Fueling Canadian SMBs with Digital Transformation, Inclusion, and Adaptability
Keynote Sessions
Panel Discussions
Workshops
Demo Sessions
Business Networking
Registrations Begins
- 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Event Inauguration
- 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Welcome Remarks
- 9:30 AM - 9:33 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
The Honourable Rechie Valdez was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville in 2021. She has been a member of various parliamentary committees and associations, including the Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs and the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, as well as the Chair of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Minister Valdez is a Canadian entrepreneur, television personality, and community advocate. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed to Cabinet, and is committed to ensuring the diverse voices of her community are heard.
Before entering politics, Minister Valdez owned and operated a small business, and dedicated herself to growing her online business avenues. She was also the host of a television show that shares the stories of entrepreneurs, creators, and artists. Prior to that, she worked in corporate banking for 15 years, where she developed her expertise in change management and strategic initiatives. Drawing on her longstanding advocacy, Minister Valdez also sponsored the National Women’s Entrepreneurship Act in 2022.
A sports enthusiast, Minister Valdez has used her love for basketball to raise funds for children’s charities. She has made numerous media appearances, was a public speaker, and is a mentor dedicated to the empowerment of women, girls, youth, and diverse and marginalized groups.
Born and raised in Zambia, Minister Valdez immigrated to Canada with her family in 1989. She is married and the mother of two children.
Welcome Remarks
- 9:33 AM - 9:36 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Hon. Filomena Tassi, Minister Responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Member of Parliament for Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, is no stranger to public service. She’s a former Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Seniors. Born and raised in Hamilton, Minister Tassi’s journey has been one of commitment to her community.
Welcome Remarks by RBC
- 9:36 AM - 9:40 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Karen Svendsen, Senior Director Small Business Client and Business Strategy, RBC
Welcome Remarks
- 9:40 AM - 9:43 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Paul Gaspar, Director, Small Business, UPS® Canada
Paul’s career with UPS began in 1991 in operations which progressed to eight roles in five different functions. Through these roles, he discovered a passion for working with small businesses and helping them thrive. He now leverages his growing network of entrepreneurs and the focused learnings of SME supply chains to improve the success rate of small businesses looking to scale and go global. He’s been a leader and mentor within the Startup Community since 2015 with an unwavering commitment to support entrepreneurs across Canada.
Paul obtained a degree in Economics from York University.
Unlocking Growth through Digital Transformation for Small Business Owners
In an era where digital innovation is reshaping the marketplace, small business owners have a unique opportunity to leverage these changes for sustainable growth. This keynote presentation, “Unlocking Growth through Digital Transformation for Small Business Owners,” will delve into how small business owners can harness digital tools and resources, specifically through Amazon Business, to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately drive growth
- 09:45 AM - 10:00 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Kevin Grimes, Country Manager for Amazon Business Canada
As Country Manager for Amazon Business Canada, Kevin Grimes defines the strategy and executes tactical plans to help Canadian businesses and Public Sector organizations reinvent the way they procure supplies. Kevin leads a team of Sales Managers and their Strategic, Enterprise, and SMB Account Executives, as well as the Costa Rica-based Business Development team. After helping AB Canada reach $1B in 2024 as the Head of Public Sector Sales, Kevin is thrilled to be the new Country Manager where he will continue to innovate on behalf of business customers in Canada.
Amazon Business is re-inventing the way businesses shop in Canada. Launched in October of 2019, Amazon Business Canada is applying the same entrepreneurial and innovative approach that delivered the Amazon.ca shopping experience, new technologies, products (like our Amazon Echo, Kindle e-readers, and tablets), and enterprise services like AWS. With our drive to reinvent on behalf of business customers, we are focused on building Amazon Business into the largest and most innovative Business-to-Business (B2B) marketplace in the world. Our customers include individual professionals, small businesses to large institutions (and everything in between) from every industry vertical.
Kevin has been with Amazon for over 11 years and was a founding member of the Amazon Business Go-To-Market team in the US. Kevin holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Western Washington University, and recently moved his family of five from the Seattle area to Toronto. He is actively engaged in coaching youth sports and enjoys cooking and getting outdoors with his children and golden retriever as much as possible.
Redefining AI Adoption Timelines and Skillsets
- 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Cameron Allen, Partner Account Manager, Intel Canada
Leveraging Logistics for Digital Transformation
- 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Paul Gaspar, Director, Small Business, UPS® Canada
Paul’s career with UPS began in 1991 in operations which progressed to eight roles in five different functions. Through these roles, he discovered a passion for working with small businesses and helping them thrive. He now leverages his growing network of entrepreneurs and the focused learnings of SME supply chains to improve the success rate of small businesses looking to scale and go global. He’s been a leader and mentor within the Startup Community since 2015 with an unwavering commitment to support entrepreneurs across Canada.
Paul obtained a degree in Economics from York University.
Navigating Business Travel: Strategies for Small and Midsize Enterprises
- 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Tarandeep Singh, Director, Small Business, Regional VP – Commercial, Marketing & Revenue Management, IHG Canada
Tarandeep is a strategic thought leader and has had an illustrious hospitality career spanning over 25 years, which includes a panoply of end-to-end commercial initiatives spearheaded across diverse geographies across South-West Asia, Asia Pacific, Australasia, Middle East, Africa & Canada. Over the years, he has built strong teams, optimized organizational capabilities, and provided deep strategic insights that have enhanced commercial performance and innovation.
Tarandeep has been with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts for over 14 years now and has held various senior leadership roles in Commercial, Revenue Management, Distribution, Business Insights, Analytics and Performance across India, Singapore, Dubai and is now based in Canada
How best to protect your business – and business assets – against new physical and cyberthreats
Today’s cybercriminals don’t just target stakeholder data, or try to ransom your network – they have new ways of actually stealing your business. Every month, 25 companies lose their business this way. Small to Medium-Size businesses are currently in the bad guys’ crosshairs. Find out why.
You will also see what’s available on the dark web, hear what a cybercrook has to say, and learn how you can cost-effectively protect yourself – while also freeing up your time to focus more on growing your business. Your bottom line and cyber-insurance policy will thank you!
Cloud Managed Networks (CMN) is the first company in the world to have passed Cisco’s very stringent audit, complete with black belt training requirements, to become Cisco SMB certified. This means that, in addition to being help to larger enterprise level clients, CMN is uniquely qualified to address all technology-related needs of firms with 15 – 1500 employees.
Another of the partners with which Cloud Managed Networks works closely is Verkada; indeed we are one of the few Platinum Verkada partners in Canada. As part of the presentation, we’ll show you how Verkada’s camera and sensor offerings are the perfect complement to cloud and network protection solutions.
- 11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Jane-Michèle Clark, Director of Strategy at Cloud Managed Networks
As a result of this expertise, Jane-Michèle was asked to create content for the 2023 United Nations General Assembly, and has spoken on this topic to a variety of audiences. Having run her own business for decades, and having worked with hundreds of companies from small business to large-scale enterprises, she is well-versed on the trials, tribulations and practical needs of entrepreneurs and other business leaders.
Jane-Michèle will be joined by Sam Ronin, Senior Account Executive at Cloud Managed Networks. Sam is a lead member of the client relations team and knowledgeable about all technical solutions offered. He is also the resident Verkada expert.
Cloud Managed Networks (CMN) is the first company in the world to have passed Cisco’s very stringent audit, complete with black belt training requirements, to become Cisco SMB certified. This means that, in addition to being help to larger enterprise level clients, CMN is uniquely qualified to address all technology-related needs of firms with 15 – 1500 employees.
Scaling SMEs with Data & GenAI for Functional Transformation
The world of business is echoing with the potential of Data and GenAI. Businesses realize that leveraging these technologies will enable them to unlock new opportunities for growth and success. We’ll dive into how SMEs can leverage data and GenAI to drive value across various critical functions. We’ll explore how SMEs can drastically improve speed and efficiency with granular business data, and eliminate redundant or manual activities.
Join us to discover various use cases opportunities that Data and GenAI offer SMEs for enhancing the human experience- either as customers, suppliers, or as employees.
- 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Prem Sarit Acharya, Director of Strategic Growth at CSM Tech
CSM Tech is a global firm with operations in North America, India & Africa spearheading digital transformation & managed services for more than 26 years now.
Unlocking Big Business Potential: How Bell is Empowering Small Businesses
Darcy Richard is a recognized leader in the telecommunications industry, with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses in today’s digital landscape.
He is passionate about leveraging technology to empower entrepreneurs and drive economic growth.
- 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Darcy Richard, VP, SMB Marketing, Bell
Darcy Richard is Vice President, SMB Marketing at Bell. He leads large-scale initiatives with flawless execution and support a team of dedicated professionals who aspire to connect small and medium businesses with world-class Internet and mobile networks. Darcy has led the SMB Marketing team since 2022 and brings a wealth of experience gained across various roles at Bell in marketing, sales, and operations functions.
Co-operators VP, Mark Feeney, on Business Resilience and Growth
A 10-minute keynote delivered by VP Mark Feeney on behalf of Co operators. The over-arching theme will celebrate the perseverance and adaptability of small business.
Over 120,000 small businesses closed over the COVID pandemic
Those that remain had to adapt, innovate and hold out hope.
It’s time to shift from staying afloat to thriving, it’s time for growth.
A co-operative which makes us different in our values, the way we operate and the relationships we have with our customers.
By the numbers, we insure:
- 303,000 business, 42,000 farms, 250,000 Employees+ through Group Claims
- And millions more Canadians through other products (e.g., auto, life, etc.)
Explain your role, ensuring the success of our advisor network and hundreds of small businesses:
- 240 advisors in Ontario – all are small business owners just like you
Community Impact:
A large, profitable, stable organization with $65B in assets
Personalized approach, putting profits to work for everyday people.
Work with communities to build resilience & financial security.
Not just insuring against threats but reducing risk at a community level.
Client impact stories – reflecting growth and resilience from Canadian small business
Resilience & Growth:
The pandemic and recession has shuttered a lot of business, but those here knew how to adapt and innovate.
You were able to respond and adjust, to protect yourselves and your business.
But some businesses thrived.
That’s because true resilience is proactive – it’s about planning ahead to keep the heart of what you’re building safe.
It frees up resources so that when disruption comes you’re ready to respond, to identify what your community needs, and to harness the opportunity.
Anecdote or story from either Mark’s, Advisor’s or Client’s perspective: disruption as an opportunity for business growth (recommend our journey into Wealth Services – integrating the service within our advisor perspective – the conversations had with our advisors, the difference they’re making in their communities today, etc. )
Central themes to include:
- How advice and personal interaction makes a difference
- The importance of resilience planning
- Community/peer supports
- Applying your unique understanding/expertise to a new challenge
- Identifying and addressing unmet needs
The world will continue to be a volatile and complex place – but with the right safeguards in place to keep you resilient – that is opportunity.
Small business is the backbone of any community.
We look forward to building community with you, and watching your businesses thrive.
- 01:00 PM - 01:15 PM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Mark Feeney, VP, Co-operators
Mark has 35 years of experience in the insurance industry and Co-operators. His career began in sales, working his way up to sales management. In late 2006, Mark became the National VP of Personal Lines (Home and Auto insurance) for Co-operators. In 2010 Mark moved into his current role – VP of the Ontario Region – where he is responsible for 255 advisor agencies and their staff.
Mark holds his BA in Economics from the University of Waterloo, his Certified Insurance Professional (CIP) designation, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation, Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, LIMRA Leadership Institute Fellowship (LLIF) designation, his Chartered Director (C. Dir) designation, his Certified Executor Advisor designation and his life, other than life and mutual funds licenses.
Mark is married to his lovely wife Sonia. They have four sometimes wonderful children (3 boys and 1 girl) ranging between 26 and 30. They live north of Guelph, Ontario outside of the village of Elora.
Cybersecurity and the Impact of AI: A New Era
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the world; it is being used to solve complex problems, create a variety of media, and curate information from all over the web. AI is an impressive tool and businesses everywhere are finding powerful uses for it — including cyber threat actors who use it to make their jobs easier too.
AI poses an increased threat to small and medium businesses by giving cyber criminals the power to conduct more sophisticated research on their targets, improve the quality of their fraudulent content, and automate complex processes. All of this results in more frequent and effective attacks, putting critical data at serious risk.
This presentation explores the impact of AI and the cybersecurity risks that it presents in 2024 and beyond, and what you can do today to ensure the protection of your business in the future.
- 01:15 PM - 01:45 PM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Larry Keating, President of NPC
For eight years Larry served as the founding chairman of the Ministers’ Technology Advisory Group for the Province of Ontario. He was also a member of the Chair’s Advisory Council on e-Government, the first Ambassador for Privacy by Design for the Information & Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, and served as technical advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario for the Aboriginal Computer Literacy Program. Larry is currently a member of the Investment Industry Association of Canada’s Cyber Security Committee. He is a speaker and writer and has been a Top Ten Technology Industry Newsmaker.
Startup Different: Three Big Startup Myths That All Business Should Avoid
Dave and Chris will go through their top 3 myths that startup businesses should avoid. They’ll provide stories from their own experiences, along with real world examples, and some data and research to back everything up.
- 03:15 PM - 03:30 PM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Hosts of the Startup Different podcast and the book Startup Different: The Myth-Busting Blueprint for Your Multi-Million Dollar Business, David and Chris show you that there’s another, better way to build your business. Startup Different debunks startup myths, tackles some of the toughest challenges and gives you the tools to build your business. These down-to-earth founders prove making a successful startup has little to do with unicorns or ten-baggers and instead focuses on a proven, different method for startup success.
Federal Procurement Fundamentals: How the government buys what you sell
Are you interested in learning how the Government of Canada buys goods and services?
Join us to learn how small and medium businesses can become a potential supplier to the federal government.
This workshop will explore why culture holds back positive change and outlines how leaders can use culture to grow their organization and realize their goals.
Key topics for the session:
- Where to register as a supplier
- Where to look for opportunities
- Where to find additional sources of information for businesses considering selling to the federal government
- 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
- Room 104D, Level 100, (North Building, MTCC)
Parthiban Dhakshnamurthy, Procurement Assistance Team Leader,
Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) – Procurement Assistance Canada – Ontario Region
Ignite the Joy of Work!
In this workshop we will:
- Discuss the difference between culture and climate
- Understand our role in cultivating the culture
- Create our high level strategy to get from stuckness to potential realized
- 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100, (North Building, MTCC)
Ali El-Ayoubi, President & CEO, The BluePrint Toolset®, Inc.
Ali joins the BluePrint team after a diverse career, exemplifying her agility, adaptability and creativity.
Starting as a Registered Nurse at the bedside, and working through various roles in both the public and the private healthcare sector, Ali endeavoured to find a way to bring joy and engagement to her peers.
After completing an MBA in 2018, Ali worked as a consultant and coach with a boutique consultancy that leveraged the BluePrint toolset to drive changes in Leadership, Culture, and Team engagement. In 2022, Ali became part of The BluePrint Toolset ownership group, and was honoured to be appointed President and CEO as the organization undertook several opperational changes including automation, and a new strategic direction.
Building joy in work and communities is not just a career for Ali, but also a passion. Actively involved in several community organizations, Ali is dedicated to improving the lives of all. With a focus on developing leadership skills for young women, and other groups who have been historically disenfranchised, Ali meets people and teams where they are and helps create a roadmap to success.
Often found working remotely wherever there is a body of water, Ali enjoys golfing, playing board games, and baking with her young family.
From Data to Dollars: Leveraging AI for Smarter Business Marketing
In this session, you will learn about the transformative power of AI in revolutionizing small business marketing. Discover how to use AI to identify your ideal customers, understanding their needs and preferences. Learn to craft compelling messages that resonate with your target audience, using AI to personalize your communication.
Explore the intricacies of customer buying habits and utilize AI to guide them towards purchase. We’ll equip you with the tools and strategies to create effective marketing campaigns that leverage AI’s automation and personalization capabilities.
This session backed by Bell and presented by Webware is your chance to unlock the potential of AI and turn data into dollars, gaining a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape. Join us for an interactive experience packed with real-world examples and actionable strategies.
This workshop is Bell’s attempt to help small business owners leverage AI to achieve their marketing goals.
- 12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100, (North Building, MTCC)
Cory York, Co-Founder & CEO of Webware.ai
Cory York, Co-Founder & CEO of Webware.ai, is here to present this webinar to you, backed by Bell Canada. With over 16 years of experience in the tech industry, Cory has a proven track record of building and scaling successful companies. He previously launched GiftcardsIndia.in, which became India’s largest gift card distribution network, and played a key role in introducing Shopify to the Indian market.
As an entrepreneur, Cory understands the challenges of navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape. His passion lies in helping other business owners overcome these challenges through Webware.io’s comprehensive suite of digital marketing services, including SEO, PPC, social media management, and more
Webware offers an all-in-one platform for small businesses, providing website building, multi-channel communication, content automation, CRM, and AI-driven business management tools across Canada and US. Their mission is to empower entrepreneurs with cutting-edge technology and insights to succeed in the digital era.
Odoo: All your business on one platform. Simple, efficient, yet affordable.
In an ever-changing business landscape, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) require a versatile, scalable, and easy-to-use solution to thrive. Odoo ERP is designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses of all sizes, offering a complete suite of integrated apps that simplify operations and fuel growth.
Whether you are a one-person operation or a growing company with hundreds of users, Odoo scales seamlessly, adapting to your business as it expands.
This presentation will highlight how Odoo’s more than 60 core applications—ranging from CRM, Manufacturing, Accounting, and inventory to project management, eCommerce, and beyond—work together to deliver powerful, enterprise-class software to companies of any size. Odoo’s modular design allows businesses to start with the apps they need and add more as their business evolves.
What sets Odoo apart is its ability to customize every aspect of the system to fit the unique realities of each company’s business flow, no matter how complex. Its affordability, combined with tailored customization and seamless integration, makes it the ideal ERP for businesses looking to optimize processes without breaking the bank.
Odoo’s unique value proposition: a complete, customizable ERP at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems.
- 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100, (North Building, MTCC)
Nicholas Cooper, Business Analyst at Syncoria
Nicholas Cooper is a Business Analyst at Syncoria with over two years of experience working closely with small and medium-sized businesses. With a background in Accounting and a passion for managerial and legal accounting, data operations, and client experience, Nicholas has become a trusted advisor for businesses looking to optimize their processes.
As a bridge between Odoo’s powerful ERP technology and the unique needs of small businesses, Nicholas excels in understanding their challenges and leveraging Odoo as a tool to solve complex operational problems. He is recognized for his ability to streamline and digitize processes, enabling businesses to improve efficiency, adapt to modern challenges, and unlock their full potential through Odoo’s suite of solutions.
Revenue Acceleration for SMEs with Microsoft Copilot
Why Should You Attend?
This workshop is tailored specifically to the unique challenges faced by SME leaders. Whether you are managing tight budgets, juggling limited manpower, or striving to increase revenue, this session will demonstrate how Microsoft Copilot can address these pain points with AI-driven solutions designed to make your business more agile and efficient.
During this interactive session, you’ll experience firsthand how Microsoft Copilot’s AI-powered capabilities can transform your business. Here’s what you can expect to learn:
Real-Life Demonstrations: Watch Copilot in action as we show you how it can assist with generating reports, analyzing data, and automating routine tasks. You’ll see how these features can save your team hours of manual work each week.
How to Implement AI in Your SME: We’ll provide practical strategies and step-by-step guidance on integrating Microsoft Copilot into your operations, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation process.
Future-Proofing Your Business: Discover how adopting AI technologies like Copilot can position your SME for long-term success. We’ll explore how AI can evolve with your business, allowing you to stay innovative and competitive in an ever-changing market.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed for business leaders and decision-makers in SMEs across all industries. If you want to optimize your operations, reduce costs, and accelerate growth, this workshop will provide you with the knowledge and tools to make it happen.
Whether you’re in retail, professional services, tech, or any other industry, the insights shared in this workshop will show you how to leverage Microsoft Copilot’s AI-driven capabilities to drive efficiency, improve productivity, and enhance profitability.
About ALTA Consulting:
ALTA Consulting navigates today’s business complexities by leveraging innovative strategies and cutting-edge technologies to drive sustainable growth. As a trusted advisor, ALTA goes beyond traditional consulting by delivering tailored action plans that are deeply integrated into client organizations. Its expert guidance, combined with advanced solutions like Generative AI, enhances decision-making and operational efficiency.
Through its partnership with Microsoft, ALTA Consulting is at the forefront of innovation, empowering businesses with AI-driven tools like Microsoft Copilot to transform operations, boost productivity, and ensure long-term success and profitability. This collaboration allows ALTA to offer clients the most advanced solutions, helping them achieve measurable business outcomes and competitive advantages.
- 01:45 PM - 02:15 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100, (North Building, MTCC)
Gord Smith, Partner/Founder of ALTA Consulting
Gord Smith is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in Sales Performance, Marketing, Leadership Development, Training, Product Development, and Management Consulting. He has held senior positions at renowned companies like NCR, SAP, Siebel Systems, Deloitte, Ideaca, and Hitachi. As the Founder of ALTA Consulting, Gord specializes in engineering revenue growth for small to mid-size organizations using a unique framework to achive sustainable growth.
He is a firm believer in the transformative potential of Al for business growth and has guided teams in the adoption of these new technologies, focusing on comprehensive trainings to successfully integrate the use of Al into businesses, improving customer services, and strengthening competitiveness in the digital age. With a passion for innovation, Gord adeptly navigates the evolving landscape, ensuring his clients remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
Other Professional Highlights:
- Partner/Founder of ALTA Consulting
- Author of the book The Professional Services Growth Blueprint
- Canadian Practice Director at RAIN Group
- Managing Partner at Stratus360
- Published in the BC Business Journal
SMBoost: AI as Your Trusted Ally
Elevate your business. Transform your workflow. Experience AI, reimagined for SMBs.
SMBoost isn’t just another tech workshop. It’s an AI revolution in a box.
- Learn advanced prompt engineering to 10x your business
- Understand AI trust, safety and compliance
- No coding required
SMBoost. Think bigger. Move faster. Work smarter.
- 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100, (North Building, MTCC)
Hassan Patel, Director for Global AI Compliance Engineering at Fairly AI
10 Free Resources to Grow Your Business You can Get Started with TODAY!
Join this interactive and informative session where you’ll get:
- Links and insights from one of Canada’s top digital marketing leader
- Actionable resources and insights that can be applied during the workshop (right from your phone) or when you get home that evening
- $$$ funding and grant information to help you expedite the growth of your business
- 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100, (North Building, MTCC)
Darian Kovacs, Founder of Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and Jelly Academy
Exclusive Panel Discussions
- 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Embracing Digital Transformation: Navigating the Future of Canadian Small Businesses
Miki Velemirovich,
Head of Product, Alexa Translations AI
( Moderator )
Sina Sadeghian,
CEO at NuBinary
Todd Luckasavitch,
CEO, Business Sherpa Group
Shoaib Naqvi,
Sales Manager – Startups and Small Business at CDW Canada
Kevin Grimes,
Country Manager for Amazon Business Canada
Adam Kupsta,
Founder and CEO of
Oncore Cloud Services Inc.
Manraaj Mand,
Managing Director of Watchdog Security
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, digital transformation is no longer optional—it’s essential for the success and sustainability of Canadian SMBs. This panel will bring together industry experts and innovative small business owners to discuss how digital technologies can be adopted and integrated to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer engagement, and maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Attendees will hear real-life case studies, explore the benefits of AI and automation, and uncover practical strategies to navigate common challenges in the digital age. By the end of this session, participants will gain actionable insights on leveraging digital tools to future-proof their businesses.
Key Discussion Points:
- Adopting Digital Technologies
– Identifying the most impactful digital tools for SMBs.
– Strategies for implementing new technologies without disrupting operations.
– Aligning digital transformation efforts with business goals. - Enhancing Customer Engagement
– Using digital platforms to build better customer relationships.
– Leveraging data analytics and CRM systems to personalize customer experiences.
– Optimizing social media and digital marketing for more robust engagement. - AI and Automation: Unlocking Efficiency
– The role of AI and automation in streamlining operations.
– Real-life examples of Canadian SMBs using AI to scale and innovate.
– Addressing the fear of job displacement through digital automation. - Overcoming Challenges in Digital Transformation
– Common barriers to digital adoption (cost, skills gap, etc.).
– How to foster a digital-first culture within small businesses.
– Solutions for managing cybersecurity risks and data privacy concerns. - Looking to the Future: What’s Next for Digital in SMBs?
– Emerging trends in digital transformation for SMBs in Canada.
– Preparing for the next wave of technological advancements.
– Building resilience and adaptability for long-term success.
- 12:00 PM- 12:45 PM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Fostering Inclusion: Building Diverse and Equitable Workplaces
Darian Kovacs,
Founder of Jelly Digital Marketing & PR and Jelly Academy
( Moderator )
Whilna Stewart-Franklin,
Community Relations Director at UPS Canada | The UPS Foundation
Dr. Wendy Cukier,
Founder and Academic Director, Diversity Institute
Anukul Sharma,
Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Futurpreneur
Laurel Stroz,
Senior Manager, IDEA and Wellbeing Strategy at Co-operators
Andria Barrett,
Community Advocate & Founder of The Diversity Agency
Join us for a compelling discussion on the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces and the profound benefits diversity brings to small businesses. Our expert panellists will explore best practices for promoting inclusivity, addressing unconscious bias, and implementing effective diversity policies that reflect today’s evolving workplace.
This session will highlight the positive impact of inclusive practices on employee satisfaction, innovation, and overall business success. Attendees will gain practical advice on creating a workplace that values diversity and equity, helping them build a more robust, cohesive workforce.
Key Discussion Points:
- The Business Case for Diversity and Inclusion
– How diversity drives innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
– Real-world examples of how inclusive practices lead to business growth. - Promoting Inclusive Workplaces
– Best practices for cultivating an inclusive company culture.
– Creating supportive environments that celebrate different perspectives. - Addressing Unconscious Bias
– How to recognize and mitigate unconscious bias in hiring, promotions, and day-to-day interactions.
– Tools and training to raise awareness and foster inclusivity. - Implementing Effective Diversity Policies
– Designing policies that reflect your commitment to equity and inclusion.
– Strategies for creating diverse leadership pipelines and empowering underrepresented groups. - The Role of Leadership in Fostering Inclusion
– How can small business leaders champion diversity and inclusion initiatives?
– Leading by example: Creating a culture where employees feel valued and heard. - Measuring the Impact of Inclusivity
– Tracking the effectiveness of your diversity and inclusion efforts.
– The connection between employee satisfaction, retention, and inclusivity.
- 02:30 PM- 03:15 PM
- Conference Hall, Room 107 - Constitutional Halls (North Building, MTCC)
Leveraging AI for Small Business Growth: Unlocking Opportunities and Efficiency
Angela Podolsky,
Managing partner of QuantumSmart and Founder of Kinesics
( Moderator )
Natasha Walji,
Managing Director
at Google Canada for
Google Customer Solutions
Kree Govender,
SMB Area Lead
at Microsoft Canada
Cameron Allen,
Partner Account Manager, Intel Canada
Chris Greenfield,
Managing Director of OneEleven
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries across the globe, and small businesses are no exception. This panel will explore how AI can drive growth, streamline operations, and create new opportunities for Canadian SMBs. Industry leaders and AI experts will share insights on practical AI tools, automation, and data analytics that small businesses can leverage to gain a competitive edge.
Through real-world examples and success stories, attendees will discover how AI can help them scale their operations, improve customer experiences, and make data-driven decisions. This session will also address the challenges small businesses face in adopting AI and offer solutions to ensure they can embrace AI without high barriers to entry.
Key Discussion Points:
- AI Tools for SMBs
– Overview of affordable and accessible AI tools for small businesses.
– How to implement AI without technical expertise.
- Automation and Efficiency
– Using AI to automate routine tasks and increase productivity.
– Success stories of SMBs that have streamlined operations through AI.
- Data-Driven Decision Making
– Leveraging AI-powered analytics to enhance decision-making.
– How small businesses can harness data for personalized customer experiences.
- AI and Customer Engagement
– Chatbots, virtual assistants, and AI-driven marketing for better customer interactions.
– Optimizing the sales funnel using AI insights.
- Addressing AI Challenges
– Overcoming barriers to AI adoption (cost, knowledge, security).
– Ensuring data privacy and ethical use of AI in business.
- Future of AI in Small Businesses
– Emerging trends in AI for SMBs.
– Preparing for long-term AI integration and innovation.
- 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
- Exhibitors Hall - Room 105/106
Unlock Efficiency: Streamline Your Payment Processes with an All-in-One Platform
- Simplify your accounts payable and receivable
- Automate and streamline payment processes
- Provide real-time visibility and control over your cash flow
- Seamlessly integrate with your accounting software
- Enhance security and protect against fraud
Mark Loewen, Director of Product Development at Telpay’s
Mark Loewen, Telpay’s Director of Product Development, specializes in Product and Commercialization Strategy, focusing on transforming thoughts and concepts into Value generating products. His approach combines long-term thinking with short-term execution to drive success.
Known for thinking outside the box, Mark excels in both innovative ideation and practical implementation, ensuring that every project delivers tangible results. He is a passionate, community-minded leader who drives change through active engagement and volunteerism. His dedication to giving back reflects his belief in the power of teamwork and leadership, both in business and the community.
- 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
- Exhibitors Hall - Room 105/106
Building Your Sales Operating Engine: Empowering Growth and Accountability for Scalable Success
Steven Wright, President & CEO at Focus
As the President & CEO at Focus, Steven draws upon his extensive background in sales organization design, strategy, process formulation and CRM implementation to drive the company’s growth and innovation. His pioneering spirit and deep understanding of the challenges small and midsize business owners face in scaling their growth, has been instrumental in shaping Focus’ evolution from being a turn-key Business Development operation to evolving into a leading provider of fractional sales leadership services.
Steven is happy to bring his wealth of knowledge to SMB Business Owners and share his insights into the current and future state of sale success for those wanting scale their Sales Operations.
Agenda Coming Soon
