Refugee and Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit

Refugee & Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit (RIES)

Building strong businesses, strengthening communities

Date: November 19, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM CST
Location: Great Events Center, 7440 Crown Point Ave, Omaha, NE 68134

Join us for the Refugee & Immigrant Entrepreneur Summit (RIES), a one-day event connecting refugee and immigrant entrepreneurs with the knowledge, resources, and relationships needed to start and grow successful businesses.

Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and operating business owners, RIES provides opportunities to learn from experts, connect with peers, and access resources that support long-term success.

By bringing together entrepreneurs, financial institutions, business support organizations, and community leaders, RIES creates opportunities for learning, collaboration, and economic growth that strengthen both businesses and communities.

What to Expect

• Educational sessions and panel discussions
• Networking with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and community partners
• Access to business resources and support services
• Information on financing options and business development resources
• Exhibitor and resource tables featuring local organizations and businesses
• Practical tools, insights, and connections to help grow your business

Who Should Attend?

• Refugees and immigrants interested in starting a business
• Entrepreneurs within their first five years of operation
• Small business owners
• Community organizations and business support providers
• Financial institutions and lenders
• Community leaders and stakeholders

Sponsorship & Exhibitor Opportunities

Organizations, businesses, and community partners are invited to participate through sponsorships, exhibitor tables, and in-kind support opportunities.

Exhibitor & Resource Tables

Businesses, Financial Institutions, NGOs & Organizations:
One Table Booth - $100 | Two Table Booths - $200

Refugee and Immigrant Businesses:
One Table Booth - Free with promo code
(Send email to nia.johnson@icrius.org for code)

Sponsorship Opportunities

Platinum Sponsor | $1,500

• Exclusive Presenting Sponsor recognition
• 15-minute keynote or featured speaking opportunity
• Premium exhibit space
• Prominent logo placement on event materials and promotions
• Recognition on event marketing and social media
• Opportunity for session, networking area, or event space naming rights

Gold Sponsor | $1,000

• Featured logo placement on event materials and promotions
• Opportunity to sponsor a workshop, panel session, or networking activity
• Recognition during event programming
• Social media recognition leading up to the event
• Exhibit/resource table

Bronze Sponsor | $500

• Logo placement on select event materials
• Recognition on event signage and social media
• Recognition during the event
• Exhibit/resource table

Opportunites to donate additional amounts through Eventbrite.

Additional Ways to Get Involved

There are many ways to get involved, from attending the summit and hosting an exhibitor table to providing in-kind support. We welcome participation and support at every level.

Additional Forms

Registration through Eventbrite reserves your spot at the summit. The forms below help us better understand attendee interests and participation needs as we continue planning the event.

Attendees | RIES Attendee RSVP
To help us better understand your interests, business needs, and goals for attending, please complete our Attendee RSVP Form after registering.

Sponsors, Exhibitors & Partners | RIES Partner and Participant Interest Form
Organizations interested in sponsorship, exhibitor tables, resource sharing, speaking opportunities, or partnership opportunities are encouraged to complete our Partner & Participant Interest Form.

Questions?

Dr. Albert KATE
MED Program Coordinator
Albert.Kate@icrius.org
(531) 800-4307