Description
Dare to do things differently: Power up your growth
The economic recovery has brought new challenges for Canadian entrepreneurs. High on the list are inflation, worker shortages and supply chain challenges. Can we find better ways of working? Certainly. Business owners are finding ways to succeed despite these challenges. They are also making their businesses more inclusive and sustainable, while driving the Canadian economy. See how it’s being done, as we all celebrate the passion, daring and impact of Canada's dreamers and doers during BDC Small Business Week 2022.
Small businesses are at the heart of our economy, our culture and our community; providing jobs, access to unique goods and services and support for our local causes.
Entrepreneurs represent the creativity, determination and resilience that inspire great stories, city building and innovation.
The small business of today has unprecedented opportunity to pivot and grow and access new markets. They have the ability to leverage new technology, emerging trends and information like never before. We are pleased to bring you the latest in our series of economic summits to focus on one of the most important aspects of our economy, small business.
You will hear from experienced speakers and industry experts about what is coming, best practices to grow your business and inspiring stories of success. Connect with fellow business leaders and access the information and mindset you will need to take your business to the next level.
Agenda:
7:00 am - Registration & Networking
7:30 am - Breakfast
8:00 am - Welcome Remarks
8:10 am - Keynote Presentation: Pierre Cleroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist, BDC
How to succeed in today’s economy: A roadmap for SMEs
Make more with less and keep more money in your business
Canadian business owners need to act fast and decisively to maintain a competitive edge in the current context marked by rising prices, supply chain disruptions and persistent labour shortages.
Pierre Cléroux, BDC’s Vice President, Research and Chief Economist, will unveil the results of BDC’s most recent research looking at how you can make your business more profitable, more resilient and more competitive. He will also speak about the performance of Canada’s most productive companies and what they do to achieve 6X higher sales and 5X higher profits. Discover;
- How the current economic context impacts Canadian businesses.
- Proven strategies to navigate and succeed in today’s economy.
- How to increase your profitability and build long-lasting value in your company.
8:55 am - Panel Discussion
Jon is a multiple entrepreneur that has spent his career developing innovative ideas and organizations that push beyond the typical, to forge new ways of solving complex commercial, societal and environmental problems. He has provided leadership or senior advisory services to organizations ranging from startups and non-profits to multi-billion-dollar projects in sectors that span infrastructure, education, agriculture, food and beverage, cleantech, fintech, marketing communications, and public policy. He’s a big-thinking doer that approaches challenges with a sustainability mindset and a communications lens. Jon has founded several organizations, including Burrow Shop (burrowshop.ca) at the start of the COVID pandemic as an online local food market to shorten supply chains and better promote local food in Ottawa-Gatineau. Jon is currently CEO and Co-Founder of Fieldless (fieldless.com), a modern food and controlled agriculture company that has raised $23 million in pursuit of food sovereignty and sustainability.
As the Founder and Tea Sommelier behind Tease, Sheena Brady formulates all-natural tea- and botanical-based blends and beauty staples to support everyday rituals without compromising convenience, sustainability, and impact. This includes having recently launched the world’s first fully biodegradable and refillable wellness tea collection. In 2019, Sheena created the Founders Fund program, providing mentorship, education, and barrier-free funding to a diverse group of women founders. Through the program, Tease has collectively raised & contributed over $200,000 in small business micro-grants and mentorship programming to over 500 women and non-binary entrepreneurs, largely throughout the pandemic via it's Founders Fund program.
9:25 am - Closing Remarks
9:30 am - Event Concludes