Thursday, September 17 2026
8:30am – 12:45pm
 Lawson Centre for Sustainability
25 Devonshire Place, Toronto
Free Admission

As Ontario faces rapid economic transformation, climate pressures, and intensifying global competition, advancing sustainable growth has never been more critical.

Under the theme of Building Ontario’s Economy of the Future, this year’s event will bring together business leaders, policymakers, academics, and innovators to explore how strategic investments, next-generation infrastructure, and emerging technologies can strengthen economic resilience and long-term competitiveness.

Limited seating available. Register to secure your spot.

Learn More and Register

Tuesday, September 8
10:00am
Webinar

Your business already has data, from sales patterns to customer questions, that can guide smarter marketing decisions. This session shows you how to turn what you already know into action. Join us at 10:00am on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 for the twelfth and final webinar in our “Let’s Grow Quinte” series.

“Let’s Grow Quinte” is a 12-month workshop series designed to help Bay of Quinte small business owners build confidence in their marketing. Each month, participants learn a practical, locally relevant skill they can put into action right away. Facilitated by Cheyanne O’Driscoll of CO’ Marketing in partnership with the Small Business Centre, the series offers independent business owners a structured path to stronger marketing and sustainable growth.

LEARN MORE and REGISTER

Tuesday, August 11
10:00am
Webinar

Fall is a busy time for small businesses. Take a proactive look at September through December and map out a plan with one priority focus for each month so you can stay consistent and effective. Join us at 10:00am on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 for the eleventh webinar in our “Let’s Grow Quinte” series.

“Let’s Grow Quinte” is a 12-month workshop series designed to help Bay of Quinte small business owners build confidence in their marketing. Each month, participants learn a practical, locally relevant skill they can put into action right away. Facilitated by Cheyanne O’Driscoll of CO’ Marketing in partnership with the Small Business Centre, the series offers independent business owners a structured path to stronger marketing and sustainable growth.

LEARN MORE and REGISTER

Friday, September 18
9:30am-11:30am OR 1:00pm-3:00pm
at the Small Business Centre (Belleville)

The Small Business Centre is pleased to co-host The Sales Growth Forum for Women Entrepreneurs with the Grow to Lead Network for Women Entrepreneurs on Friday, September 18th in Belleville!

Whether you’re looking to attract more clients, strengthen your sales strategy, or grow your confidence in selling, this interactive forum is designed to provide practical tools and fresh insights you can put into action right away.

Choose the session that works best for your schedule:

• Morning: 9:30am-11:30am
• Afternoon: 1:00pm-3:00pm

We hope you’ll join us for an inspiring and practical time of learning, connection, and business growth!

SIGN UP!

Thursday, August 27
8:30am – 12:00pm
Aboriginal Labour Force Development Circle
274 ON-49, Deseronto, ON K0K 1X0

Centre for Workforce Development (CFWD) is proud to host our 3rd Annual Regional Round Table on Workforce Development this time geared to Hastings, Lennox & Addington and Tyendinaga. This event will bring together employers, government leaders, municipal representatives, educators, economic development professionals, and community partner agencies to explore local labour market challenges and opportunities.

This year’s discussion will focus on recruitment and retention, emerging growth opportunities, the impact of tariffs on hiring, and evolving skills needs. Together, participants will identify solutions and help shape workforce priorities that support a strong local economy. We hope you will consider joining us!

REGISTER by email info@cfwd.ca

Friday, August 7
12noon – 1:30pm
Online via Microsoft Teams (a calendar invitation will be sent to all registered participants)

Who should attend?
Employers, HR professionals, hiring managers, organizational leaders, small business owners, and committee members.

In this session, you’ll learn to:
• Write clearer, inclusive, and effective job postings
• Reduce unintentional barriers and bias
• Attract a wider and more qualified applicant pool

How to register:
Email Derya Gungor at deryag@keys.ca.
Seats are limited, so reserve your spot early!

November 19 – 22, 2026
Toronto

For over 30 years, the Salon du Chocolat has been the world’s leading platform for the cocoa, chocolate, and pastry industry — present in more than 15 destinations globally, from Paris to Tokyo. This November, it makes its Toronto debut, bringing international chefs, masterclasses, industry conferences, and a powerful B2B networking space directly to Ontario’s food and beverage community. This is where the industry gathers, where knowledge is exchanged, and where business gets done.

The first two Montreal editions set the benchmark: 12,000+ paying attendees, 65 exhibitors from 10 countries, 6+ tonnes of chocolate sold on the show floor, 13 million media impressions. Toronto 2026 targets 30,000 visitors and 120 exhibitors making it the largest Canadian edition to date. Whether you are a producer, distributor, agribusiness professional, or culinary brand, this is your gateway into one of the most globally connected industries in the world.

LEARN MORE and REGISTER

Thursday, October 8
The International Centre, Mississauga

The Food Forward Summit 2026 is Canada’s premier agri-food innovation and trade event. It connects over 2,000 leaders across agriculture, aquaculture, agri-tech, and policy. The one-day event is taking place on October 8, 2026 at The International Centre in Mississauga. The event focuses on scaling breakthrough solutions across the blue and green economy. Please see the link for the full agenda and speaker lineup.

LEARN MORE

Thursday, July 16
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Virtual Webinar
Can’t attend live? Register to access recording.

Learn how to find and engage the right buyers and support your global growth.
EDC’s Finding Buyers in New Markets webinar explores how exporters can identify where demand exists, connect with the right buyers and approach new markets with greater confidence. You’ll gain practical strategies to strengthen your market entry efforts and turn prospects into customers.

REGISTER
Can’t attend live? Register to access recording.

Wednesday, July 22
1:00pm – 2:00pm
Virtual Webinar

As Canada faces unprecedented challenges – an aging population, trade uncertainty, and technological disruption – immigration remains a critical issue. As we work to rethink our approach to immigration, employers – particularly small and medium enterprises – are critical to the discussion.

REGISTER