Experience the City of Toronto’s free full-day, in-person signature event in support of small businesses. The forum features main stage programming with keynote speakers and expert panels from a wide range of sectors, as well as the Nobellum Pitch Competition, breakout rooms, small group speed mentoring, a vibrant Indigenous Market and a trade show hosting a diverse display of small business services and goods providers. Only electricity from renewable energy sources will be used at the forum.
Monday, October 30, 2023
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building, Level 800, Exhibit Halls F & G
8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Business leaders and entrepreneurs will promote new thinking and inspire action, while sharing details on global economic shifts and technological advances. Learn what it means for small businesses to adapt, optimize and plan for the future.
Learn about the power of partnerships. Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and not-for-profits share stories of resilience during challenging times and how leaning into City of Toronto programs and resources helped local businesses.
Hear from Toronto’s tech leaders as they discuss how to stay ahead of the curve by embracing digital disruption, adapting to new technologies and taking advantage of the latest innovative trends.
Learn why diversity, equity and inclusion matter and how it can drive innovation in business.
Learn where entrepreneurs can access funding sources to build their enterprises.
Food manufacturing is one of the most important sectors to Toronto’s economy: employing a diverse workforce, being highly resilient to economic fluctuations and making a significant economic contribution to the city’s GDP. Learn how food manufacturing in Toronto is evolving and innovating to continue to grow and establish Canada as a culturally diverse food processing centre in the world.
This panel demystifies the procurement process for all three levels of government. Learn how to become a successful supplier to the public sector.
Presented by Desjardins, this session focuses on how small business owners and entrepreneurs can develop a responsible model for their financial development that is aligned with their business needs and generates longevity through sound financial practices and principles.
Taking urgent action to address climate change is not just a sustainable development goal for the United Nations, but a priority for any business that wants to attract talent and customers and create a better future for the planet. This panel discusses how companies can effectively balance their business goals with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) accountability to contribute to a net-zero world and take action in curbing the climate emergency we face today.
This panel sheds light on this important industry and provide a platform for key industry stakeholders to discuss the state of the industry, its evolution and how it is being supported by the City of Toronto and other levels of government to become stronger and more resilient.
Design is more than simply aesthetics; it is how users interact with products and services to develop an experience that helps them connect and build a relationship with the company. In this panel, learn how great design builds great businesses and what it takes to do so.
Learn about the unique challenges that each sector’s entrepreneurial journey faces, and how incubators provide customized support to these sector-specific startups.
This presentation discusses the opportunities and challenges for small business as artificial intelligence becomes more prominent. Learn how to harness it for your small business.
Presented by Desjardins, this session highlights what established small business owners and entrepreneurs can do when they are ready to retire or move onto their next adventure. Topics include long-term strategic planning, how to transfer ownership and how to sell a business.
This panel shares unique challenges that underserved groups within the small business community face and the potential of these resilient entrepreneurs. Find out about tailored programming supports and their success so far.
This presentation discusses the opportunities for small business to better develop secure and effective eCommerce practices. Learn how to develop a cybersecurity policy and procedures to prevent a potential attack.
Talk with leading industry professionals and entrepreneurs and get advice on a range of topics, including small business strategy, accounting, sales and marketing, mental health, diversity and inclusion, financing and insurance, digital solutions and more. Breakout Session presenters and panelists may also join following their sessions and be available to mentor.
Get ready to be wowed by the next generation of visionaries in STEM and innovation. Finalists from Black-led startups enrolled in the Nobellum Innovator Program compete on the Main Stage, pitching their business ideas to an expert jury for a chance to win prize money up to $4,000.
Vote for your favourite to win the audience choice award.
Throughout the day, visit the dynamic trade show floor for a diverse display of small business services and goods providers. Get information on a wide range of B2B companies and other organizations, such as those in accounting, marketing, HR, finance, insurance, digital solutions and more. Toronto-based accelerator and incubators, as well as different levels of government, are there to share the variety of business support programs available.
Showcase your small business products and services to over 3,000 forum attendees, as well as to network with attendees, fellow exhibitors, sponsors, government representatives and small business owners. Trade show exhibitors get access to all forum activities. Booth prices start at $1,250. For more information, email staff.
Explore this specially curated Indigenous Market in support of Toronto’s vibrant Indigenous small business community. Take advantage of this chance to shop in person and meet the arts and cultural entrepreneurs behind these businesses.
