Tuesday, October 28, 2025 (8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.)
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Opening Breakfast
Harvest new relationships and partnership opportunities at this farmers market-themed opening event!
Welcome
Introductory Remarks: What Does It Take for Business to Solve Problems for the Next 250 Years?

Opening Keynote
The Power of Trust: Unlocking Optimism and Potential
Building trust in our communities is core to realizing our full potential as individuals, communities, and a society. Yet, Americans’ trust in each other is at historic lows. In this opening keynote, hear from an industry leader who is working to build trust in society person-to-person, block-by-block by strengthening local relationships.
Morning Sessions
The first morning of Business Solves 2025 is a can’t miss moment—featuring civics and democracy, STEM workforce development, and an inside look at B2B consortiums driving social impact.
Panel: Civic Engagement as a Building Block for Future Growth and Prosperity

Ojala Naeem, Senior Director, Design Ops, Enterprise Customer Experience, Travelers
In Conversation With:


Purpose Talk

Gardner’s book, The Pursuit of HappYness was the inspiration for the critically acclaimed film in which Will Smith received the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award nominations for his performance. His second book, “Start Where You Are,” also a best seller, was published in 2009. Gardner’s new book “Permission to Dream” was selected as “Book Of The Month” by the Wall Street Journal upon its publication.
Chris recently partnered with Transfr, Inc., the leading provider of virtual reality (VR) career training and exploration, to launch "Permission to Dream 2.0: Pathways to Success," to bring together Gardner’s inspirational programming with Transfr’s immersive career exploration and skills training to create career pathways and generational wealth-creation opportunities for individuals, including those from underserved communities. He will work with institutions in the U.S. to help learners access Transfr’s programs to prepare for meaningful, well-paying careers that don’t require a four-year degree.
Partnership Spotlight: Creating Systems-Level Change for Children


In Conversation With:

Sponsor Story

Business Consortium for Better Health
Businesses are stepping up to lift Americans’ health. But too often these initiatives aren’t connected enough to allow communities to thrive. An integrated approach across the full range of everyday factors shaping our health is needed. Hear from business leaders who are combining forces to make a greater impact.
Session Sponsored By:

12:05 - 1:05 p.m.
Impact Lunches and Networking
Panel Discussion: A Hat Trick Approach to Child Care and Professional Sports



In Conversation With:

Solutions Desk Launch
Sustainable Agriculture

Sponsor Story:

Breakout Sessions
Choose from one of two topics at the heart of the U.S. Chamber Foundation's work:
- Business Participation on Local School Boards: Why It's Important and How to Get Started
- Civics Academy Trivia Game
Select your breakout session upon registration or modify your existing registration here.

Purpose Talk: How a Business Consortium Can Build Forward


Attendee Experience: The Salvage Safari Upcycle Challenge
Niagara Cares, in partnership with Discovery Education and Filament Games, is bringing a fun and educational gamified experience to Business Solves, customized exclusively for our attendees. Become immersed in an eco-friendly adventure, complete with prizes and laughs.

Sponsor Activation:

Executive Fireside Chat: Maintaining Your True North Amid Complexity and Change

In Conversation With:

5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Citizens Awards Block Party and Ceremony

Meet the Awards finalists, learn the 2025 winners, and celebrate the best of corporate citizenship!
Awards ceremony hosted by:

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.)
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Day 2 Networking Breakfast
Network with fellow attendees, sponsors, speakers, and U.S. Chamber Foundation issue leaders.
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Day 2 Sessions
Another fast-paced day awaits, rich with learning moments and spotlights on how business solves. Learn about programs and partnerships that support small businesses and entrepreneurs. Understand the community resilience-building practices at play across various industries, together making municipalities better prepared to reduce risk, prevent cascading impacts, and strengthen local capacity. Participate in a forward-looking conversation about upskilling and the future workforce.
Partnership Spotlights: Impact in Action with Small Businesses
Edward Jones and Small Business Financial Literacy Tools

Sponsor Story
FedEx and Accion Opportunity Fund


In Conversation With:

Panel: Multi-Industry Solutions for Resilient Communities
Panel: Successes in Employee and Workforce Upskilling


Sponsor Stories:


Piecing It All Together: Collective Takeaways from Business Solves 2025

12:30 - 2:00 p.m.
Closing Networking Lunch
In Partnership with:

Optional Field Trip: Wednesday, October 29, 2025 (2:15 - 4:15 p.m.) - Limited Capacity
Full information coming soon! Round-trip transportation will be provided for a visit to a community site in Southeast D.C., where an innovative corporate consortium is on the ground and at work with a local nonprofit organization to improve community health outcomes.