Scroll Top

Small Business Summit 2024

Fueling Canadian SMBs with Digital Transformation, Inclusion, and Adaptability
24th October, 2024
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building, Level 100
Spark your ambition on October 24, 2024, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, where vision meets action at the CanadianSME Small Business Summit, presented by Amazon Business. Themed "Fueling Canadian SMBs with Digital Transformation, Inclusion, and Adaptability," this summit is your arena to revolutionize your business strategies. Wander through an exhibition space teeming with cutting-edge solutions and unparalleled networking opportunities.

Travel

Registration
Event Inauguration
Untitled-design-10.png

Shiraz Siddique, Media Host and Consulting Editor at CanadianSME and Founder of Leverage Consulting

Our Media Host, Shiraz Siddique, brightens every conversation with his insight, intellect and intensity. As a serial entrepreneur and sought-after guest speaker, his passion is to help companies win more deals and generate greater influence. For the past twenty years, Shiraz has held Senior Sales Leadership roles for Inside and Direct Sales teams and Sales Operations. His methodology of Calibrating, Calculating and Communicating your message, has led to record-setting performances that Outperform, Outpace and Outsell competitors.

22

Welcome Remarks by 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.

Summit Speakers 2023 (1080 × 1080 px) (11)

Welcome Remarks by Eric Turner – Vice President, Business Markets, Greater Toronto Region, RBC Canada

Eric is Vice President, Business Markets – Greater Toronto Region. He leads an inspired team of Business Advisors whose goal it is to provide the best advice, partnering, and service for over 30,000 clients across the region. Eric joined RBC in 2003 in the Personal Banking Business and has held progressively more senior roles in P&CB during that time. These roles have included Account Manager; Senior Commercial Account Manager; Manager, Business Markets (Downtown and West Toronto); Regional Manager, Business Performance (GTR); Senior Financing Specialist and Director, Financial Advisory Services and Vice President, Commercial, Toronto West Supply Chain. In his individual contributor roles Eric has enjoyed leading revenue and volume growth and high level of client satisfaction through high net promoter scores. In his leadership roles, Eric has fostered innovation and productivity to positively impact the client/colleague experience, participated in national office initiatives to enhance overall product service offerings/enhance competitive position, leveraged data to identify business performance opportunities, and has also enjoyed leading market growth along with top level employee engagement/enablement scores.

Eric is a passionate community leader and mentor, in particular in the Indigenous and LGBT communities. In the Indigenous community he is actively involved with the RBC Royal Eagles, RBC’s Indigenous Employee Resource Group having acted as both GTR Co-Chair and Executive Co-Chair and currently acts as a personal advisor/mentor to the national co-chair. He also volunteers with KAIROS Canada to deliver the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, a unique, participatory history lesson that fosters truth, understanding, respect and reconciliation. In the LGBT Community, Eric is the past co-chair of GTA Pride where he successfully negotiated RBC’s first entrance in the Toronto Pride Parade. He is involved in numerous LGBT community groups and initiatives and also sits on the board of Casey House as well as their Foundation Committee. Eric mentors numerous youth through formal mentorship programs and informal mentorship arrangements. In 2018, Eric was the recipient of the RBC Global Citizen Award in recognition of his extensive work and impact to the community at large. Eric holds an MBA from the Schulich School and a Bachelor of Commerce from McGill University. He also holds a Personal Financial Planning designation.

Untitled-design-8-qah0vkzhjwr27ez21cm2050m4sb2cxchaqmtfumjq4

Welcome Remarks by Paul Gaspar, Director, Small Business, UPS® Canada

Paul Gaspar is Director of Small Business for UPS Canada. His role is to educate and guide small businesses in Canada on ways to better leverage UPS’ tools to help them grow and expand both domestically and internationally. With his team of small business ambassadors, he empowers small business owners to determine the best mix of customized services, technologies, and innovations available to them.
Summit Speakers 2023 (1080 × 1080 px) (8)

Welcome Remarks by Kate Yurincich , Director, Small Business Product at Visa Canada

Kate Yurincich has been working in the banking and payments industry for over 12 years. In her current role at Visa, she is part of the Visa Commercial Solutions team leading Small Business Product in North America.

Prior to joining Visa in October 2021, she spent time at Tangerine Bank, Scotiabank and RBC across various roles in Corporate Communications, Community Investment, Digital, Payments & Cards and Business Banking. Most notably while at Scotiabank, she led The Scotiabank Women Initiative and was responsible for the overall strategic direction, development and execution of the bank’s focus on supporting women-owned, women-led businesses in Canada.
Kate holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Guelph and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Corporate Communications from Seneca College.

Untitled-design-11.png

Welcome Remarks by Hon. Victor Fedeli, Minister for Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, Ontario

The Honourable Victor Fedeli is a lifelong entrepreneur, successful businessperson, and philanthropist, and serves the Ford government as Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade.

His business experience led his firm Fedeli Corporation to be ranked 34th in the Top 50 Best Places to Work in Canada in 1989. It also served him well, when he was elected to two terms as Mayor of North Bay from 2003 to 2010. As Mayor, Vic focused on fiscal prudence and economic development, restoring hope and restoring solvency to North Bay.

Summit Speakers 2023 (1080 × 1080 px) (9)

Welcome Remarks by 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.

50

Welcome Remarks by Christelle Francois, Founder & CEO of Untold & Co Agency

Christelle Francois is a bilingual executive and entrepreneur who has the pulse on the leaders of business, innovation and advocacy. She possesses extensive experience as a Strategy Consultant where she specializes in growth acceleration, revenue model design and optimization solutions for various companies and organizations.

Christelle is the Founder of a firm titled; Untold & Co Agency, where she and her team service an array of clients in securing corporate and government partnerships, curating digital strategies and executing 360 integrated PR campaigns. Her passion for civic engagement led her to assist in leading the 2019 and 2020 Lobby Day initiative with our current Prime Minister. In January of 2021, she was appointed as the President of the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce, where she led a strategy that successfully secured over $5M in funding in less than six months. Ms.Francois was most recently appointed as the VP of Operations at the Federations of African Canadian Economics. Christelle is also passionate about her community and has volunteered and sat on the board of numerous organizations, such as Apathy is Boring and Head & Hands and is an inaugural fellow of the Black Wealth Club.

Amazon Business Canada
Exclusive Keynotes
A Path to Financial Success for Small Business Owners
6

Matt Busbridge, Country Manager, Amazon Business Canada

Matt Busbridge, new Country Manager at Amazon Business Canada, will discuss tips to help small business owners trim expenses and enhance their financial resiliency.
Let’s Talk About Finance for Your Business
Small Business Summit 2023

Liv Thomson, Director, Enterprise Partners, Xero Canada

AI offers a multitude of benefits but what does that look like in respect to your financial management systems? Uncover how AI provides opportunity for SMEs and explore the practical ways SMEs can leverage tools to streamline operations, access real time financial insights, and make smarter and faster decisions.
Maximizing SMB Success: Unlocking Business Application Performance, Security, and Network Efficiency
craig

Craig Cieplinski, Senior Director, Global SMB Sales at Cisco

Cisco can address your business needs on Security, Business Application performance and enabling remote / hybrid work as we are delivering the cloud-based solutions SME’s require to achieve their business outcomes. Our customized SME experience outcomes ensure you can focus on running your business instead of the network. Learn how your employees can securely collaborate from anywhere-whether at home, in the office or in a café. Gain peace of mind ensuring your business, your customers, and employees are safe and secure with Cisco’s end-to-end security solutions.
The Rise of AI and how it can help small businesses
Small Business Summit 2023

Amanda Chadwick, Senior Speaker/Presenter, Peninsula Business Services at Peninsula Canada

Peninsula Canada will explore how AI is reshaping the workplace by delving into the transformative impact of AI on different industries and job roles, highlighting its ability to boost productivity and improve decision-making and innovation. We will discuss the symbiotic relationship between AI and human workers, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and collaboration, whilst also looking at the pros and cons of AI and how it is reshaping not only the way we work but the workplace.
Elevating Customer Engagement Through Automation
Small Business Summit 2023

Anderson, Regional Marketer at Zoho Canada

Automation is the key to scaling and we will be exploring the pivotal role of automation in enhancing customer engagement for small and medium-sized businesses. We’ll delve into strategies to connect with customers effectively, building lasting relationships that drive growth. We will also discover how Zoho’s Marketing Automation and Campaigns software solutions empower businesses to streamline their customer engagement efforts, enabling personalized interactions at scale. Join us to unlock the potential of automation, delivering superior customer experiences and propelling your SMB towards greater success in today’s competitive landscape.

Amazon Business Canada
Exclusive Workshops
Spotlight: How Small Business Payroll is Evolving in Canada
Small Business Summit 2023

Hassan King, Business Analyst, ADP Canada

Let’s face it – payroll is a key part of running a business! And it’s become more than just entering and paying hours. Payroll encompasses a lot of demands like -like staying up-to-date on legislation and being more technologically focused. Thinking about payroll as a regular an important part of your business is not easy, but it can help to save both time and frustration down the line if you stay on top of it and regularly check to make sure that no hidden issues end up snowballing into a larger issue. This workshop covers topics like new legislation in Canada, CPP, tax forms, year-end, integration best-practices, and common questions.

Your HR Guide to the Employment Lifecycle
Small Business Summit 2023

Amanda Chadwick, Senior Speaker/Presenter, Peninsula Business Services at Peninsula Canada

Small Business Summit 2023

Olivia Cicchini, Digital Events Presenter at Peninsula Canada

Running a business can be difficult. From hiring and firing to performance management and employee retention, it can be overwhelming to focus on day-to-day HR tasks while ensuring everything else runs smoothly. In this workshop, our experts will walk you through the different stages of the employment lifecycle to ensure you have the knowledge to get the best out of your people – and your business.
Elevate Your Manufacturing & Retail: NetSuite AI and Automation Workshop
Small Business Summit 2023

Mostafa Gamal, Professional Services Manager, Haya Solutions Inc.

Discover Transformation: In the dynamic world of manufacturing and retail, staying competitive demandsinnovation. Explore NetSuite’s AI and automation potential, the driving force behind streamlined operations and exceptional growth.
Agenda:
✔︎ AI Integration: Dive into the AI-driven insights that boost inventory management, predict trends, andelevate customer experiences
✔︎ Automation Unveiled: Learn to automate order management, supply chains, and financial operations for optimal efficiency
✔︎ Real Success Story: how OnFloors, a Canadian online distributor and retailer, achieved with NetSuite Implementation by Haya Solutions: 150% overall ROI, 5% increase in revenue, 30% decrease in operational cost, and 50% decrease in operational risks.

Why Attend?
💡 Actionable Insights: Learn how AI and automation can revolutionize manufacturing and retail
👨‍💻 Practical Guidance: Apply AI and automation in NetSuite for your unique business needs
🤝 Network: Connect with industry peers and experts
⚙️ 🛍️ Manufacturing & Retail Focus: Tailored insights for your sector’s challenges

Who Should Attend?
✔ Business Owners
✔︎ CEOs, CTOs
✔︎ Operations Managers
✔︎ Supply Chain Leaders
✔︎ IT Pros
✔︎ Marketing Directors
✔︎ Passionate about growth!
👇 Join us to redefine your manufacturing and retail success in the digital age.
Your Oracle NetSuite Partner –
https://www.hayasolutions.com/

What is my small business worth and how do I use accounting to maximize the value?
Small Business Summit 2023

Daryl Ching, CFA, Managing Partner, Vistance Capital Advisory

Business Valuations can be so subjective, especially for early stage companies that have not turned a profit. What are the variables that early stage investors (high net worth, angel, VC) look for to determinevaluation?

In this presentation we will through the key components of an investor presentation and how each part of the story can influence valuation.

We will also speak about how a small business can use accounting to its advantage to maximize itsvaluation. If you are planning to raise capital either through an equity raise, apply for a loan, or IPO, this workshop willhelp you get ready.

Can you keep Cybercriminals out of your business?
Small Business Summit 2023

René-Sylvain Bédard, Founder at Indominus Managed Security

How to secure your company’s data?

This workshop is designed as an introduction to our methodology.

Come and see what the steps you can take to make your company into a fortress, but even more important, shedding light onto the darkest corners of your networks.

You need insights into what is happening? Do you want to know if cybercriminals are taking your customers’ data out the back door? Are you aware they are?

Our survey methods will tell you how to identify which data, service and processes are critical to keeping your business online even if there is an attack. Making you bullying resistant. They can’t bully you if they don’t have leverage over you. If your business keeps going, they have no leverage.

We recommend setting up sensors that will trip alarms if a cybercriminal gets into your corporate data, and even better, how to make sure those sensors are connected to an alarm central, so first responders can react immediately.

If you are a business owner, or someone that is responsible for its safety, join us and we can demonstrate a step-by-step approach that will allow you to know, what needs to be secured, how to secure it and how to share this knowledge with your colleagues, so that cybersecurity becomes automatic and resilient within your corporate walls.

Mastering Customer Engagement through Automation for SMB Success
11

Anderson, Regional Marketer, Zoho Canada

Join us for “Mastering Customer Engagement through Automation for SMB Success,” where we’ll reveal the power of Zoho Campaigns and Marketing Automation in transforming your business. Learn how to harness these tools for effective customer engagement and lasting relationships. Additionally, we’ll touch upon the crucial role of Zoho Invoicing, recognizing its significance as a key component for every business. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your SMB to new heights of success!
Federal Procurement & Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security Overview
19

Imanzi Kayitare, Policy Analyst at Public Services and Procurement Canada 

20

Roni Khalil, Procurement Specialist at Public Services and Procurement Canada

Did you know that the Government of Canada buys $15-20 billion worth of goods and services each year? Do you think they only buy from big companies? Would you be surprised to learn that many of these contracts are awarded to small businesses in Canada? Let us help you decide if selling to the Government of Canada is appropriate for you.

Canada’s defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged commits to $1.6 billion of investment in innovations for defence and security over the next 20 years.

The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program is looking for your solutions to help resolve defence and security challenges. IDEaS will support the development of solutions from their conceptual stage, through prototype testing and capability development.

Exclusive Panel Discussions

CanadianSME Small Business Summit will welcome numerous experts sitting on an esteemed panel to conduct a meaningful discussion on a variety of topics. All the panelists are an expert in their respective fields with the aim to provide detailed information and help small business owners. Attending these sessions will be highly beneficial for all entrepreneurs especially those who are still finding their feet in this industry. In addition, you will get an amazing opportunity to have an up-close discussion with fellow business professionals while growing your network at the same time. Who knows, maybe this is what your business always needed! Create an opportunity for yourself and grow with us!

Digitizing Small Business: E-commerce, Remote Work, and Beyond

In an increasingly digital world, small businesses must evolve to stay competitive. Join us at the 4th edition of the CanadianSME Small Business Summit for an engaging panel discussion titled “Digitizing Small Business: E-commerce, Remote Work, and Beyond.” Our panel of digital transformation experts will provide valuable insights into the importance of digitization for SMEs, covering a wide range of topics from adopting e-commerce and enabling remote work to harness digital marketing and utilizing cloud services. Regardless of the fact that you are just starting out on your digital journey or looking to enhance your existing digital operations, this panel discussion will offer you valuable strategies and insights to effectively navigate the digital landscape.

Key Discussion Points:

The Importance of Digital Transformation: Discuss the advantages of digitizing small businesses and how it can improve efficiency, enhance customer experience, and enable business growth.

Adopting E-Commerce: Insights into how SMEs can establish an online selling platform, considerations for choosing an e-commerce solution, and strategies to optimize online sales.

Enabling Remote Work: A peek into the tools and technologies that facilitate remote work, managing remote teams, and maintaining productivity and collaboration.

Harnessing Digital Marketing: Strategies for SMEs to leverage digital marketing channels, including social media, SEO, email marketing, and content marketing.

Data Management and Cloud Services: Discuss the importance of effective data management and how cloud services can help SMEs store, manage, and analyze their data securely and efficiently.

Success Stories: Sharing of real-world examples where SMEs have successfully undergone digital transformations.

Q&A: An interactive session to address specific queries and concerns from the audience, providing personalized insights.

Come join this comprehensive panel to learn about digitizing your small business, understand its benefits, and learn from the experiences of others who have embarked on this transformative journey.

Future-Proofing SME Sales & Marketing: Balancing AI Tools with Human Touch

In today’s dynamic business landscape, both sales and marketing strategies continuously evolve to meet shifting consumer needs. No longer restricted to persuasive pitches and traditional advertising, these sectors now rely heavily on technology, data-driven insights, and predictive analysis. AI’s pivotal role in this transformation cannot be overstated, as it bridges the gap between innovation and engagement. As small business owners juggle between time-tested methods and cutting-edge tech, it’s vital to understand how to marry traditional strategies with AI-powered tools for the best outcomes.

Key Points of Discussion:

Evolution of Sales & Marketing: Explore how both sales and marketing strategies have metamorphosed over the decades and where they’re poised to go.

AI in Sales & Marketing: Dive into real-world examples illustrating how AI tools, from predictive analytics to chatbots, can enhance sales and marketing efforts for SMEs.

Beyond AI: Delve into the enduring significance of human interaction in sales and marketing, highlighting methods that may not be tech-centric but remain indispensable for success.

Choosing the Right Tools: With an ever-growing toolbox at businesses’ disposal, learn how to discern which tools align best with your company’s unique needs without straining your budget.

Training and Adapting: Recognize the importance of keeping your sales and marketing teams abreast of the latest methodologies and technologies, emphasizing the role of perpetual learning.

Engaging Customers in the Digital Age: Unravel the delicate balance between harnessing automation for efficiency while ensuring a personalized, authentic customer experience.

Challenges and Strategies to Overcome: Address the frequent hurdles SMEs encounter while revolutionizing their sales and marketing and discover solutions to circumvent them.

Peering into the Future: Speculate on the trajectory of sales and marketing strategies over the next 5-10 years and provide insights on how SMEs can gear up for those changes.

Interactive Q&A: Engage directly with our expert panellists. Share experiences, voice concerns, and acquire knowledge tailored to your distinct business challenges.

Gear up for a comprehensive exploration into the universe of sales and marketing, and equip your business with robust strategies for optimized results. From newcomers wanting a grasp of AI’s role in sales and marketing to veterans seeking advanced tactics, this panel promises a wealth of knowledge for everyone.

Save the Date!
Boost your business this October at the CanadianSME Small Business Summit 2024. Don’t miss out – register today!

Tech Adoption for Small Businesses: Navigating Cloud, AI, and Security in a Digital Age

In a fast-paced digital age, small businesses stand at a pivotal juncture. With the integration of Cloud, AI, and Security technologies, a beautiful digitally transformative environment is acquired, but not without its unique challenges. Include yourself in this discussion to understand how SMEs can adeptly navigate tech adoption for a prosperous future.

Key Points of Discussion:

Demystifying Tech for SMEs: Breaking down the jargon – what exactly do Cloud, AI, and Security mean for small businesses?

The Benefits of Tech Adoption: Understanding the tangible and intangible gains from integrating advanced technologies into SME operations.
Addressing the Digital Divide: Recognizing the barriers to tech adoption for SMEs and strategies to overcome them.

Cloud Solutions for SMEs: How cloud technology offers flexibility, scalability, and cost-effective solutions that are perfect for small businesses.

Unlocking Business Potential with AI: Real-world applications of AI in SMEs, from customer service bots to predictive analytics.

Security in Tech Adoption: Protecting your digital assets and understanding the evolving threat landscape, especially in an SME context.

Cybersecurity for SMEs: Insights into common cybersecurity threats facing SMEs, and practical steps to enhance cybersecurity in the digital landscape.

Cost Management in Tech Integration: Strategies for budgeting and understanding the ROI when adopting new technologies.

Compliance, Regulations, and Ethics: Ensuring that tech adoption is in line with local regulations, data protection laws, and ethical considerations.

SME Success Stories: Case studies of small businesses that have seamlessly integrated technology, showcasing their transformative results.

Interactive Q&A: A dynamic session where SME owners can directly engage with tech experts, voicing their challenges and seeking actionable solutions.

Amazon Business Canada
Business Mixer Networking for SMB Owners Sponsored by Mastercard Canada​
Small Business Summit 2023

The Business Mixer Networking event is a prime opportunity for Small and Medium-sized Business (SMB) owners to connect, share, and develop both personal and business relationships. Within the vibrant atmosphere of the Small Business Summit 2023, this event aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth among participants.

Objectives:

Connect with Peers: This is a chance for SMB owners to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, learn about diverse industries, and potentially discover synergies for business collaboration.

Share Best Practices: Discuss experiences, successes, and challenges, and glean insights from peers who’ve faced similar business scenarios.

Discover Opportunities: From potential collaborations to uncovering new market trends, the mixer is an avenue to find out what’s next for your business.

Grow Your Network: In the business world, your network is one of your most valuable assets. This event provides a platform for expanding that network and forging lasting business relationships.

Features:

Structured Networking: The event will start with a structured networking segment, ensuring participants engage with as many peers as possible.

Open Networking: After the structured segment, participants can mingle freely, revisiting interesting connections or exploring new ones.

Guest Speakers: Brief addresses by industry leaders will be interspersed throughout the event, offering insights and sparking conversation topics.

Resource Booths: Several booths will be available, featuring tools and resources beneficial for SMBs, ranging from the latest software tools to financial solutions.

Refreshments: Light bites and beverages will be provided, creating a relaxed and conducive environment for networking.

The Business Mixer Networking for SMB Owners is more than just an event. It’s an experience – one designed for SMB owners to expand their horizons, explore new opportunities, and pave the way for future collaborations. As you dive into conversations, share stories, and make connections, remember that every interaction holds the potential for the next big thing for your business.

"Resilience Experience" Sponsored by Salesforce
Ready or Not...How to Lead an AI-Ready Organization
salesforce

Karen Semone, Vice President, Innovation, Salesforce

Today, every customer wants to learn more about how AI is going to affect their business, and what they need to do in order to prepare for this massive transformation that is already underway. How do you overcome the hype and leverage AI to cut costs, add value and uncover new revenue channels?

Join Karen Semone from Salesforce’s in-house global innovation consultancy as she shares an actionable framework for leaders to explore what tasks in their business can be automated, which human superpowers can be augmented, and how the winners are uncovering white space opportunities with AI. Because, ready or not, the way we work is changing – forever!

championship mindset- growth- overcoming adversity - leading with result- attributes of winners
IMG_3031
Henoc Muamba, Professional Football Player

– championship mindset

– growth

– overcoming adversity

– leading with result

– attributes of winners

Greeting and Talk Segment Overview
Summit Speakers 2023 (1080 × 1080 px) (10)

Chris Steffler , Sony Music Artist, Platinum Blonde, 2023 Canadian Walk of Fame Inductee

Hello fellow business summit attendees. I salute you and anyone who, like myself, has started a small business. My business journey started in Toronto in 1979. My wish is that you may benefit from my brief talk about the experiences of opening and holding onto a business while overcoming those challenges that arise with your own personal resilience

Demo Stage Sponsored by Visa Canada
Opening Remarks by Visa Canada
The Networking Gap
44

Rachel Wong and Istiana Bestari, Co-Founder of Monday Girl

Learn how Monday Girl addresses the networking challenges faced by Gen-Z and Millennial women. This presentation will cover the problem identification, the solution provided through both digital and in-person networking events, and mentorship opportunities. Insights into faced challenges, solutions, and advice for women and small business owners will be shared.

ServiceDeck - AI/FSM/Marketplace Solution For The Service Industry
Summit Speakers 2023 (1080 × 1080 px) (1)

Oleg Koval, CEO & Founder of ServiceDeck

An innovative SaaS platform at the nexus of AI-driven automation and the service industry. Harnessing the power of an integrated marketplace and a pioneering Support AI, e-Commerce AI and , ServiceDeck is poised to redefine service management, offering unparalleled efficiency and scalability for businesses.

Businesses in the field service sector grapple with disorganized operations, outdated manual processes, and fragmented communication, affecting productivity and elevating costs. In our digital era, where customers seek instant communication and streamlined services, this can hinder growth and retention. Many companies also face challenges in scaling due to resource constraints and inefficiencies.

ServiceDeck is a tailored SaaS solution for service industries, offering AI-driven automation for real-time customer communication and end-to-end task management. Its unified marketplace extends business reach with a homeowner-centric directory and public reviews, while the integrated platform streamlines everything from scheduling and GPS tracking to invoicing.

Simplify business financial decisions and say goodbye to error-prone processes
SmartConcll

Victor Salinas, CEO & Founder at SmartConcil

Finance teams needs to analyze and compare thousands of transactions every month to report and manage the company’s cash flow, but the process is entirely manual and a nightmare.

Some of them have tried to semi-automate the process using spreadsheets with macros, but the constant changes in data formats make it impossible to maintain, so most of the time they have to work late to deliver the information on time.

loss of revenue control, poor strategic decisions, and external audits can all be the consequences of having an error-prone process.

Understanding the problem companies face and bringing together all the experience we have in the financial industry, we created SmartConcil to help finance teams eliminate manual tasks through the automation of financial and transactional reconciliation, providing them with high accuracy and visibility of information, while accessing financial indicators in real time.
With SmartConcil, finance teams consolidates and standardizes all financial information in one place, identifying mismatched information in real time, increasing the reliability of financial metrics and dramatically reducing the time and effort spent each month on these tasks.
Our clients consider SmartConcil a tool that helps internal and external auditors to access historical financial information in one place and in a secure way.

Leveraging Technology for Health and Safety Compliance
Summit Speakers 2023

Nisa Karan, Principal at Cobra Safety and  Subanya Karan VP of Project Management and Delivery at Cobra Safety

We will be showcasing a video-walkthrough of our technological solution for OHS management for employers.
How Business Automation Helps SMBs Beat Recession
kira

Kira Tchernikovsky, CMO, Customerization Inc.

– When SMBs usually start needing business automation through technology – Methods to increase productivity incl. automation – The benefits of business automation – Where to start/ what business processes to automate first – How to choose the right technology – Difference between soft for big and small companies – 3 summary tips – Government funding options
Business Cloud - Managed Technology Services Overview
16

Logan Stamp, Director, Implementation Services at Business Cloud Inc

Overview of how Business Cloud has shifted the traditional relationship of a technology provider for small and medium businesses by preventing problems rather than reacting to them.

Topics will include Cybersecurity, Collaboration and Productivity and Client Success Services. The presentation will conclude with a giveaway via QR code for cybersecurity-related products.

Elevate Your Business: A Deep Dive into IT Enhancement
Summit Speakers 2023 (1080 × 1080 px) (7)

Andre De Lacerda, Vice President & COO, Idealogical Systems Inc.

Are you ready to supercharge your business and take it to the next level? Join Idealogical for an enlightening demo that will show you how the right IT solutions can not only improve your work quality but also revolutionize your entire business operations.

What to Expect:

The Power of IT Transformation: Discover how IT can be your secret weapon for boosting productivity, streamlining operations, and enhancing the overall quality of your work.

Navigating the IT Landscape: Learn how Idealogical helps businesses upgrade their IT infrastructure with the right tools and knowledge. We’ll reveal real-world success stories and insights that have transformed businesses.

The Audit Advantage: Uncover the critical role of IT audits in pinpointing the key areas of your business that could benefit from technological improvements. Explore how auditing can help you identify and resolve underlying holes and gaps that might be impacting your productivity.

Beyond Business Operations: As a business owner, it’s easy to focus on the daily grind, but this demo will emphasize why it’s vital to understand the gaps and holes within your infrastructure. We’ll demonstrate the importance of an in-depth audit of your infrastructure and network.

Why Attend:

Gain actionable insights to revolutionize your business operations.

Discover how IT enhancements can elevate your work quality and overall productivity.

Learn from real success stories and case studies.
Get a clearer picture of the value of IT audits for your business’s growth.

Find out how to bridge the gaps in your infrastructure to drive your business to new heights.

Don’t miss this opportunity to propel your business forward. Join us for a deep dive into IT enhancement, and let’s unlock your business’s full potential together.

Bugs4Rent & a Net Zero Future
17

Luis Ortiz, Founder & CEO at Infinite Harvest Technologies Inc

IHT presents our circular economy solution that creates Infinite Harvests of commercial potential from Mother Nature’s secret weapon….bugs!

Tune in to learn how our innovative solution helps solve one of Canada’s greatest challenges to a net-zero future – crop and food waste.

Explore the economic and environmental benefits of deploying a decentralized insect-based bio-digestor.

Learn how advanced technologies are integrated in applied solutions, where biology, engineering and environment intersect to solve critical industry challenges and create a more sustainable world.

The Power of Video Business Platforms
31

Ilene Elkaim, Regional Sales Director The Public Place Network

The Public Place Network is a new SaaS video streaming service that is changing the way video content creators gain access to the enormous economic benefits of video streaming platforms. PPN gives video content providers the opportunity to customize, own and control their own network level (OTT) video streaming platforms. As easy as subscribing to a cell phone service. All the complex global infrastructure, maintenance, and operator interface are built into the PPN system, and simplified for the content provider. Be your own form of “MyTube” or “MyFlix”.

Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre: Who We Are, What We Do and Why It Matters
29

Chelsey Davidson, Library Information Officer for the City of Toronto & Acting Project Lead of the Small Business Forum

This demo provides details about our services and programming, where we can be reached, and an overview of our upcoming signature event, the Small Business Forum 2023.

We are the Small Business Enterprise Centre supporting Toronto’s entrepreneurship community.

Chatsimple AI Business Chatbot
46

Hao Sheng, Founder of Chatsimple

The number 1 reason your landing page doesn’t convert is due to this factor: Buyer Decision Questions. These are the non-negotiable questions that must be answered before a customer decides to make a purchase. You might be surprised by the range of information your audience seeks on your website and all the information should be found in 52 seconds.
On average, every website loses over half of its visitors if they aren’t engaged or provided with the right information within the first 8 seconds. This significantly reduces the lead-to-conversion ratio. The top of your funnel leaks because of this issue. Typically, visitors prefer to chat with live chat support for immediate answers and convenience. However, traditional live chat support has its drawbacks. Human support is expensive, time-consuming, and has other limitations, whereas traditional chatbots provide scripted responses and can’t understand queries beyond their programmed sequence. Our goal is to offer the best of both worlds: as swift as a bot but thinking like a human. Introducing Chatsimple: Your virtual sales agent.
Chatsimple is an autonomous AI chatbot designed for website lead capturing and engagement. With ChatGPT at its core, the chatbot can learn and interpret data in just a few seconds, engaging visitors with contextual answers. This leads to a more effective conversion of visitors into customers.

Goldminds - Cynthia Arscott
52

Cynthia Arscott – Founder & CEO Goldminds

Cynthia is an ex-tech sales lead, turned meditation teacher and mom who has big plans to make bedtime a smoother experience for families everywhere with the Goldminds app. During this presentation, Cynthia will share her story of growing up an anxious, fear-filled sleeper and how it led her to meditation and teaching it to children. She will share how she built Goldminds and dive deep into her top challenges and learnings along the way.
Haletale- Rental Property Ecosystem
Summit Speakers 2023 (1080 × 1080 px) (6)

Anash Parayil, Co-Founder & CEO of Haletale Inc

Intro to our rental Ecosystem, New Features, Referral Program, unique property marketing process and Micro and Macro management of the property.

Growing your Business utilizing support and funding through College research.
45

Paula Reile, Manager, Research Program at Niagara College, Research and Innovation 

Niagara College, Research & Innovation, provides a suite of services to support the growth of SME’s. Consistently being one of Canada’s top 10 Research Colleges, our team of experts offer solutions through our four innovation centres. With support in Business and Commercialization, Food and Beverage, Horticultural and Environmental Sciences, and Advanced Manufacturing we have the tools and expertise to poise businesses for growth. Learn about the work we do, and the funding available to help offset the costs of services.

Crying Out Loud - Sarah Keast
53

Sarah KeastCo-Founder at Crying Out Loud

Dynamic and engaging business owner, public speaker and writer. A strategic and tenacious retail professional with over 20 years experience in buying, planning, sales forecasting, relationship building and people management. Warm, authentic and charismatic. Lived experience with grief, mental illness, pregnancy loss, overdose and post traumatic growth. Chatelaine Women of the Year 2019 Award Recipient, TedX Speaker 2018, published author, experienced podcast guest.
Empowering Small Businesses Across Canada
37

Armand Sayeed, Director, SKYHIDEV SOLUTIONS INC.

At SKYHiDEV, our strongest belief is that “Your Success is Our Success” when it comes to small businesses. It’s not just a slogan; it’s a guiding principle that pulses through the heart of our operations. SKYHiDEV understands that the growth and prosperity of small businesses are intricately tied to our own success.

We approach each project with a deep commitment to see our clients thrive, knowing that our clients’ triumphs are a reflection of the dedication and expertise SKYHiDEV brings to the table. It’s a partnership built on trust, where our tailored solutions, innovative strategies, and relentless pursuit of excellence are all directed toward empowering small businesses to reach new heights.

In this symbiotic relationship, we celebrate every milestone and accomplishment of our clients as our own, forging a bond that goes beyond business; it’s a celebration of shared victories and a testament to the profound impact that can be achieved when success is truly a collective endeavor.

Save 50%* on shipping and get support from a small business ambassador

UPS is pleased to help the CanadianSME and IndigenousSME community  save time and money through special services and shipping discounts. We put the power of logistics to work for you every day by providing speed, outstanding reliability and technology tools so you can focus on your business—not your shipping.

*Incentives are based on the daily rates in the UPS Rate and Service Guide. The member understands that actual rates for shipments may vary and be less.

Our Past and Present Official Partners and Sponsors
Presenting Partner
Small Business Summit Canada
Banking Partner
Small Business Summit Canada
Shipping Partner
Small Business Summit Canada
Accounting Software Partner
Email Partner
Hospitality Partner
Tech Partner
Gold Sponsor
Silver Partner
Small Business Summit
Silver Partner
Bronze Partner
Resilience Experience Sponsor
Mastercard
B2B Networking Sponsor
Small Business Summit 2022
Panel Sponsor
Small Business Summit 2022
Business Growth Partner - 2022
Small Business Summit Canada
Platinum Partner - 2022
Small Business Summit
Gold Partner - 2022
Small Business Summit 2022
Silver Partner - 2022
Small Business Summit Canada
Silver Partner - 2022
ebay
Presenting Partner - 2022

Save your seat for the best Small Business Conference of the year