The City of Toronto is gearing up to host the Small Business Forum on Monday, Oct. 30, 2023, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

The annual event, one of the biggest of the year for Toronto's small business community, is designed to empower local entrepreneurs by providing them with valuable information, connections, and resources to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Themed "Future-Proofing Businesses through Innovation & Sustainability," this year's forum promises inspiring speakers, engaging panel discussions, concurrent programming sessions, and an interactive trade show area. The event is free, making it accessible to small business owners of all backgrounds.

Event registration is available here. Key highlights of the 2023 Small Business Forum include:

The forum's main stage will host thought-provoking panel discussions on essential topics such as "Building Smarter, Innovative, and Sustainable Businesses," "The Power of Partnerships," and "Embracing Digital Disruption." These discussions will feature experts from various sectors, including government, innovation, music, fashion, and technology, who will delve into the trends shaping the small business landscape, including climate change, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

Attendees can also look forward to insights from prominent entrepreneurs. Eva Lau, managing director and co-founder of Two Small Fish Ventures, is headlining as the keynote speaker. Sarah Wilcox, founder of Genuine Tea, will share her journey and expertise.

In collaboration with the University of Toronto, Nobellum, a social and technology enterprise, aims to launch 100 Black-owned start-ups by 2025. Six finalists will pitch their innovative ideas at the forum, competing for $10,000 in funding, with one winner chosen by the audience.

Entrepreneurs can engage in rapid-fire mentoring sessions with industry experts and fellow business owners, gaining valuable insights and advice. Furthermore, the event will showcase the talents and products of Indigenous artisans and small business owners, supported by the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres.

In the forum's trade show area, participants can explore business partnership opportunities with representatives from numerous small business service providers, including web designers, marketing agencies, and legal and financial services firms.

The 2023 Small Business Forum is made possible with support from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and is sponsored by Desjardins Business. In addition to the Small Business Forum, the City of Toronto and its partners offer free, year-round learning opportunities for entrepreneurs and small business operators. These resources include informative business webinars to enhance participants' knowledge and skills.

More information is available on the city's Business Webinar webpage. For a comprehensive overview of the city's broader small business support initiatives, visit the city's Business Support webpage.