Register to attend the Small Business Forum to learn, network and find support for your small business.
Experience the City of Toronto’s free signature event in support of small businesses at St. Lawrence Market North. 2026 has been a year of rapid economic, technological and market changes. The year’s forum equips business owners with the knowledge, connections and practical tools needed to build resilient, adaptable and growth-oriented businesses. It features a main stage program including keynote speaker, small group speed mentoring sessions, concurrent sessions and a trade show and marketplace.
North Market
9:15 a.m.
Join the City of Toronto in opening the Small Business Forum with welcoming remarks and announcements in support of Toronto’s entrepreneurs and small businesses. Kick off
9:30 a.m.
Jenn Harper, Founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, sets the stage for the forum by focusing on entrepreneurship, resilience, innovation and business growth
Noon
Enjoy a live musical performance and hear about event sponsors and a local small business success story.
St. Lawrence Hall, 3rd Floor, Great Hall
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Engage with experience business leaders and subject matter experts across key areas of business development. Get your pressing questions answered to the topics below:
St. Lawrence Hall, Rooms A, B and C
Room A, 11 a.m.
Every successful business starts with an idea, but turning that idea into a sustainable venture requires access to customers, market validation and opportunities to grow. Toronto’s public markets provide entrepreneurs with accessible, low-barrier spaces to test products, build customer relationships and develop their businesses. Explore how vendors and small business owners have used public markets as a launchpad for growth, while highlighting the role these markets play in supporting local entrepreneurship, fostering community connections and building resilient businesses.
Moderator: Marina Queirolo, Economic Development Officer, City of Toronto
Panelists:
Room B, 11 a.m.
As many small business owners approach retirement, succession planning has become an increasingly important topic for Toronto’s business community. Learn about strategies for business continuity, ownership transitions and long-term planning, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurs, employees, newcomers and underrepresented groups to acquire and grow established businesses. Gain practical insights into succession planning, business valuation, transition readiness, financing considerations and resources available to support successful ownership transitions.
Moderator: Kelly Shields, Kelly Shields Consulting
Panelists:
Room C, 11 a.m.
Learn about the range of financing options available to entrepreneurs, from traditional lending and government-backed programs to alternative funding sources and emerging financing solutions. Gain practical insights into grants, loans and incentive programs, including those designed to support diverse entrepreneurs, learn what lenders and investors look for and discover strategies for strengthening cash flow and financial planning.
Moderator: Susan Henry, Director, Community Impact and Financial Inclusion, Alterna Savings
Panelists:
Room B, 1 p.m.
Delivered in French and hosted by the Fédération des gens d’affaires francophones de l’Ontario, hear from Francophone entrepreneurs and business professionals as they share lessons from their entrepreneurial journeys. Learn practical strategies for strengthening your business’ resilience, adapting to changing market conditions, leveraging available supports and building organizations that can thrive through periods of change and uncertainty.
Moderator: Jérôme Gauci, Director, Entrepreneurship and Business Development, FGA
Panelists:
Room C, 1 p.m.
In recognition of Women’s Entrepreneurship Day, celebrate the achievements and contributions of women entrepreneurs while also exploring the opportunities and challenges they face in building successful businesses. Hear about the panelists’ entrepreneurial journeys, lessons learned and strategies for overcoming barriers to growth. Also, learn about supports available to women-owned businesses.
Moderator: Kerry Harris, ReBoot Consulting Group and The Drift Reset
Panelists:
St Lawrence Market North, 1st and 2nd Floors
Throughout the day, visit the dynamic showcase of local businesses, sponsors, service providers and business support organizations to discover new products, services and resources. Connect with local makers, market vendors and attendees at networking and informal meeting spaces which encourage collaboration, relationship building and community connection.
