STOUFFVILLE

Small Business Week

Business Registration

The Town of Stouffville is proud to celebrate our second annual Small Business Week Celebration by hosting The Resilient Entrepreneur: Ontario's Small Business Conference, a two-day event taking place on October 19 and 20 at 19 on the Park Theatre.

Small Business Week is a nationally recognized opportunity to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and impact of entrepreneurs. In Stouffville, we are marking the occasion by bringing together business owners, industry experts, support organizations, and municipal leaders for two days of learning, networking, and collaboration focused on helping businesses adapt, grow, and succeed in an evolving economy.

According to the 2025 York Region Employment Survey, which surveyed 933 businesses in Stouffville, 79 per cent are considered small businesses, meaning they employ between one and 19 employees. These businesses are the backbone of our local economy, contributing to job creation, community vibrancy, and long-term prosperity.

This year's conference reflects Stouffville's commitment to supporting local businesses through practical tools, expert insights, and meaningful connections. Attendees will explore topics including business resilience, artificial intelligence, downtown revitalization, culinary tourism, agritourism, and the circular economy. Sessions will be delivered by leading organizations such as Startup Lab at Wilfrid Laurier University, the Culinary Tourism Alliance, YSpace, the York Small Business Enterprise Centre, and other industry professionals.

The conference also comes at a transformative time for Stouffville. As we begin the Town's Downtown Revitalization Project, local businesses continue to prepare for new opportunities associated with investment, growth, and community development. As Stouffville continues to evolve as one of Ontario's fastest-growing communities, supporting entrepreneurs and fostering a resilient business environment remains a key priority.

Whether you're launching a new venture, growing an existing business, or exploring strategies to future-proof your operations, The Resilient Entrepreneur: Ontario's Small Business Conference offers actionable insights, valuable connections, and inspiration to help your business succeed.

October 19-20, 2026
19 on the Park Theatre, Stouffville
$35 Two-Day Pass | $25 Single-Day Pass

Time	Agenda
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Registration Check-in, networking, and refreshments.
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM	Welcome Remarks Opening comments and a look ahead at the day's discussions on business growth, tourism, downtown revitalization, and economic resilience.
10:15 AM - 11:00 AM	Building Relationships: Indigenous Peoples, Business & the Path Forward with Jay Shea Through storytelling and discussion, learn about Indigenous inclusion in business, building respectful relationships, attracting and retaining Indigenous employees, and the role businesses can play in creating meaningful opportunities and understanding.
11:00 AM - 11:15 AM	Networking Break
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM	Thriving Through Change: Preparing Businesses for Downtown Revitalization with Julie Perkins Practical strategies to help businesses prepare for change, maintain customer loyalty, communicate effectively during disruptions, and build long-term resilience throughout revitalization projects.
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	Creating Delicious Destinations with Shayan Lallani, Culinary Tourism Alliance Explore opportunities in culinary and agritourism, discover what visitors are looking for, and learn how to create memorable food and beverage experiences that attract and engage customers.
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM	Networking Lunch An opportunity to connect with local business owners, community partners, and industry experts.
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM	Behind the Scenes of Downtown Revitalization with Town Staff Panel Learn how the Town is preparing for downtown revitalization, including updates on major projects, economic development initiatives, business support programs, tourism trends, and plans to support businesses through construction and beyond.
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM	Building Business Resilience with Stephanie Simpson Gain practical advice on navigating change, staying connected with customers, maintaining visibility, and implementing simple strategies that help businesses adapt and thrive during periods of disruption.

Time	Agenda
9:50 AM - 10:00 AM	Registration & Networking Check in, connect with fellow business owners, and prepare for a day of learning and collaboration.
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Opening Remarks Welcome and overview of the day's programming.
10:15 AM - 10:45 AM	York Small Business Enterprise Centre with Daniela Mazzaferro Learn about the programs, resources, and supports available to entrepreneurs and small business owners through the York Small Business Enterprise Centre.
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM	Networking Break
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM	AI-Powered Growth: Turn Social Engagement Into Loyal Customers with Maryam Golabgir Discover how AI tools can help transform social media engagement into real business growth. Learn practical strategies for identifying potential customers, improving response times, strengthening customer relationships, and increasing conversions without requiring advanced technical skills.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Lunch
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM	Stronger Together: Helping You Survive Construction with Sara Porter Explore how collaboration, creative partnerships, local initiatives, and community engagement can help businesses remain resilient and connected with customers during periods of construction and change.
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM	Break
2:00 PM - 2:45 PM	The Circular Shift: How Business Is Adapting to a New Economy with Audrey Bayens Learn how circular economy principles can help businesses reduce waste, retain value, identify new opportunities, and build long-term resilience while responding to changing market and environmental pressures.
2:45 PM - 3:15 PM	Partnerships with Purpose with Brandi Pickering Discover how strategic sponsorships and partnerships can help address business goals, strengthen community connections, increase visibility, and create meaningful value for both businesses and audiences.
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM	AI, Video & Your Voice: How Small Businesses Get Seen in 2026 with Indu Bains, Angela Dunn, Aizik Grimman & Mikey Wheeler Join the Greater Stouffville Chamber for a discussion on how businesses can use AI, video, social media, and digital storytelling to build credibility, increase visibility, and connect with customers without a large marketing budget.