Where Hustle meets Cultura. A business summit for entrepreneurs
building legacy, owning their stories & rising together.
Monday, September 28, 2026
LA River Center and Gardens
570 W Ave 26, Los Angeles, CA 90065
300+ entrepreneurs attend annually
✳︎
40+ speakers, founders, and industry leaders
✳︎
3,000+ founders reached through programming
✳︎
85% first-generation entrepreneurs in attendance
✳︎
Panels featuring leaders across finance, media, and business
✳︎
Direct access to resource partners and funding pathways
✳︎
A growing ecosystem beyond the summit (media, mentorship, events)
300+ entrepreneurs attend annually ✳︎ 40+ speakers, founders, and industry leaders ✳︎ 3,000+ founders reached through programming ✳︎ 85% first-generation entrepreneurs in attendance ✳︎ Panels featuring leaders across finance, media, and business ✳︎ Direct access to resource partners and funding pathways ✳︎ A growing ecosystem beyond the summit (media, mentorship, events)
We’re back - and bigger than ever.
Following a successful inaugural Summit, Hustle & Heart Collective—in partnership with FOUND/LA and with media amplification from Mitú—is proud to present the 2026 Hustle & Heart Entrepreneur Summit, returning with more speakers, more workshops, more opportunities to connect, and an even greater
commitment to supporting Los Angeles entrepreneurs.
This year’s theme, BUILT TO L.A.ST., is about building beyond the moment. It celebrates entrepreneurs creating businesses designed not only to launch, but to endure—businesses that can adapt, create long-term stability, support families, strengthen communities, and become lasting legacies.
Whether you’re launching your first venture, growing an established business, or looking to expand your network, the 2026 Summit is designed to equip you with practical tools, actionable insights, and meaningful connections.
Spend the day learning from experienced founders, industry leaders, and subject-matter experts through engaging keynote conversations, hands-on workshops, and dynamic panel discussions covering entrepreneurship, branding, finance, marketing, leadership, procurement, community impact, and
sustainable business growth.
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A high-energy, culturally grounded experience designed
to move you forward.Mainstage conversations with experienced founders and leaders
Panels covering funding, marketing, operations, and growth
Honest, unfiltered founder stories
Opportunities to connect with partners, collaborators, and community
Resource access to organizations supporting small businesses
A vibrant environment rooted in cultura, connection, and purpose
Every moment is designed to create impact that extends beyond the day. -
This isn’t just inspiration — it’s execution.
When you attend, you gain:
Practical strategies you can apply to your business immediately
Financial insights to help you stabilize and grow
Access to founders, industry leaders, and decision-makers
Direct connections to organizations, resources, and opportunities
New relationships with entrepreneurs building alongside you
A renewed sense of clarity, direction, and confidence
You don’t just leave motivated — you leave equipped.
RUN OF SHOW
The Full Day Monday, September 28, 2026 · 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1:00 – 2:00 Registration & Check-In
2:00 – 2:20 Welcome, Opening Remarks & Introductions
Corissa Hernandez, Founder, Hustle & Heart Collective
Isabel Guzman, Former United State Administrator of the
Small Business Administration
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado, Los Angeles City Council
District 142:20 – 2:35 Transition to breakout stages
2:35 – 3:05 Breakout Block 1 · all four stages
3:05 – 3:20 Transition
3:20 – 3:50 Breakout Block 2
3:50 – 4:05 Transition
4:05 – 4:35 Breakout Block 3
4:35 – 4:50 Transition
4:50 – 5:20 Breakout Block 4
5:20 – 5:35 Transition
5:35 – 6:05 Breakout Block 5
Beyond the Hustle Live on the Main Stage6:05 – 6:20 Transition to keynote
6:20 – 6:50 IN COMMUNITY, WE ARE FOUND
Keynote by Jane Wurwand · Founder of Dermalogica and FOUND/LA
6:50 – 7:00 Transition to reception
7:00 – 8:00 NETWORKING RECEPTION
Programming
Four Stages, Twenty Session
Built to L.A.st Stage
The Summit's biggest conversations: ambition,
visibility, leadership, culture, brand
building, and what it takes to build something
that lasts in Los Angeles.
Sessions
Ambition Rewritten
2:35 - 3:05 PM
No Permission Needed
3:20 - 3:50 PM
Game On: Ready,
Set. L.A.
4:05 - 4:35 PM
Hustle, Heart & Hype
4:50 - 5:20 PM
Beyond the Hustle Live
5:35 - 6:05 PM
mitu culture club
Media, creators, storytelling, culture, community, and purpose. Where platforms,
voices, and cultural influence meet.
Sessions
On the List: Building a World-Class Bar
2:35 - 3:05 PM
Mic Check
3:20 - 3:50 PM
From Closet to CEO
4:05 - 4:35 PM
Purpose Over Platform
4:50 - 5:20 PM
Party With Purpose
5:35 - 6:05 PM
The Come Up Lab
Access, tools, systems, resources. City systems, ownership pathways, and founder support — how
to navigate what sits behind the business and actually move forward.
Sessions
Backed by the City
2:35 - 3:05 PM
From Behind the Bar to Behind the Business
3:20 - 3:50 PM
Designing con CorazĂłn
4:05 - 4:35 PM
Buy Back the Block
4:50 - 5:20 PM
Ask Jack
5:35 - 6:05 PM
Level Up Lounge
Growth, scale, evolution, ownership. Hospitality, product businesses, pivots, and storefront growth for entrepreneurs ready
to take it to the next level.
Sessions
When It's Time to Pivot
2:35 - 3:05 PM
Catering to the City
3:20 - 3:50 PM
The Art of Scaling
4:05 - 4:35 PM
Shelf Made: From
Big Idea to Sold Out
4:50 - 5:20 PM
Hustle to Headquarters
5:35 - 6:05 PM
Venue Map
The best in business
Y mas!
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We welcome entrepreneurs at all stages — from those just getting started to established founders looking to grow, stabilize, or scale.
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Not at all. If you’re thinking about starting a business or exploring entrepreneurship, this space is for you.
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No — while we are rooted in the Eastside, our community includes entrepreneurs from across Los Angeles and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. Networking is a key part of the experience, with intentional opportunities to connect throughout the day.
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Yes — many speakers stay engaged throughout the event, and VIP experiences offer additional access.
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Bring a notebook, your business cards, and an open mindset. You’ll want to capture ideas and connections.
Want to Volunteer?
Help us bring the Eastside Hustle & Heart Entrepreneur Summit to life!
Attend
General Admission
Access to all panels and programming
Networking opportunities throughout
the event
Access to resource partners and community
activations
Perfect for:
Entrepreneurs ready to learn,
connect, and grow.
VIP Experience
Front-row or priority seating
Access to an exclusive VIP networking experience
Opportunity to connect more closely
with speakers and partners
Priority check-in
Perfect for:
Founders looking for deeper access, stronger connections, and elevated experience.
Community Access Ticket
Limited reduced-price tickets for
early-stage entrepreneurs and community
members.
Perfect for:
Founders who are ready to show up and
grow, regardless of financial barriers.