City of Vaughan

Small Business Week is a nationally recognized celebration of the contributions small businesses make to our local economies. The Vaughan Small Business and Entrepreneurship team hosts Vaughan Small Business Week every October to provide local entrepreneurs access to the latest programs, best practices and networking opportunities. 

Small Business Week events will be taking place virtually and include an in-person networking event. This series of virtual events is offered at no cost to entrepreneurs and will be delivered during the week of October 15-21, 2023. 

This year’s theme will focus on helping businesses become more inclusive while driving the Canadian economy. The content will focus on diversity and inclusion with an emphasis on cultural diversity and representation as well as industry variety in small business. 

Programming is being delivered virtually together with local business support organizations Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, BDC, YSpace/York University, Techconnex, Futurpreneur, Vaughan Public Libraries, and The Black Entrepreneur Alliance (BEA), among others. 

KICK-OFF SMALL BUSINESS WEEK ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 16 AT THE HUB VAUGHAN. NETWORKING WILL BEGIN AT 7:30 A.M. 

The Vaughan Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a morning of networking, light refreshments, and a program including recorded welcome remarks from Mayor Del Duca, and an address from VBEC, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce and keynote speaker, Carlos Cadogan sharing more on ‘The Future of DEI in Small Business’ presented in partnership with TechConnex, and how you can incorporate Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion into your business! 

Visit our vendor booths and learn more about the BDC, Digital Service Squad, and The Vaughan Public Libraries.  

Click here to Register

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.

AI TOOLS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES 

Date: October 16 | Time: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Presented by Vaughan Public Libraries 

An introduction to artificial intelligence tools for entrepreneurs, including how to make ChatGPT, BingAI, and other resources work for your business. Leading this session is Amanda Wheatley (she/elle) who holds the roles of Liaison Librarian for Management, Business and Entrepreneurship/Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at McGill University. 

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS FIRESIDE CHAT 

Date: October 17 | Time: 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Presented by Professor Mark Terry, Hollywood Canada Communications

Is your company doing everything it can to be sustainable?

As part of Small Business Week, learn how you can establish a Sustainability Mandate for your business through this webinar hosted by Professor Mark Terry.

In 2015, the United Nations launched a global plan known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a “universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity”. Every nation agreed to implement the 17 goals of this plan not only in its national policies, but in the behavior and practices of its people and businesses.

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SUPPORTING 2SLGBTQ+ EMPLOYEES THROUGH MEANINGFUL PRACTICE

Date: October 17 | Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Presented by Jordyn Samuels, Lead Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Consultant, Journeys InEquity Consulting

This session focuses on tangible practices businesses can begin or strengthen, to better support2SLGBTQ+ employees (Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer and more).

The workshop will cover, barriers 2SLGBTQ+ individuals face while accessing employment, steps businesses can take to create more inclusive policies and practices, how to better recruit and retain 2SLGBTQ+ employees and how businesses can strengthen their 2SLGBTQ+ resource networks.

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GROW YOUR DIGITAL PRESENCE AND INFLUENCE AUDIENCES (IN-PERSON) 

Date: October 17 | Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | 207 Edgeley Blvd Unit 8, Vaughan, ON

Presented by C3 Labs, Digital Service Squad

Held in-person, this focused workshop will provide businesses insights into creating strong brands and digital presence to effectively influence target audiences and enable digital transformation. Join us in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre for an engaging session that will explore: 

• Building a Strong Brand
• Effective Visual Identities
• Social Media Platform Optimization
• Engaging Content Creation
• Digital Marketing Techniques
• and more!

This workshop is delivered by the award-winning creative agency C3 Labs, in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC). B2B networking opportunities will take place before and after the workshop. 

Businesses will also have an opportunity to learn about the Digital Main Street program, digital transformation grants and how to access funding and resource opportunities. 

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FINANCING FOR SMALL BUSINESS WITH THE BDC 

Date: October 18 | Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Presented by The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) 

Hosted by the Vaughan Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), you will hear from small business financing experts from our session sponsor, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) as well as Futurpreneur, & VBEC.  

Experts will share more on what financing options are available to entrepreneurs and small businesses. You will learn about what is required to access financing and what makes for a strong application. 

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INTRODUCTION TO THE VAUGHAN BUSINESS CAFÉ 

Date: October 18 | Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Presented by Vaughan Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC)

Are you an entrepreneur or business owner looking to connect with mentors and advisors? Small Business Week is a great time to network and collaborate! The Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre with the Vaughan Business Café help entrepreneurs, small business owners and corporate partners connect to ask questions, share ideas and form new professional relationships. Join us for a live demonstration of the Vaughan Business Café, our networking and mentoring platform and all its features. Ask your questions. Meet new people & start chatting about mentorship best practices. 

Not yet a member? Learn more: Vaughan Business Café | Vaughan Economic Development 

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BEING A DIVERSE FOUNDER IN THE FOOD & BEV INDUSTRY  

Date: October 18 | Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Presented by Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) | Yspace

Held virtually, in celebration of Small Business Week, VBEC in partnership with The Black Entrepreneurship Alliance (BEA) is hosting an intimate event to share practical tips to enter and succeed within the food & beverage industry as a diverse founder.  

Join us for a fireside chat over food with our founders and find out what BEA has to offer to support your food & beverage businesses.  

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GETTING YOUR VENTURE FUNDED 

Date: October 19 | Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Presented by YSpace

Join YSpace and the Vaughan Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre for a special session on acquiring early-stage investment into your startup. Entrepreneur Erich Ko will share his founder journey and focus early-stage investment. 

You will leave with a better understanding of how to successfully fund your tech venture. 

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INCLUSIVE HIRING PRACTICES FOR YOUR BUSINESS 

Date: October 19 | Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Presented by Kevin McShan, Disability Advocate 

This session on creating an inclusive competitive advantage for your business covers how to prioritize accessibility and inclusion into your hiring practices with disability advocate Kevin McShan. 

According to the Government of Ontario inclusive businesses that hire people with disabilities grow profits up to three times faster than their competitors. They also experience a 72% increase in productivity.  

During this virtual open-forum style Q&A, feel free to turn cameras on, ask questions in the chat box, and share more about your business.  

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SENIORPRENEURSHIP (IN-PERSON) 

Date: October 19 | Time: 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. | Location: Civic Centre Resource Library | 2191 Major MacKenzie Dr W, Vaughan, ON

Presented by Vaughan Public Libraries 

Learn about the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre, VBEC’s one-stop services for Vaughan’s aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners with access to business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance to start or grow a business in Vaughan. 

You will also hear from three older adults with experience in the world of business. Michael Brooke, the best-selling author of The Concrete Wave. CPA, Steve Quenneville who is recently retired, and has become a certified Canfitpro Personal Training Specialist. Lastly, Shishir Lakhani, a successful Entrepreneur and founder of a manufacturing business. He sold the business and retired at age 53. 

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ACCESSIBLE BUSINESS | SCOPE, SKILLS & STRATEGY 

Date: October 20 | Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Presented by Joe Baker, Advocate for an inclusive, future-forward industry 

This interactive workshop will set the stage for business owners and operators to develop an awareness of the opportunity presented by adapting current products, services and experiences to include people with disabilities.  

Built on the framework of effective changemaking, this session will highlight and develop the social and emotional skills required to embrace this market segment and will be a spark for the strategic mindset and complementary tools required for sustained success.  

During this virtual open-forum style Q&A, feel free to turn cameras on, ask questions in the chat box, and share more about your business.  

REGISTER NOW

** Additional events will be added , please check back for more information.