Conscious Collisions Summit 2026: Community as Capital
Watch
If you already registered for the Summit, click the Already Registered Join Link at the bottom of this registration page and enter the email you registered with
Summit Agenda
Conscious Collisions Summit Kicks-off at 3 p.m. ET
Welcome: Beyond the Handshake
The Journey Unfiltered
This opening session presents a personal, unfiltered account of how one entrepreneur has navigated the highs, lows, and unknowns of building a business, as well as the impact of relationships within and with the community on their journey. This story provides the "why" behind the "how" of Community as Capital as our Summit theme.
Capital Pathways for Inclusive Ecosystems
Join us for a provocative conversation with four resourceful entrepreneurs whose assessment of the funding landscape shaped innovative approaches to unlocking capital for their businesses. Gain insights from their real-world journeys as they detail how they secured capital and provide a blueprint for a more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem.Day 2 Starts at 3 p.m. ET
Welcome
One Size Does Not Fit All: Unlocking Funding Beyond VC
Despite the emphasis on venture capital, capital is not one-size-fits-all. We’ll set the stage for the rest of today’s sessions with a discussion about how diversification in the capital stack can lead to a lower cost of capital for entrepreneurs and stronger returns for investors.Presenter: Stephanie Fowler, Capital Access - IFEL
Lightning Talks: The Architects of Alternative Capital
This series of short presentations highlights funding options outside the traditionally binary options of debt and equity. We are bringing attention to these models as part of the solutions for unlocking more capital for more small business owners, entrepreneurs, and founders.
Presenters: Alisha Griffey and Mac Cornwell
Fireside Chat: Why I'm Betting on Camels
This must-see fireside chat challenges the prevailing "growth-at-all-costs" narrative. Instead of chasing unicorns, veteran investor Ed Dugger shares how he finds strong investor returns in cultivating camels – founders who prioritize capital efficiency, resilience, and sustainable business models.Presenter: Ed Dugger, Reinventure Capital
Capital Access Reimagined
In this session, we’ll reflect on the models shared during the day and discuss how inclusive capital can increase access to capital for more entrepreneurs while generating strong returns for more investors. We welcome the audience to contribute insights and ideas as we work together to find solutions.
Presenters: Lyndsae' Peele - Kiva U.S., and George Cook - Honeycomb
Day 3: Starts at 3 p.m. ET
Welcome: The Currency of Trust
Why Ecosystem Building MattersThis year’s Summit explores the strategic intersection of social networks and resource mobilization. During this fireside chat, Angelique Johnson will share insights learned from her work at InBIA, one of the largest and oldest entrepreneurial ecosystem builders.
Presenter: Angelique Johnson, Vissionaireum
Data Matters & Fireside Chat: Angels are the Key
This session, "Data Matters and Conversation: Angels are the Key," explores the critical role angel investors play in sparking innovation in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Drawing on the 2025 Advancing Regional Innovation Economies (ARIE) Report backed by JPMorgan Chase and NASDAQ, we discuss how high-performing metros grow capital from within, making angels the essential first believers in a startup ecosystem.Presenter: Nicola Corzine, NASDAQ, and Anne Spencer, JPMC
Community and Place as Innovation DriversThis panel will explore place-based entrepreneurial support programs that lean into the power of community. Panelists will share information about their respective programs, what’s working, lessons learned, and what they are still trying to figure out. Our hope is that attendees gain insights that they can use to implement a strategy that addresses the needs in their own community.
Presenter: Sharonda Hill, and Kelli Saulny, Corridor Venture
Capstone Conversation: Capital Circles in Action
Join us as we explore how a community-first approach can provide a potential blueprint for a future where the entire ecosystem works together to unlock more capital for more entrepreneurs, leading to more businesses that create more jobs and drive community wealth.Capital Circles Ecosystem Mixer: Launching Collective Action
Closing the Conscious Collisions Summit with purpose, this session marks the official launch of Capital Circles. Moving beyond the "talk" of capital access, this program by the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership (IFEL) operationalizes collaboration to bridge the wealth gap.
This is your chance to connect with changemakers—investors, champions, and ecosystem builders—who are committed to activating new angel capital in our pilot regions: NY/NJ, Philadelphia, DC, New Orleans, and Houston. We are replicating high-wealth "informal networks" to create scalable, relationship-based pathways for underrepresented founders.
How to Prepare:
Come ready to engage! Whether you are a seasoned investor or a community advocate, we want to know how you can contribute to our regional working groups. Have your LinkedIn URL and a brief intro ready to share. Let’s build the connections that turn "community" into "capital."
Closing Remarks
Don't Miss
Crowdfunding Showcase
(featured in Wednesday's live showcase)
Meet 3 entrepreneurs from the IFEL community raising capital through crowdfunding.
Learn more about crowdfunding campaigns.