City of Vaughan

Small Business Month is a nationally recognized celebration of the entrepreneurs and small businesses that power our economy. Hosted by the Vaughan Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), the month-long program brings together business leaders, industry experts, and support organizations to share insights, resources, and connections that help businesses grow, adapt, and remain resilient in a rapidly changing business environment.

Throughout October 2026, businesses can take part in a series of no-cost virtual events and in-person networking opportunities designed to help entrepreneurs navigate today’s evolving economic landscape. Small Business Week – October 19-23 – will feature workshops and networking events, with additional webinars planned throughout the month exploring timely issues affecting Canadian businesses, including tariffs, trade uncertainty, supply chain challenges, and opportunities to support local and Made-in-Canada businesses.

 

This Year’s Theme: It’s a two-speed world now—fast or finished

The City’s programming will explore how businesses can adapt and succeed amid tariff pressures, trade uncertainty, rising costs, workforce challenges and rapid technological change.

Highlights include:

• A Small Business Week kick-off event featuring keynote speaker Monifa Brooks, Co-Founder of Garabyte, and a panel of local entrepreneurs sharing lessons on leadership, resilience and navigating growth
• An economic outlook session featuring BDC Chief Economist Pierre Cléroux, presented jointly with Food and Beverage Ontario
• Discussions on tariffs, trade and managing economic uncertainty
• Insights on productivity, innovation and technology adoption
• Conversations on business succession and growth opportunities
• Sessions focused on diversity, inclusion and organizational resilience
• Two in-person networking events to connect with entrepreneurs, industry leaders and ecosystem partners

Programming is delivered in partnership with organizations including TechConnex, BDC, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, ventureLAB, Futurpreneur, Food and Beverage Ontario, the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance and others.

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KICK-OFF SMALL BUSINESS WEEK ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 AT THE HUB. NETWORKING WILL BEGIN AT 9:30 A.M.

Join VBEC and TechConnex for the official launch of Vaughan Small Business Week 2026. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs before hearing keynote speaker Monifa Brooks, Co-Founder of Garabyte, shares lessons on leadership, business growth, and building your professional network.

The keynote will be followed by a panel discussion featuring Starter Company Plus alumni and local entrepreneurs sharing real-world insights on resilience, growth and navigating change.

Register below!

Click here to Register

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Space is limited, register today!

You must register to receive access to these sessions. Prior to the event, registrants will receive information, and attendee information via e-mail.

For more information, please contact ed@vaughan.ca.

Scroll down for more information and to register.

Kickoff Networking Event (In-Person)

Date: October 19 | Time: 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Location: The HUB | 290 Caldari Road, Concord, ON

Presented by TechConnex & Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre

Kick off Small Business Week with ideas, inspiration and connection.

Join the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) and TechConnex as we kick off Vaughan Small Business Week 2026 with a morning of networking, inspiration and real-world entrepreneurial insights.

The event will feature a keynote presentation by Monifa Brooks, Co-Founder of Garabyte, who will share her entrepreneurial journey and lessons on leadership, business development, relationship-building, and growing your visibility as a business owner.

Whether you’re starting a business, scaling a company or looking to strengthen your network, you’ll leave with actionable ideas, valuable connections and fresh perspectives on navigating growth and change.

 

Who Should Attend?

Entrepreneurs, small business owners, founders and business professionals who are looking to grow their leadership skills, expand their network and learn from the experiences of fellow entrepreneurs.

REGISTER NOW

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Creating Inclusive Workplaces: Queer Inclusion & Allyship

Date: October 19 | Time: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Presented by Canadian 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce

Creating an inclusive workplace starts with understanding and action. Join us to explore 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, allyship, and the Rainbow Registered program, and learn how businesses can foster welcoming environments for employees and customers.

 REGISTER NOW

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Leveling the playing field with tech

Date: October 20 | Time: 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Presented by Change Connect Inc.

Levelling the Playing Field with Tech, explores how small businesses can use technology, AI, and automation to work smarter, improve efficiency, and compete with larger organizations. Learn practical strategies for choosing the right tools, avoiding costly mistakes, and building a technology foundation that supports growth without requiring a large budget or dedicated IT team.

REGISTER NOW 

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Hustle, hobby, or hard no, is entrepreneurship right for you?

Date: October 20 | Time: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Presented with Vaughan Public Libraries + Ramona’s company

Hustle, Hobby, or Hard No is a practical session designed to help you determine whether your idea is a business opportunity worth pursuing. Learn how to evaluate your concept, assess your readiness for self-employment, and identify whether you’re building a hobby, a side hustle, or a viable business.

Leave with a simple framework you can apply to future ideas, greater confidence in your next steps, and practical insights to help you move from uncertainty to action.

REGISTER NOW 

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A Masterclass with ventureLab

Date: October 21 | Time: 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. | Virtual on Zoom

Presented by ventureLAB

Details Coming Soon…

REGISTER NOW

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Financing for Black Entrepreneurs

Date: October 21 | Time: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Hybrid: Bathurst Clarke Resource Library, 900 Clarke Ave W| Zoom

Presented by VBEC | Hosted at Vaughan Public Library

Financing for Black Entrepreneurs connects entrepreneurs with funding programs, financing options, and support organizations designed to help Black-owned businesses start, grow, and scale. Learn about available resources, gain insights from industry experts, and hear from a panel of leaders discussing funding gaps, access to capital, and opportunities in today’s business environment. Leave with valuable connections, practical knowledge, and a clearer path to financing and business growth.

Learn more about these organizations and programs:

• Futurpreneur
• Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA)
• Alterna Savings

REGISTER NOW In Person 

REGISTER NOW VIRTUAL

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Networking with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce

Date: October 22 | Time: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Location: Costco Wholesale NW Vaughan, 55 New Huntington Road, Vaughan

Presented by Vaughan Chamber of Commerce & Vaughan Economic Development

Expand your network and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals at this special Small Business Week networking event hosted by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce at Costco Wholesale. Enjoy an evening of meaningful conversations, new connections, and opportunities to grow your business within Vaughan’s thriving business community.

REGISTER NOW

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Thank you to our Program Partners!