About this Event
The City of Toronto's Small Business Forum 2026
Experience the City of Toronto's Small Business Forum 2026 - Toronto Means Business: Building Resilient Small Businesses, our free premier full-day event dedicated to celebrating and supporting small businesses.
The 2026 Small Business Forum will equip business owners with the knowledge, connections and practical tools needed to build resilient, adaptable and growth-oriented businesses.
Programming will feature:
- Engaging Keynote Speakers
- Small group speed mentorship
- Roundtables Sessions on topics including financing and funding, succession planning, interprovincial trade and export opportunities, and women in entrepreneurship
- Tradeshow showcasing local sponsors, service providers and business support organizations
- Marketplace featuring Toronto vendors and businesses
- Networking opportunties integrated throughout the day
View the full agenda and program guide online at: www.toronto.ca/BusinessForum
Thank you to our sponsors:
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM
Doors Open – Registration & Trade Show Begin
Info: Start your day early at the Small Business Forum! Check in at the registration desk and explore the trade show floor, featuring a vibrant showcase of local businesses, sponsors, service providers and business support organizations, creating opportunities for participants to discover new products, services and resources.
Welcoming Remarks & Keynote Speaker
Info: The event will feature opening remarks from City leadership and distinguished guests, setting the stage for meaningful discussions and networking opportunities. Attendees will hear from a featured keynote speaker who will share insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and business resiliency.
Speed Mentorship
Info: This structured mentorship experience is delivered through a dynamic three-hour session featuring short, timed three-on-one mentoring meetings. Small business owners are paired with experienced mentors and advisors specializing in finance, marketing, operations and business growth, creating an environment that feels less like a traditional panel discussion and more like speed-dating for business advice. Throughout the session, participants will have the opportunity to connect with multiple mentors, gaining insights from a diverse range of industries, backgrounds and areas of expertise.
Breakout Sessions
Info: The event will feature a series of thematic discussions designed to foster meaningful dialogue, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer learning among participants. Each session will focus on a key area of interest for the small business community, including business financing and funding opportunities, interprovincial trade and export opportunities for small businesses, women’s entrepreneurship in recognition of Global Women’s Entrepreneurship Day on November 19, and succession planning. Led by subject matter experts and industry leaders, these interactive discussions will provide participants with practical insights, valuable connections and actionable strategies to support their business growth and long-term success.
Event venue & nearby stays
St. Lawrence Market North, 92 Front Street East, Toronto, Canada
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