It's Small Business Week

Oct. 20, 2020 8:00 a.m.
​Join in free online events and workshops for entrepreneurial learning
 
Business resiliency. Planning. Marketing. Finance. These are some of the concepts that will be explored throughout Small Business Week, which kicks off today in the City of Vaughan and is going virtual this year.  
 
There is still time left to learn more and register at vaughanbusiness.ca/SBW2020 for the free events and workshops geared towards small businesses and entrepreneurs. The lineup is as follows:
 
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 10 a.m.
    • Launch event: Fireside chat with inspiring local teenage entrepreneur Ananya Vishwanath, CEO of VQueues, co-hosted by the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, and general networking. This event features a virtual address from Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
    • Workshop: Five Healthcare Marketing Secrets in partnership with ventureLAB.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 3 p.m.-4 p.m.
    • Workshop: How to Create Consumer Products that Sell in partnership with YSpace.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22 from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
    • Workshop: Getting Started as a Young Entrepreneur in partnership with Futurpreneur Canada.
  • Thursday, Oct. 22 from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
    • Workshop: Hiring Incentives for Employers in partnership with COSTI. 
The theme of this year’s Small Business Week is Forging the Way Forward, acknowledging the resiliency of Canadian entrepreneurs throughout COVID-19. Events are run by the City of Vaughan in partnership with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, ventureLAB, YSpace, Futurpreneur Canada and COSTI.  
 
QUOTE
 
“Small business remains the backbone of Vaughan’s thriving economy – representing more than 85 per cent of all local job creators. Today, our city is home to more than 19,000 businesses that employ more than 227,000 people. While we have experienced a significant shift in how business is being done, the City of Vaughan remains committed to supporting our small business community because our strength lies within their success. Vaughan’s Economic and Cultural Development department provides one-stop services for aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners, including access to business information, resources, training and hands-on assistance to start or grow a business. Our community's entrepreneurial spirit serves as an inspiration for the next generation of creators, thought leaders and innovators. During Small Business Week, I want to extend my warmest and sincerest gratitude to our emerging business leaders – you are helping to lay the foundation for a bright and promising future for all.”
-        Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
 
QUICK FACTS
 
  • The City is also offering new virtual programs and services to further support local businesses throughout COVID-19, including:
    • the vaughanbusiness.ca/COVID website with a dedicated COVID-19 information page.
    • virtual business advisory services to support with registering a business, business planning, accessing government assistance programs and more. Local businesses can access these services through this online form.
    • sector-specific eNewsletters to keep businesses up to date on government announcements, funding and relevant programming.
    • the #ShopVaughanLocal campaign and the Open For Business webpage.
    • access to all events and webinars hosted virtually for businesses across York Region via vaughanbusiness.ca/events.
    • season two of the Vaughan Rising Podcast, which examines the resilience of Vaughan’s business community and talks to leaders who are pivoting, innovating and doing what it takes to make it through to the other side of the pandemic.
 
LEARN MORE
 
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