About this Event
SCCC is adapting the speed dating model for entrepreneurship mentoring and mini info sessions!
For many years, Scadding Court Community Centre has been supporting entrepreneurs through its flagship programs, including WE-Hub, NEESH, NEH and Skills to Thrive, as well as market testing and business growth opportunities. Building on the success of previous entrepreneurship events, this exciting speed networking event is designed to provide entrepreneurs with direct access to the people, knowledge, and resources that can help them move forward with confidence.
The Event:
This interactive forum brings together entrepreneurs, industry experts, business advisors, resource organizations, and experienced business owners for an afternoon of speed mentoring and resource sharing.
Through a dynamic rotation format, participants will have the opportunity to sit face to face with mentors and ecosystem partners, ask the questions they have been struggling to answer, gain practical and actionable advice, and brainstorm solutions to real business challenges.
Whether you are looking for guidance on funding, marketing, export import, sales growth, app development, or branding this event is designed to connect you with the people who can help move you forward.
Join us on October 21st to get your answers, grow your network, meet the experts, and connect with entrepreneurs who share the same journey to pave the path to your next level of growth.
Meet the Experts. Get Answers. Move Your Business Forward.
Whether you're exploring a business idea, launching your first venture, building a side hustle, or scaling an established business, this event is designed to connect you with the people, resources, and insights that can help you take your next step with confidence.
Through a series of rapid-fire mentorship conversations, you'll have the opportunity to sit face to face with entrepreneurs, industry professionals, business advisors, and ecosystem partners who have successfully navigated the same challenges you're facing today.
Bring your toughest questions, biggest challenges, and boldest goals.
Explore Topics Such As:
Growing a Brand People Remember
How do you stand out in a crowded market, attract the right customers, and build a brand that creates loyalty and trust?
Increasing Sales & Pricing for Profitability
How do you generate more revenue, confidently price your products and services, and turn interest into paying customers?
Funding, Crowdfunding & Business Growth Capital
Looking for ways to finance your next stage of growth? Learn how entrepreneurs secure funding, attract supporters, validate ideas through crowdfunding, and access growth opportunities.
Testing Your Business Before You Invest More
Not sure if your idea will work? Learn how to validate demand, gather customer feedback, and make smarter business decisions before committing additional time and resources.
Pitching Your Business with Confidence
Whether you're speaking to customers, investors, partners, or funders, discover how to tell your story in a way that inspires action and opens doors.
Turning Expertise into a Consulting Business
Learn how to package your knowledge, attract clients, and build a professional services business that generates sustainable income.
Opening a Brick and Mortar Business
Thinking about taking your business into a physical space? Hear directly from entrepreneurs who have successfully made the transition from idea to storefront.
Lessons from Entrepreneurs Who've Been There
What would successful business owners do differently if they were starting today? Gain real-world insights, lessons learned, and practical advice from entrepreneurs who have built and scaled their businesses.
Product & Fashion Photography That Sells
Learn how strong visuals can elevate your brand, improve customer trust, and help drive sales online and in person.
AI, App Development & Business Innovation
Explore how entrepreneurs are leveraging AI, automation, and technology to save time, improve efficiency, create new revenue streams, and bring new ideas to market.
City Of Toronto- Business Supports, Funding, Mentorship & Growth Opportunities
Connect directly with organizations offering funding programs, mentorship, business planning support, website development assistance, research tools, financing options, and resources designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and scale.
Why Attend?
In a single afternoon, you'll gain direct access to the people who can help you overcome barriers, solve business challenges, uncover new opportunities, and accelerate your growth. You'll connect with entrepreneurs who are just beginning their journey, business owners who have successfully scaled, and experts who can help you navigate everything from your first customer to your next expansion.
You never know where your next opportunity will come from. It could be a mentor, a future collaborator, a service provider, a customer, or the entrepreneur sitting beside you.
Prizes & Entrepreneur Supports
Participants who stay until the end of the event will be eligible for a variety of entrepreneur-focused prize draws, including business support packages ($$$), professional services, gift cards, learning opportunities, and growth focused funding supports generously contributed by community partners and sponsors.
Lunch Options:
Please note that refreshments (tea, coffee, snacks will be provided at the beginning and end of the event as well as a light lunch.
Accessibility:
Scadding Court Community Centre is equipped with an elevator, entrance ramps, and an accessible& all-gender washroom.
If you have accessibility needs or questions regarding this event, please email [email protected]
How to Prepare:
We encourage attendees to come prepared with concise questions and an open mind. This is a chance to make connections, ask important questions, and clarify your business planning direction. Just like a business pitch, time is of the essence and having a goal or few clear goals for the event will help you make the most of it.
What to Bring (Optional):
- Business cards
- An elevator pitch for networking sessions
- A re-usable water bottle (SCCC has onsite bottle filling stations)
Register today- spots are limited!
Interested in joining our free programs? Apply today for upcoming cohorts:
Women's Entrepreneurship Hub (WE-Hub)- starting September 26
Newcomer Employment and Entrepreneurship Skills Hub- starting October 3
Agenda
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Registration and Networking
Info: Light refreshments, coffee and tea provided. Register and get a name tag, start initial conversations with other attendees.
🕑: 10:45 AM - 11:15 AM
Opening Remarks and Keynote Speaker
Info: Warm greeting and opening of the event, description of SCCC, event logistics and amenities. Land acknowledgement and introduction of Keynote Speaker (TBA).
🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:35 PM
Speed Networking Rotations Round 1
Info: First round of speed rotations for attendees, which includes mentor tables and mini-info session (resource) tables. Attendees will move through the tables in groups, with a bell ringing every 8 minutes to indicate a switch to the next table.
🕑: 12:35 PM - 12:45 PM
Break and Networking
Info: Short bio break for grabbing lunch or a snack, washroom use.
🕑: 12:45 PM - 02:05 PM
Speed Networking Rotations Round 2
Info: Second round of speed rotations for attendees, which includes mentor tables and mini-info session (resource) tables. Attendees will move through the tables in groups, with a bell ringing every 8 minutes to indicate a switch to the next table.
🕑: 02:05 PM - 03:30 PM
Closing Remarks and Networking Session, Prize Draw
Info: An opportunity to circle back to conversations started earlier in the event and meet new people. Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided. A prize draw will conclude the event. In order to redeem a prize, participants must stay until the end of the day.
Event venue & nearby stays
Scadding Court Community Centre, 707 Dundas Street West, Toronto, Canada
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