looking for a boost in your business, Melinda is not the business coach for you."

Kharisma Faulkner

President, MarketWithKharisma.com

Kharisma Faulkner

President, MarketWithKharisma.com