Preliminary Agenda
- 8:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Event Inauguration
- 9:15 AM - 9:30 AM
- Conference Hall 107
- 9:30 AM - 9:33 AM
- Conference Hall 107
- 9:33 AM - 9:36 AM
- Conference Hall 107
- 9:36 AM - 9:39 AM
- Conference Hall 107
Remarks by Paul Gaspar, Director, Small Business, UPS® Canada
Paul’s career with UPS began in 1991 in operations which progressed to eight roles in five different functions. Through these roles, he discovered a passion for working with small businesses and helping them thrive. He now leverages his growing network of entrepreneurs and the focused learnings of SME supply chains to improve the success rate of small businesses looking to scale and go global. He’s been a leader and mentor within the Startup Community since 2015 with an unwavering commitment to support entrepreneurs across Canada. Paul obtained a degree in Economics from York University.
Leveraging Logistics for Digital Transformation
- 09:45 AM - 10:00 AM
- Conference Hall 107
Paul Gaspar, Director, Small Business, UPS® Canada
Paul’s career with UPS began in 1991 in operations which progressed to eight roles in five different functions. Through these roles, he discovered a passion for working with small businesses and helping them thrive. He now leverages his growing network of entrepreneurs and the focused learnings of SME supply chains to improve the success rate of small businesses looking to scale and go global. He’s been a leader and mentor within the Startup Community since 2015 with an unwavering commitment to support entrepreneurs across Canada. Paul obtained a degree in Economics from York University.
How to choose the right accountant to grow your business
Choosing an accountant is like choosing a new business partner.
Join Michael Mehr, Partner of Edmison Mehr Chartered Professional Accountants and Xero Ambassador in this 15-minute keynote where he will cover:
– why an accountant can be beneficial to your business;
– when you need to introduce an accountant for your business;
– tips and tricks to choose the right accountant for your business;
– and how you can get connected to experienced accountants.
- 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
- Conference Hall 107
Michael Mehr, Partner of Edmison Mehr Chartered Professional Accountants and Xero Ambassador
Achieving Growth as an SME in Canada
- 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
- Conference Hall 107
Frank’s previous successes are rooted in a passion for building customer-centric businesses. He has built effective teams at tech firms of varying sizes around the globe including Microsoft, GE Capital, Virtustream and BlueJeans, among others. Frank has led companies through growth, transformation and market expansion with a persistent focus on innovation, people and customer journey.
Frank is a proud Canadian expat and native of Toronto, who now splits his time between Boston, MA and New York, NY. In his free time, he enjoys mentoring young entrepreneurs and traveling with his family.
Navigating Business Travel Challenges: Strategies for Small and Midsize Enterprises
- 12:30 PM - 12:45 PM
- Conference Hall 107
Tarandeep has been with InterContinental Hotels & Resorts for over 14 years now and has held various senior leadership roles in Commercial, Revenue Management, Distribution, Business Insights, Analytics and Performance across India, Singapore, Dubai and is now based in Canada.
Transforming with Data
Join Ok Ikejiani, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of Red Thread Innovations, to learn about data as a foundational component in digital transformation. Ok will discuss what digital transformation truly means, identify its core pillars, and explore how data acts as the bedrock for effective digital strategies. We’ll discuss how data can be collected, synthesized, and applied within various industries including manufacturing, retail, finance, healthcare, government, and more. Through this talk, you’ll gain an understanding of how to use data to optimize operations, improve employee and customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and ultimately, support long-term revenue growth.
Red Thread Innovations specializes in empowering businesses with innovative digital strategies. Learn how you can harness the power of data to transform and scale your organization with guidance from a leader in digital transformation.
- 12:45 PM - 1:00 PM
- Conference Hall 107
Ok has an impressive track record of delivering high-quality digital products for leading global brands such as Telus, PayPal, eHarmony, Amazon, and Microsoft. However, some of his most impactful work has come from the SMB sector. Ok partners with ambitious small business owners to co-create strategic technical solutions that enhance operational effectiveness, increase customer satisfaction, reduce operating costs, and ultimately, scale their business for long-term growth.
Top 3 lessons learned scaling from 1 to 25,000 customers
Join us for an empowering and inspiring keynote from Shrad, CEO of Wagepoint, and Laurinda, founder of Kind Karma (a local Wagepoint client!) . They both share a common ground with every SME: a love for business.
Over 12 years ago, Shrad co-founded Wagepoint which now serves over 25,000 small businesses. Shrad will share the top 3 lessons he’s learned in the process of scaling and how these can be applied to elevate your business and leadership skills.
Laurinda’s story will strike a chord with everyone—in her world where “the business comes first”, she’ll be exploring the intersection of mental health and entrepreneurship. Be inspired by a story of resilience, passion, and the power of giving back.
Don’t miss this engaging conversation centered around scaling, leadership, and well-being.
- 02:05 PM - 02:20 PM
- Conference Hall 107
Shrad is the CEO and co-founder of Wagepoint – simple payroll software built just for small businesses and backed by the world’s friendliest team. Over 12 years, Wagepoint has grown to serve 25,000 small businesses in Canada paying about 200,000 teammates each month. Shrad jokes that building a company is like going to a ridiculously hard school – you are taught lessons every day and the only question is whether you learn them today or tomorrow.
Laurinda Lee-Retter
Inspired by her personal struggle to maintain meaningful employment while recovering from mental illness, Laurinda Lee-Retter founded Kind Karma as a means to make a difference among vulnerable members of the community with similar challenges. Having made jewelry as a hobby when she was young, Laurinda turned that pasttime into a viable business by creating an art therapy-based employment model for youth to create fine jewelry that gives back.
Digital Transformation: Empowering Small Businesses to Grow and Build Stronger Brands
- 02:20 PM - 02:35 PM
- Conference Hall 107
As a licensed paralegal in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, Olivia holds the title of Employment Law Expert & Presenter at Peninsula Canada.
Olivia joined Peninsula in 2020 as a Legal Claims Consultant where she assisted small to mid-sized business clients as their legal representative. She then transitioned to the role of a Senior Legal Content Specialist where she helped with drafting, editing and general oversight of the legal content within the Company. Over the years, Olivia has gained significant insight into legal, HR, and employee management challenges faced by Canadian SMBs.
In her current role, Olivia is the face of Peninsula webinars. She utilizes her employment law expertise to create relevant and comprehensive content to help small business owners stay compliant with employment standards and OHS legislation.
As the face of Peninsula Canadas webinars Olivia’s ability to translate complex legal jargon into relatable and accessible content has made her a listener’s choice when it comes to legals issues.
Olivia’s dynamic presence and inclusive commentary regularly features on webinars, radio shows, websites, and print media. Audiences across Canada have listened to Olivia’s insights on esteemed platforms such as CBC Radio, CTV News, CP24 and the Toronto Sun.
SME and the Digital Age: How to ensure advances in digital technology work for you and not against you
In this keynote Dave and Francis will engage in an interactive session with you to cover such topics as:
1) Align technology with your business goals
2) Prioritize cybersecurity
3) Adopt data-driven decision making
4) Adapt to technology change
Those who attend this keynote will be eligible to receive a free Cyber Security Assessment from Humber College.
- 02:40 PM - 02:55 PM
- Conference Hall 107
Over the past three years, Dr. Smiderle has worked with several industry partners to develop and deliver training designed for upskilling and reskilling. Earning a Doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and recognized credentials and experience in Change Management, Dave has applied his expertise to develop and design training curriculum specifically for adults. Dr. Smiderle comes from a rich background of consulting and providing continuous and professional learning to the private sector within several industries, along with more than 14 years’ experience with polytechnic institutions.
Francis Syms, MASc, PEng, PMP Associate Dean Humber College
Francis Syms is a senior industry professional and educator in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and risk management. He is the author of Cybersecurity in Canada: Operations, Investigations, and Protection – a popular introductory cybersecurity textbook used across Canada. Francis currently holds the position of Associate Dean in the Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology at Humber, is CEO of The Joule Group and is regularly interviewed by mainstream media. He is also a member of the CADSI Cyber Council (the Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries).
Accelerating Success: Navigating Digital Transformation for SMEs at CanadianSME Small Business Show 2024
- 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM
- Conference Hall 107
Mastering the Tech Triad: Navigating Cloud, AI, and Security in the Digital Age
- 11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
- Conference Hall 107
Fostering Inclusion: Building Diverse and Inclusive Workplaces
- 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
- Conference Hall 107
How the federal government buys what you sell
- 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
- Room 104D, Level 100
Parthiban Dhakshnamurthy; Procurement Assistance Team Leader, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) – Procurement Assistance Canada – Ontario Region https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/ontario/sac-pac/index-eng.html
Parthiban Dhakshnamurthy, joined Public Services and Procurement Canada, Ontario Region as a Procurement Assistance Team Leader in 2023. He has held various positions in public sector and not-for-profit across multiple industries for over 12 years in fields such as Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, Supply Chain Operations, and Project Management. Mr. Dhakshnamurthy is responsible for supplier outreach and engagement for PAC-OR. He also delivers seminars that assist and inform suppliers on how to do business with the Government of Canada.
Learn to Negotiate in 30min
Although negotiation isn’t an innate skill, it can be learned through a proven process. Georges Levesque, a negotiation expert and Senior Executive at a leading global education company, will provide you with a comprehensive roadmap to enhance your negotiation skills for various business challenges.
- 11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
- Room 104D, Level 100
A graduate of Carleton University in Ottawa, fluent in English & French, Georges currently resides in Montreal & Toronto with his partner and sons, Luke & Leon.
ASUS SMB Solutions - Unlocking incredible possibilities
- 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100
Build the 360 degree view of the customer using Identity
- 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100
Email Marketing Must-Haves: Quick Tips for Lasting Success
Easier said than done, right?
Join Dave Charest, Constant Contact’s Director of Small Business Success, to take you through the three stages an email marketer goes through on their path to growing sales by building on the fundamentals that are proven to work.
You’ll learn:Essential tactics small business marketers need to get startedSimple ways to take your email strategy to the next levelHow AI and automation change the game
- 01:45 PM - 02:15 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100
Accessibility Awareness and Information for Small Businesses
Join representatives from Small Business BC (SBBC) for an overview of a project about accessibility awareness and information for small businesses in British Columbia. Find out about the approach we took, the resources we created, and the lessons we learned in year one of a two-year project.
- 02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100
Beyond her role at SBBC, Roop is actively involved in various community initiatives. She volunteers her time on advisory boards for organizations such as the BC SPCA and Ending Violence Association of BC (EVA BC), demonstrating her commitment to community awareness and development. Roop is also passionate about issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and she works on projects that support mental health and community development. As an immigrant from the UK, she brings a rich cultural perspective to her work and community involvement. Roop has dyscalculia and dyslexia, which present unique wonders and challenges in learning and processing information. She has carved out a successful career and is deeply committed to supporting others facing similar hurdles. Her personal experiences with learning abilities fuel her passion for advocacy and inclusion, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued in every initiative she undertakes.
Additionally, Roop serves as a Community Advisor to the Board at Surrey Cares Community Foundation, where she contributes to initiatives that enhance the well-being of Surrey’s residents through philanthropy and community engagement. She also holds the position of Board Member and Development Chair at Pacifica Treatment Center, playing a pivotal role in guiding the organization’s development efforts and ensuring the provision of essential treatment services. Roop’s multifaceted roles highlight her dedication to both business development and community service, reflecting her commitment to fostering economic and social progress in her community.
Employment Lifecycle - From Hiring to Firing
- 03:15 PM - 03:45 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100
As a licensed paralegal in good standing with the Law Society of Ontario, Olivia holds the title of Employment Law Expert & Presenter at Peninsula Canada.
Olivia joined Peninsula in 2020 as a Legal Claims Consultant where she assisted small to mid-sized business clients as their legal representative. She then transitioned to the role of a Senior Legal Content Specialist where she helped with drafting, editing and general oversight of the legal content within the Company. Over the years, Olivia has gained significant insight into legal, HR, and employee management challenges faced by Canadian SMBs.
In her current role, Olivia is the face of Peninsula webinars. She utilizes her employment law expertise to create relevant and comprehensive content to help small business owners stay compliant with employment standards and OHS legislation.
As the face of Peninsula Canadas webinars Olivia’s ability to translate complex legal jargon into relatable and accessible content has made her a listener’s choice when it comes to legals issues.
Olivia’s dynamic presence and inclusive commentary regularly features on webinars, radio shows, websites, and print media. Audiences across Canada have listened to Olivia’s insights on esteemed platforms such as CBC Radio, CTV News, CP24 and the Toronto Sun.
Terminations Done Right
The following questions will be explored:-
– what is the Common Law and when does it apply?
– how can an employer minimize its liability when terminating an employee?
– what is just cause?- when should employers rely on just cause?
– what is the most important thing that an employer can do at the outset of an employment relationship to set itself up for success when ending an employment relationship?
– what to do when an employee or an employee’s lawyer sends you a demand letter or serves you with a Statement of Claim?
– are there situations when you cannot legally terminate an employee?
– what are the most common myths regarding terminations
As a bonus, we will be providing everyone that attends the workshop with a termination checklist.
- 04:00 PM - 04:30 PM
- Room 104D, Level 100
As a small business owner, Anatoly is intimately aware of the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses. This experience was the catalyst that led him to start a law firm dedicated solely to providing SMEs and not-for-profits with employment law advice and related legal services.
With 20 years of experience as a lawyer and in business, Anatoly brings a practical approach to his employment practice.
For more information about Anatoly or HRC Law, please check out our website at www.hrcemploymentlaw.com.
Business Mixer Networking for SMB Owners
- 05:00 PM - 06:00 PM
- Conference Hall 107
The Business Mixer Networking event is a prime opportunity for Small and Medium-sized Business (SMB) owners to connect, share, and develop both personal and business relationships. Within the vibrant atmosphere of the Small Business Show 2024, this event aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and mutual growth among participants.
Objectives:
Connect with Peers: This is a chance for SMB owners to meet like-minded entrepreneurs, learn about diverse industries, and potentially discover synergies for business collaboration.
Share Best Practices: Discuss experiences, successes, and challenges, and glean insights from peers who’ve faced similar business scenarios.
Discover Opportunities: From potential collaborations to uncovering new market trends, the mixer is an avenue to find out what’s next for your business.
Grow Your Network: In the business world, your network is one of your most valuable assets. This event provides a platform for expanding that network and forging lasting business relationships.
Features:
Structured Networking: The event will start with a structured networking segment, ensuring participants engage with as many peers as possible.
Open Networking: After the structured segment, participants can mingle freely, revisiting interesting connections or exploring new ones.
Guest Speakers: Brief addresses by industry leaders will be interspersed throughout the event, offering insights and sparking conversation topics.
Resource Booths: Several booths will be available, featuring tools and resources beneficial for SMBs, ranging from the latest software tools to financial solutions.
Refreshments: Light bites and beverages will be provided, creating a relaxed and conducive environment for networking.
The Business Mixer Networking for SMB Owners is more than just an event. It’s an experience – one designed for SMB owners to expand their horizons, explore new opportunities, and pave the way for future collaborations. As you dive into conversations, share stories, and make connections, remember that every interaction holds the potential for the next big thing for your business.
Rev Up Your H2 Sales Engine: Quick insights, better decisions with Maximizer Sales Leader Edition
– Know your critical deals, and how your team is performing: Get alerts, recommendations for next actions, and never miss a key signal for winning new or protecting existing revenue.
– Receive timely insights delivered throughout your day: Thousands of management teams trust Maximizer to surface which deals and sellers need attention, and in what order.
– Win back your time for the things only you can do: Do more of what a CRM can’t replace—making decisions and leading your team.
Don’t miss out—we’ll cover the tools and techniques needed for sales leaders to thrive in today’s competitive market landscape.
- 11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
- Room 105/106
A graduate of Queen’s University and a Toronto native, Victoria combines a strong educational background with a passion for technology and sales.
SourceIN - Your Extended Financial Desk"Drive Growth with Customized Accounting Solutions"
1. Brief introduction about the ValServe Group & SourceIN
2. Brief about the Management Team and Service Profile of SourceIN
3. What role SourceIN can play for any Startups and growing businesses at Canada ?
4. Current problems faced by various industries in their Accounts and Finance department across US and canada and how can SourceIN play an important role to address those problems ?
- 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM
- Room 105/106
Mandar is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with comprehensive experience of over a decade across the world in advisory services and large enterprises. His focus is Business development in Canada and core expertise lies in business & IT advisory, financial reporting and Canadian tax practices. Mandar heads SourceIn Canada.
Mandar is highly engaged with business partners to provide excellent economies of scale for clients by working with them to design and implement effective compliance, financial & management reporting and technological solutions. He is a holder of Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) and also completed Certified Information Systems Auditor in past (CISA).
At SourceIN, Mandar’s responsibilities spans across Strategy, Business Development and Management of the SourceIN’s Canadian expansion.
CA Anand Sanghvi
Anand is a Chartered Accountant and Certified Public Accountant (USA) with unique and balanced experience of over a decade in both large enterprises and start-up environments. His focus is Group Business development and core expertise lies in Financial Valuation and Transaction Structuring practices. Anand is one of the Founding members and Managing partners at SourceIN, and he leads CFO Services and Valuation Advisory vertical of SourceIN.
Anand thrives in M&As, Valuation for Financial Reporting and Regulatory Purposes, Due Diligence and Corporate Finance. He advises clients on structuring of the transaction for deal making and Valuation for Financial Reporting Purposes under IFRS, Indian GAAP and US GAAP
He is a holder of Diploma in IFRS from ACCA Board (UK) and also pursuing Final Level of Chartered Financial Analysts (Global CFA). In his role as the founder of SourceIN, he actively identifies new markets, shapes success paths, plan and forecasts. His responsibilities spans across Strategy, Business Development and Management of the SourceIN’s global expansion.
Tailored IT Solutions for SMBs from Pathway: Unlocking Efficiency, Growth and Security
- 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM
- Room 105/106
Sustainable Growth vs Growth at all cost: What How to think about your growth and Go To Market in 2024 and Beyond
Combining Demand Gen, BowTie Model ” Winning by Design BluePrint” and the best Marketing Technology tools to achieve a sustainable Flywheel model that focuses on your growth from TOFU to Beyond BOFU that will help you grow the Net New and your Customer Install Base in a sustainable model that doesn’t depend only on your Marketing budget.
- 12:45 PM - 01:00 PM
- Room 105/106
Senior Sales Professional SaaS, FinTech. Throughout my 10+ years in sales, the tech industry, with a background in Marketing. My success throughout my career in SaaS has been based on a strong foundation of relationship-building and genuine authenticity, supporting clients by utilizing my expertise to offer data-driven and purpose-driven software solutions to their challenges.
Liliane Youssef
Flawless inbound president and Co-Founder
Entrepreneur, and Business Leader, co-founded Flawless Inbound in 2014 from Alberta, Canada. Go To Market and Growth Expert, Liliane is always ready to stick with a bold course of action and happy to zig while others zag. She understands that in an era of hyper-competition and non-stop disruption, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something special.
Simplifying Digital Transformation: Unlock Business Success with Inspiration Digital
Here’s the secret: DX isn’t another headache. At Inspiration Digital, we break down the jargon and translate it into actionable steps for busy owners like you.
Think of DX as your strategic toolbox, not a total revamp. We’ll help you find the right tech to:
Free Up Time: Automate repetitive tasks, giving you back precious time and resources.
Grow Your Reach: Connect with new customers and strengthen existing relationships with digital tools.
Boost Profits: From targeted marketing to data-driven insights, technology fuels growth.Don’t let DX overwhelm you.
Let’s simplify your journey and unlock your business potential.
- 01:15 PM - 01:30 PM
- Room 105/106
But growth isn’t just my professional jam. In my free time, I love mentoring budding startup founders on the art of profitable bootstrapping. Witnessing businesses flourish, whether established or just starting out, is what truly fuels my fire.