Business Basecamp returns for fifth year

San Juan County’s premier business conference returns to the Utah State University Blanding campus March 12 - 14, 2026, bigger and better with even more resources to inspire and equip business owners and entrepreneurs for success.
This event marks the 5th annual San Juan County Business Basecamp event, designed to strengthen and build the community of businesses and nonprofits in Southeastern Utah.
“This is like a conference, but better,” said Dax Jacobson, Dean of the Gore School of Business at Westminster University. “I’ve been to different events where you’re focused on economic development, but this felt like a true community effort. People knew each other. People wanted to help each other.”
Built on feedback from local entrepreneurs, businesses, and nonprofit organizations, each Business Basecamp event features speakers and resources most useful to those looking to do business in San Juan County communities.
“San Juan County is frequently used as a basecamp for recreation, and these Business Basecamp events serve the same purpose for the community of business-minded individuals in and around our county,” said Talia Hansen, Economic Development Manager for San Juan County.
Join evening sessions on Thursday, March 12. These sessions are focused on the needs of startups and entrepreneurs in the early days of business, but provide a perfect return to basics for even the most seasoned business owner. Topics covered will include registering your business, creating a business model, and getting noticed on Google.
Friday, March 13 will feature a keynote speaker, panels of community leaders, and 16 breakout sessions to choose from throughout the day. Topics covered on Friday range from gaining funding to workforce management, tourism and business for artisans.
A full exposition day on Saturday, March 14, will allow attendees the chance to connect with local artisans, businesses, and nonprofits on a more personal level as they browse local vendors, try local cuisine, and learn more about some of the resources featured in the breakout sessions.
“Business Basecamp draws attendees from all over the county and beyond,” Hansen said. “We invite anyone interested in any form of business, from art to agriculture to join us.”
Tickets to this year’s event are available now for $25 for all three days. Tickets can be found on Eventbrite SJCBasecamp.eventbrite.com.
The San Juan County Economic Development Department is a department within the local county government that strengthens San Juan County by listening to our communities, promoting business growth, supporting workforce development, and retaining and attracting vital industries. Through innovative approaches, strategic investment, infrastructure improvement, and skill-building, we tackle the unique challenges of our rural county, creating well-paying jobs, supporting local businesses, attracting new industries, and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. We envision a future of locally determined economic mobility found in all sectors of our county, where our youth choose to stay, and our communities have a space of belonging and dignity.