City of Toronto to Host “Taste of Success” Small Business Forum on October 30

Toronto, ON – The City of Toronto is set to host the Small Business Forum 2024, a one-day event tailored for small business owners and entrepreneurs, with a special emphasis on the food and beverage sector. Under the theme “Taste of Success: Navigating the World of Food Business,” the forum aims to offer guidance on trends, challenges, and growth strategies in the rapidly evolving food industry.

The forum comes as Toronto’s food sector continues to thrive, representing roughly 50% of Ontario’s total food industry. With this significant contribution to the provincial economy, the event seeks to empower entrepreneurs by providing resources and expert insights to support the growth of food-related businesses.

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

News release: https://t.co/ZKsKT5lGNB pic.twitter.com/bIaG4sZs1M

— City of Toronto (@cityoftoronto) October 15, 2024

Event Highlights:

Keynote Address: Tara Tomulka, founder of the plant-based food company Rawcology, will share her experience and insights on building a successful packaged food business.
Panel Discussions: Industry experts will engage in discussions covering critical topics, including scaling food businesses, emerging food trends, alternative business models (such as at-home or online food ventures), and funding opportunities.
Speed Mentorship: Attendees can participate in sessions offering expert advice on subjects such as food safety regulations, sustainable production, marketing, and distribution.
Pitch Competition: Local entrepreneurs will compete in “Toronto’s Next Great Packaged Food Business” contest, with a chance to win a $5,000 grant to help launch or grow their venture.
Trade Show: More than 40 exhibitors, including service providers, distributors, suppliers, and government agencies, will be present to showcase business support services.

The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 30, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Meridian Hall. Registration is open on Eventbrite, with more details available on the City of Toronto’s website.

Ongoing Support for Entrepreneurs

The Small Business Forum is supported by the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade, with lead sponsors including Desjardins Business and Interac Corp. The forum is part of Toronto’s broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, offering year-round business learning opportunities such as webinars and workshops.

As one of North America’s most diverse and economically vibrant cities, Toronto continues to be a leader in fields like technology, finance, and food innovation. The City’s support for small businesses is integral to maintaining its position as a top destination for both living and entrepreneurship.

For more information on the Small Business Forum and other business resources, visit the City’s Small Business Support page.

SOURCE City of Toronto