About this Event
Bridges to Better Business brings Sault Ste. Marie together for an unforgettable night of entrepreneurship and community spirit.
Hear from legendary CBC broadcaster and marketing expert Terry O’Reilly and walk away with practical insights you can put to work in your business right away.
Watch our Top Two entrepreneurs take the stage to pitch their businesses for the chance to win the $15,000 grand prize — and vote for your favourite to win.
Gain insights from a panel of Sault Ste. Marie business leaders, and connect with entrepreneurs and small business owners at our networking tradeshow. Enjoy a delicious three-course meal.
This year, we are welcoming the Soup Kitchen Community Centre as our Community Partner.
Add a donation to the Soup Kitchen during checkout. PUC will match every contribution, up to $2,000, doubling the impact of your generosity.
Agenda
🕑: 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
Networking Trade Show
Host: TD
Info: Entrepreneurs, small business owners, support services and community partners come together to connect, network and showcase what they do. Brought to you by TD.
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:50 PM
Welcome and Judging Panel Discussion
Host: Erica Hogan: MC
Info: Welcome to Bridges to Better Business! We’re kicking off the evening with a panel discussion inspired by this year’s BDC Small Business Week theme: “It’s a two-speed world now—fast or finished.” Enjoy a delicious dinner while hearing insights and advice from our panellists. Brought to you by BDC.
🕑: 06:50 PM - 07:30 PM
Pitch Competition
Host: Erica Hogan: MC
Info: The Top Two go head-to-head, pitching their businesses in five minutes before facing questions from the judges. The audience then votes to choose the winner! Brought to you by OLG.
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:20 PM
Keynote Address from Terry O'Reilly
Host: Terry O'Reilly
Info: Hear from legendary CBC broadcaster, author, and marketing expert Terry O’Reilly as he shares practical, thought-provoking insights on business, marketing, and the power of great ideas. Expect plenty of takeaways you can put to work right away.
🕑: 08:20 PM - 08:25 PM
Community Partner: Soup Kitchen Community Centre
Host: Soup Kitchen Community Centre
Info: Our Community Partner is the Soup Kitchen Community Centre, the first-ever winner of the Bridges to Better Business Pitch Competition.
This year, Bridges attendees can choose to support the organization through an optional donation at checkout. Every donation made at checkout will be matched by PUC, up to $2,000!
🕑: 08:25 PM - 08:35 PM
Winner Announcement and Closing Remarks
Host: Erica Hogan: MC
Info: Hear who won the 10th Bridges to Better Business Pitch Competition!
Event venue & nearby stays
Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront, 208 Saint Mary's River Drive, Sault Ste. Marie, Canada
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