City of Toronto to host Small Business Forum focused on food and beverage industry success

The City of Toronto is proud to present the Small Business Forum 2024, a full-day event designed to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. This year’s forum will focus on the food and beverage industry and will be themed, “Taste of Success: Navigating the World of Food Business”. 

With Toronto’s food industry representing approximately 50 per cent of Ontario’s food sector, the Small Business Forum aims to empower entrepreneurs by providing insights into trends, innovations and challenges in the food business. Attendees will have access to government resources, industry experts, product providers and services to help them start and grow their food-related ventures. 

Key highlights of Toronto’s Small Business Forum 2024 include: 

• A keynote address from Tara Tomulka, founder of Rawcology, offering insights into building a successful packaged food business 

• Panel discussions on critical topics such as scaling food businesses, the latest food trends, growth strategies for alternative operations (at-home or online) and funding options for food entrepreneurs 

• Speed mentorship sessions where attendees can seek advice from experts on topics including food safety regulations, marketing, distribution, sustainable food production and more 

• Toronto’s next great packaged food business pitch competition, where local entrepreneurs can pitch their ideas to win exciting prizes that include a $5,000 grant 

• A trade show featuring more than 40 exhibitors where entrepreneurs can connect with service providers, distributors, suppliers and government agencies offering valuable business support. 

The Forum will take place at Meridian Hall on Wednesday, October 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Event registration is available.

More information about the Small Business Forum, funded by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, is available on the City’s website. 

The City thanks lead sponsors Desjardins Business and Interac Corp.  

The City and its partners offer free year-round learning opportunities for entrepreneurs, small business operators and staff. The City’s business webinars will improve your 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 website. 

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 X, Instagram or Facebook.