• The Resilient Entrepreneur: Ontario’s Small Business Conference will be held October 19 and 20 at 19 on the Park during Small Business Week.
  • Economic Development Supervisor Cristina Liu says the conference is open to everyone from aspiring entrepreneurs with a business idea to established business owners looking to grow.
  • Day one focuses on downtown revitalization, including lessons from Paris, Ontario, business resilience strategies, culinary tourism opportunities, and updates from Town staff on Stouffville’s revitalization plans.
  • Day two explores growth and innovation, with sessions on AI-powered marketing, business partnerships, sponsorship strategies, the circular economy, and surviving construction-related disruption.
  • Registration is $25 for one day or $35 for both days, including networking opportunities, refreshments, and lunch. Registration is available through Eventbrite or at the door.

 

Entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners are being invited to Stouffville for The Resilient Entrepreneur – Ontario’s Small Business Conference, a two-day event focused on business growth, innovation, and preparing for change.

The conference takes place October 19 and 20 at 19 on the Park during Small Business Week. Organized by the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville’s Economic Development, the event is designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage, from those exploring a business idea to established business owners looking to grow.

“This is for anyone and everyone,” said Cristina Liu, the Town’s Economic Development Supervisor. “We’re trying to support entrepreneurs all the way from, if they have an idea on launching a business, to current small business owners, to anybody looking to grow.”

A major focus of the conference will be Stouffville’s upcoming downtown revitalization project. According to Liu, the first day will feature Julie Perkins, who will share lessons learned from revitalization efforts in Paris, Ontario.

Other sessions on the first day include discussions on Indigenous business relations, culinary tourism opportunities, and strategies for building business resilience.

The second day turns to innovation and growth, with presentations on artificial intelligence, digital marketing, business partnerships, sponsorships, the circular economy, and practical tools for helping small businesses remain competitive.

The conference concludes with a panel presented by the Greater Stouffville Chamber of Commerce exploring how businesses can use AI, video, and other communications tools to increase their visibility and connect with customers.

Liu said the conference was developed in response to questions from businesses about downtown revitalization and the broader economic challenges facing entrepreneurs.

Registration is $25 for one day or $35 for both days and includes networking opportunities, refreshments, and lunch. More information is available through the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville’s Economic Development office at ecdev@townofws.ca.