Celebrate Small Business Week with us!
Join the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre’s kickoff event on Monday, Oct. 21
Did you know that small businesses in Vaughan account for more than 87 per cent of all businesses in the city? To recognize their impact and contributions, the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) is hosting events and running special programs during Small Business Week from Monday, Oct. 21 until Friday, Oct. 25!
You’re invited to join us to connect and network with like-minded business owners and entrepreneurs throughout the week.
The week will start with an in-person Small Business Week Kickoff Event on Monday, Oct. 21 from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Hilton Garden Inn Toronto/Vaughan (3201 Highway 7) hosted by the VBEC in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce (VCC). Attendees will enjoy a morning of networking and light refreshments. Programming will begin at 8:30 a.m. and include remarks from Mayor Steven Del Duca, an address from the VCC, a keynote presentation from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and a panel discussion on The Future of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Small Business.
The week will continue with a variety of in-person and virtual events and workshops exploring concepts of diversity and inclusion. Programming emphasizes cultural diversity and representation, and caters to small businesses across various industries and sectors. Sign up today! Highlights include:
Market Insights Made Easy: SimplyAnalytics – Virtually via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sustainability Business Development Goals Fireside Chat – Virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 22 from noon to 1 p.m.
Breaking Barriers: Funding for Black-owned Businesses – In person on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from noon. to 1 p.m. at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.)
Introduction to the Vaughan Business Café – Virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Entrepreneurship Essentials: Startup 101 – Regulations, Registering and Licenses – Virtually via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Mental Health for Small Business – Virtually via Zoom on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Financial Advisory for Small Business – In person on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at BDC Vaughan (610 Applewood Cres., Suite 101)
Small Business Week is a nationally recognized celebration of the contributions small businesses make to our economy. The City’s programming for 2024 is being delivered in partnership with local business support organizations, including the VCC, BDC, TechConnex, YSpace, Federation of African Canadian Economics, Vaughan Public Libraries and more. For more information and to register for Small Business Week events, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/SBW.
Looking for additional business support? The VBEC offers a robust list of services to entrepreneurs, including:
free business advisory consultations (virtual or in person).
business planning support, including marketing strategies, financial forecast and cash flow, and general business development.
information on the development process, regulations, zoning, licensing, permits, business registration and legal structure.
end-to-end site selection support.
connections to funding sources, financing and grants.
connections to business professionals, organizations and resources from various levels of government.
research and business intelligence support.
business development and marketing support for tourism organizations.
business workshops, seminars, events and networking opportunities.
To learn more about starting or growing your business, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.
To stay informed on the City’s latest tourism, business resources and initiatives, sign up for the Economic Development department’s eNewsletters at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters and follow the official channels on LinkedIn and Instagram.
For updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
