BDC Small Business Week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) since 1979. Every year, nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs gather to learn, network, and celebrate business-building across the country.
Small Business Week 2021 Theme: Seizing the Opportunity to Build the Way Forward.
This event takes place every year during the third full week of October, featuring conferences, workshops, luncheons, and trade fairs across Canada, bringing together entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners.
BDC Small Business Week, happening from Oct. 17-23, marks the 42nd edition of this annual event. Nearly 10,000 business owners take part annually to learn, network, and celebrate entrepreneurship.
This year’s edition is an opportunity for Canadian entrepreneurs to discover how to build a better path forward in a rapidly evolving business landscape. For the second year in a row, BDC Small Business Week™ (SBW) is going fully virtual, with events that include:
- October 18 at 12 p.m. EDT:
A one-hour conversation hosted by Isabelle Racicot of Rouge FM and Virgin Radio.- Isabelle Hudon, President of BDC, will share her vision for BDC and discuss why Canada’s recovery should focus on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability.
- Pierre Cléroux, BDC's Vice President of Research and Chief Economist, will address the main challenges entrepreneurs face.
- Tareq Hadhad, CEO and Founder of Peace by Chocolate, and Lauren Rathmell, Co-Founder of Lufa Farms, will participate in a roundtable discussion on inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability—key pillars of Canada's future.
- October 20 at 11:30 a.m. EDT:
Pierre Cléroux will provide an overview of the Canadian economy, covering key indicators and trends shaping the business environment, with insights for business owners. - October 21 at 12 p.m. EDT:
Diversity and Inclusion 101 – Join Devika Pandey, Manager of Learning and Knowledge Solutions at the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), and Steve Yan, Senior Advisor of Diversity & Inclusion at BDC, for practical strategies on implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives in your business.
Entrepreneurs can take advantage of these insightful events. For more information on SBW events, visit: BDC Small Business Week Events.
