At BYU’s 2026 SMB | ETA Conference, entrepreneurs and AI experts shared lessons on faith-driven business growth, transformative AI strategies, and practical steps for small and medium businesses to stay competitive.

LiveView Technologies (American Fork, UT) introduces GuardGate, a rapidly deployable automated barrier integrating video, AI monitoring, and access logging to secure logistics sites, reduce guard costs, deter cargo theft, and streamline operational oversight.

Govineer Solutions (Provo, UT) acquires TrueBill Solutions (Silver Spring, MD), adding cloud-based water utility and irrigation management software to its local government portfolio, enhancing billing, compliance, and citizen engagement for municipalities across the U.S.

Founded in 2025, AbilityArc (Orem, UT) embeds durable skills training into technical education, and uses AI-driven simulations to strengthen communication, critical thinking, and workplace readiness as employers increasingly prioritize human capabilities alongside tech training and certifications.

Ryan Westwood, CEO of Fullcast (Salt Lake City, UT), discusses how intentional leadership, mentorship, and family practices empower the next generation of women, from his daughters’ “power poses” to women investors and diverse leadership at his AI-driven RevOps company.

At BYU’s 2026 SMB | ETA Conference, a panel moderated by Abe Bedard explored actionable search tactics, covering deal sourcing, broker relationships, risk management, and strategies for successful small business acquisitions.

DRYOUT (South Jordan, UT) teams with Pelican to integrate high-efficiency, reusable moisture-control panels into protective cases, keeping electronics and mission-critical gear dry, safe, and ready while setting a new standard for extreme-condition protection.

The Lassonde Entrepreneur Institute announced the top 20 teams advancing in the 2026 Tim Draper Utah Entrepreneur Challenge, where student startups statewide will compete for $75,000 in prizes.