Excellence Sponsors

OWNR Logo - Primary

Influencer Sponsor

Square Logo

Reception Sponsor

Tourism Vaughan

May 6-8, 2025

Novotel Vaughan

The SBC Ontario Network Conference is back, bringing together managers, business advisors, and teams from all 54 Small Business Centre (SBC) locations across the province. This in-person gathering is a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Gain fresh insights from industry experts

  • Explore emerging technologies and business trends

  • Strengthen you network of colleagues and partners

  • Learn actionable strategies to better support your clients’ success

This year’s conference is designed specifically for Small Business Centres, providing hands-on workshops, thought-provoking discussions, and interactive sessions that will equip you with the latest tools and best practices to serve your business community effectively.

We are thrilled to host this collaborative and knowledge-rich event and look forward to your participation!

A special thank you to our 2025 Conference Sponsors for their generous support in making this event possible.

2025 Conference Schedule

4:30 PM | Registration Opens

6:00 PM | Bus Leaves for Evening Programming – more information to come!

8:30 PM | Bus Returns to Hotel

7:00 – 7:45 AM | Morning Yoga & Meditation (Optional session to start the day with focus and clarity.)
7:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Registration Open
7:30 AM – 3:30 PM | Booths Open for Visitors
7:30 – 8:45 AM | Breakfast & Networking

9:00 – 9:45 AM | Opening Remarks & Mayor’s Welcome

10:00 – 10:45 AM
Workshop: Market Adaption vs Market Stabilization Facilitated by Opportunity Group
Workshop: Ethical AI for Small Enterprise Facilitated by Compass Content

11:00 – 11:45 AM | Workshop: Economic Update presented by TD 
11:45 – 12:05 PM | Overview of Services presented by Futurpreneur

🥗 12:00 – 1:20 PM | Lunch
1:20 – 1:20 PM | Sponsor Spotlight

1:30 – 2:15 PM
Workshop: Empowering Newcomer Clients Facilitated by Smart Goose Academy
Workshop: The Future of Digital Marketing Facilitated by Compass Content 

2:30 – 2:40 PM | Sponsor Spotlight

2:40 – 4:00 PM | Mastermind Workshop

4:00  – 6:00 PM | Break & Networking

🍷 6:00 – 7:00 PM | Evening Reception, sponsored by Tourism Vaughan
🍽 7:00 – 9:00 PM | Dinner (An evening of great food, conversation, and inspiration.)

7:15 – 8:00 AM | Morning Yoga & Meditation (A mindful start to the day.)

7:30 – 10:00 AM | Booths Open for Visitors
8:00 – 9:00 AM | Breakfast

9:00 – 9:45 AM
Workshop: Coaching for Mental Health & Neurodivergent Clients Facilitated by BlueSky Learning
Workshop: Presented by GrowthWheel

10:00 – 11:00 AM | Keynote Speaker: Hamza Khan

11:00 – 11:45 AM | Workshop: A Conversation with OWNR: Innovation, Success and the World of Entrepreneurship

🥗 12:00 – 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 – 1:30 PM | Closing Remarks (Reflections, key takeaways, and a look ahead to 2026!)

The 2025 SBC Ontario Network Conference promises to be insightful, engaging, and impactful—we can’t wait to see you there!

** Disclaimer: Program times and sessions are subject to change

History

Small business is the backbone of Ontario’s economy. In recognition of this vital role, Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBECs) were created in local communities across Ontario to deliver services and programs to entrepreneurs. The SBEC core programming dates back to the mid-1980s with a few pilot offices and has now grown to include 54 SBECs across Ontario.

Partnerships

Funded by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, we work directly with small business owners to fulfill the mandate of growing the economy and creating new jobs by delivering programs, services, resources and expert advice. We also partner with multiple federal, provincial and municipal organizations to offer a single portal for small business support.
Learn More