Today, the City of Toronto is hosting a Small Business Forum at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to support entrepreneurs and professionals in building and growing local small businesses. The theme of this year’s Small Business Forum is: “Future-Proofing Businesses through Innovation & Sustainability.”
Mayor Olivia Chow kicked off the Forum this morning with Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) and Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto Danforth). They were joined by the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business for Canada and the Honourable Nina Tangri, Member of Provincial Parliament and Associate Minister of Small Business for Ontario.
During this free, full-day, in-person event, participants will learn about government resources and small business supports while networking with experts and product providers. Participants will leave with connections, inspiration and practical tools to help plan, start and grow a small business in Canada’s largest and most diverse city.
The Forum will feature:
The Small Business Forum is supported by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, is sponsored by Desjardins, and hosted by the Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre.
More information about the Small Business Forum is available on the City’s website.
The City and its partners offer free, year-round learning opportunities for entrepreneurs, small business operators and staff. The City’s business webinars are designed to improve participants’ business knowledge and skills. More information is available on the City’s Business Webinar webpage.
More information about the City’s wider small business supports is available on the City’s Business Support webpage.
Quotes:
“Small retail businesses are essential to the vitality and success of Toronto’s main streets and neighbourhoods and are key drivers of economic prosperity for residents, families, communities and the city. I encourage small business owners to take advantage of all these opportunities that the day offers, to learn and network and encourage Toronto residents to continue supporting local businesses.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Small businesses aren’t ‘small’ – they represent 98 per cent of all businesses in Canada and employ 10 million hard-working Canadians, with so many of them right here in Toronto. They are at the core of keeping our economy strong, and it’s so important to support them, especially those businesses run by entrepreneurs from under-represented communities. Thank you to the City of Toronto for hosting this amazing forum and bringing together small businesses and business partners from across the city.”
– Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business of Canada
“To succeed in today’s local and global markets, Ontario businesses must be able to use innovative technologies that enhance their operations and help them reach more customers. Small business will be able to learn a great deal at this forum, and I encourage them all to participate. Ontario is committed to continuing the important work of helping to ensure that our province’s business community can thrive today and in the future.”
– Nina Tangri, Member of Provincial Parliament and Associate Minister of Small Business for Ontario
“I encourage small businesses and operators to visit our city website to explore the supports and grants available to them. As residents, we can continue to do our part by shopping local and supporting small businesses and restaurants in our communities.”
– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)
“Small businesses and our small business operators are the backbone of our city. They are a vital part of what makes Toronto a great place to live, work, visit and invest in. I look forward to seeing the impactful connections that are made at the Small Business Forum today and hope that everyone in attendance will take full advantage of the grants, incentives, training and other ongoing supports the City provides to small business owners and operators.”
– Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Mayor’s Economic Development & Culture Champion
“We must continue supporting our small business – they are vital to Toronto’s economy and the beating heart of our neighbourhoods. Thank you to those who made the Small Business Forum possible. I also want to recognize Toronto’s small businesses for thriving, innovating and ensuring our communities remained vibrant and dynamic over these challenging last few years.”
– Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto Danforth)
“Small businesses are the backbone of our city and play a pivotal role in bolstering our dynamic tourism and economic ecosystem. They enhance and preserve our vibrant local neighbourhoods and ensure our main streets remain lively, bustling, and safe. I invite small business owners to attend today’s event and to take advantage of the extensive supports that the City offers small businesses.”
– Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Mayor’s Small Business Champion
Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.