It’s Small Business Week in Vaughan

Join the Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre for events and programming all week long!

VAUGHAN, ON (Oct. 19, 2026) – Small Business Week is officially underway in Vaughan, bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators and business leaders for a week of FREE workshops, networking opportunities and expert-led sessions to help businesses navigate today’s economic challenges and seize new opportunities. 

Presented by the City’s Vaughan Business and Entrepreneurship Centre (VBEC), this year’s programming will explore everything from tariff pressures and trade uncertainty to rising costs, workforce challenges and rapid technological change. 

It started today with a kickoff event reflecting this year’s theme: It’s a two-speed world now—fast or finished. With sessions continuing throughout the week, business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to register early to take advantage of the diverse programming available both online and in person.

From AI and automation to financing, networking and economic insights, take advantage of these events during Small Business Week: 

• Create Inclusive Workplaces: Queer Inclusion and Allyship – Virtually via Zoom on Monday, Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
  • Learn practical strategies to foster inclusive workplaces and explore 2SLGBTQI+ inclusion, allyship and the Rainbow Registered program.
• Leveling the Playing Field with Tech – Virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. 
  • Learn how technology, AI and automation can help small businesses improve efficiency, drive growth and compete more effectively.
• Hustle, Hobby or Hard No? – Virtually via Zoom on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
  • This practical session helps aspiring entrepreneurs evaluate business ideas, assess readiness for self-employment and distinguish between a hobby, side hustle or viable business opportunity.
• Opening a Food Business in York Region – Virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • This informative webinar will provide practical guidance to help food operators access valuable resources to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Financing for Black Entrepreneurs – In person at Bathurst Clark Resource Library (900 Clark Ave.) and virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • Learn about funding programs, financing options and support resources available to help Black-owned businesses start, grow and scale.
• Networking with the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce – In person at Costco Wholesale (55 New Huntington Rd.) on Thursday, Oct. 22 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
  • Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals while building valuable relationships with Vaughan’s thriving business community.
• Economic Outlook Session – In person at Vaughan City Hall (2141 Major Mackenzie Dr.) on Thursday, Oct. 22 from noon to 4 p.m.
  • Presented jointly with Food and Beverage Ontario, the session will feature Business Development Bank of Canada’s (BDC) Chief Economist Pierre Cléroux, who will share economic insights to help businesses better understand the landscape ahead.

Small Business Week is a nationally recognized celebration of the contributions small businesses make to our economy. The City’s programming for 2026 is being delivered in partnership with local business support organizations, including TechConnex, BDC, the Vaughan Chamber of Commerce, ventureLAB, Futurpreneur, Food and Beverage Ontario, the Black Entrepreneurship Alliance and Vaughan Public Libraries. 

Registration is free, but space is limited for select events. For more information and to register, visit vaughanbusiness.ca/SBW.

VBEC

Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC) deliver provincially funded programs and services that help entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and succeed. With more than 50 centres across Ontario, OSBACs foster local business growth and strengthen communities across the province.

OSBAC programs and services are delivered by the VBEC and are funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.

VBEC provides information, referrals, advisory services, mentoring, workshops, networking opportunities and business resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses at all stages of development.

To learn more about starting or growing your business, visit vaughanbusiness.ca.

Connect with Vaughan Economic Development

Connect with the team to discuss your business needs and explore available resources and opportunities at vaughanbusiness.ca/connect or ed@vaughan.ca.

Stay connected

Sign up for the Economic Development department’s eNewsletters at vaughanbusiness.ca/enewsletters and follow Vaughan Economic Development on LinkedIn.

For City updates and news as they happen, subscribe to Vaughan News and follow the official corporate channels on X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.