About this Event
Kick off Small Business Week with ideas, inspiration and connection.
Join the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC) and TechConnex as we kick off Vaughan Small Business Week 2026 with a morning of networking, inspiration and real-world entrepreneurial insights.
The event will feature a keynote presentation by Monifa Brooks, Co-Founder of Garabyte, who will share her journey as an entrepreneur and lessons on leadership, business development, relationship-building and growing your visibility as a business owner.
Following the keynote, hear directly from Starter Company Plus alumni during a panel discussion on entrepreneurship and resilience. Panelists will share candid stories, challenges they've overcome and practical strategies that helped them adapt, grow and succeed in an evolving business landscape.
Whether you're starting a business, scaling a company or looking to strengthen your network, you'll leave with actionable ideas, valuable connections and fresh perspectives on navigating growth and change.
Key Topics
- Building confidence as a business leader
- Growing and leveraging your professional network
- The value of peer groups and business communities
- Accessing resources that support business growth
- Strengthening business development skills
- Building resilience through change and uncertainty
Who Should Attend?
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, founders and business professionals looking to grow their leadership skills, expand their network and learn from the experiences of fellow entrepreneurs.
About TechConnex
For 45 years, has helped business leaders connect, learn and grow through peer-driven learning and collaboration. As a not-for-profit community for entrepreneurs and leaders of growing companies, TechConnex provides opportunities to exchange ideas, gain practical insights and build meaningful relationships with others who understand the challenges of scaling a business.
Through peer groups, educational programs and events, TechConnex empowers business owners to connect, share, learn and grow.
Keynote Speaker
Monifa Brooks is Co-Founder of Garabyte and a recognized leader in data privacy, governance and compliance. With nearly two decades of experience across the public and private sectors, she helps organizations build practical privacy programs that support innovation, manage risk and strengthen trust. Monifa is a frequent speaker on privacy, ethical AI and data governance, and is passionate about helping organizations navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.
Hosted annually by the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), Small Business Week is a nationally recognized celebration of the vital role entrepreneurs and small businesses play in driving economic growth and innovation.
This year's theme, Navigating the New Rules of Business, explores how businesses can adapt to challenges such as tariffs, rising costs, labour pressures and rapid technological change. Through expert-led sessions, participants will gain practical strategies to build resilience, drive growth and foster inclusive business practices that strengthen our diverse business community.
Registration is now open for entrepreneurs and small business owners. To view the full schedule and event descriptions, visit .
Event venue & nearby stays
The Hub Vaughan (Self Storage, Boutique Storage, Offices, CoWorking plus Vault & Wine Storage), 290 Caldari Road, Vaughan, Canada
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