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City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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October 29, 2024

News Release

City of Toronto to host Small Business Forum focused on food and beverage industry success

Tomorrow, the City of Toronto will host its Small Business Forum at Meridian Hall to support entrepreneurs and professionals in building and growing local small businesses. This year’s forum will focus on the food and beverage industry and will be themed, “Taste of Success: Navigating the World of Food Business.”

Mayor Olivia Chow will be joined by Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North) to kick off the Forum at 8:30 a.m. Throughout the day, Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park), Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business for Canada and the Honourable Andrea Hazell, MPP for Scarborough – Guildwood, will also be in attendance.

During this free, full-day, in-person event, participants will get insights into trends, innovations and challenges in the food business. Attendees will have access to government resources, industry experts, product providers and services to help them start and grow their food-related ventures.

The Toronto's Small Business Forum 2024 will feature:

- Leading keynote and industry-specific speakers

- Panel discussions on critical topics such as scaling food businesses, the latest food trends, growth strategies for alternative operations and funding options for food entrepreneurs

- Speed mentorship sessions where attendees can seek advice from experts on topics including food safety regulations, marketing, distribution, sustainable food production and more

- Toronto’s next great packaged food business pitch competition, where selected local entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas to win exciting prizes that include a $5,000 grant

- A trade show featuring more than 42 exhibitors where entrepreneurs can connect with service providers, distributors, suppliers and government agencies offering valuable business support.

More information about the Small Business Forum, funded by the Government of Ontario's Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, is available on the City’s website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/small-business-forum/.

The City thanks lead sponsors Desjardins Business and Interac Corp.

The City and its partners offer free year-round learning opportunities for entrepreneurs, small business operators and staff. The City’s business webinars will improve your business knowledge and skills. More information is available on the City’s Business Webinar webpage: www.toronto.ca/businesswebinars.

More information about the City’s wider small business supports is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/smallbusiness.

Quotes:

“Toronto’s food and beverage industry is not just a cornerstone of our economy, it’s a reflection of the rich diversity that makes our city thrive – it’s proof that we are a city where everyone belongs. This forum is an invaluable opportunity for entrepreneurs to connect with the resources and expertise they need to succeed. Together, we’re building a future where small businesses lead the way.”

– Mayor Olivia Chow

“As a former small business owner in the food industry, I know first-hand the hustle, creativity and grit of Toronto’s entrepreneurs. Our federal government is boosting small business’ bottom lines by lowering credit card fees and delivering the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses. Happy Small Business Month!”

– Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business of Canada

“In Ontario, 98 per cent of all companies are small businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The small business community is over 400,000 strong and employs more than 2 million people. As a government, we will continue to help unleash Ontario’s entrepreneurial spirit, empowering our innovators, risk-takers and job creators to start and own businesses in communities across our province.”

– Nina Tangri, Associate Minister of Small Business for Ontario

“Small businesses are the heart of our local economy, and tomorrow’s forum is about giving them the tools and support to grow. Toronto’s food sector is a dynamic part of this city’s culture and economy, and I’m thrilled to see so many talented entrepreneurs come together to share their innovations and ideas.”

– Councillor Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Mayor’s Economic Development and Culture Champion

“The City of Toronto is proud to support the incredible entrepreneurs in our food and beverage industry. Forums like this give business owners the opportunity to collaborate, learn, and find new ways to scale their operations. I look forward to seeing the new ideas and ventures that emerge from today’s event.”

– Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie (Scarborough-Rouge Park)

“This forum celebrates Toronto's vibrant food scene and our commitment to helping small businesses thrive. Through fostering innovation and collaboration, we empower local entrepreneurs to adapt and compete in an ever-evolving marketplace, thereby enriching our ecosystem of local businesses and cultural venues.”

– Councillor Chris Moise (Toronto Centre), Small Business Champion on the Economic and Community Development Committee

Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, innovation and climate action, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information, visit www.toronto.ca or follow us on X at www.x.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofto.  

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Media contact: Media Relations, media@toronto.ca

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