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Time
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Event
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8:30 a.m.
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Virtual Networking
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8:45 a.m.
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Welcoming Remarks
- Mayor David West, City of Richmond Hill
- Darlene Joslin, City Manager, Richmond Hill
- Franca Pomponio, Regional Business Officer, FedDev Ontario
- Moira Cowan, Program & Contract Management Unit, Small Business and Program Delivery Division, Ministry of Economic Development, Jobs Creation and Trade, Government of Ontario
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9 a.m.
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Keynote Address
Irfan Rajabali - President, E.B. Box Company
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9:30 a.m.
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Presentation by Kate Tomen - Vice President, Business Development and Operations, Angel Investors Ontario.
Topic: The Role of Angel Investors in in Nurturing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems.
Understanding the value that angel investors bring beyond capital, including mentorship, industry connections, and how to attract angel investors to early-stage ventures.
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9:45 a.m.
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Presentation by Ray Fitzpatrick , CEO and Co-Founder, Profitual
Topic: Building a Strong Financial Foundation
How entrepreneurs need to focus on building a strong financial model for informed decision-making, keeping performance on track, enhancing investor communication, and working on risk management strategies.
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10 a.m.
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Presentation by Naren Balakrishnan - Partner, Grant Thornton LLP and Nikhil Rodye - Director, Easly
Topic: Navigating the World of SR&ED Financing
Leveraging R&D Tax Incentives for Growth - Understanding how entrepreneurs can effectively utilize Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits to finance innovation and technological advancements.
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10:15 a.m.
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Presentation by Marat Ressin, PhD - President, Professor, York Entrepreneurship Development Institute (YEDI)
Topic: Beyond Money: Attracting Resources and Support from Incubators and Accelerators
Discovering the benefits of joining incubators and accelerators beyond funding, including mentorship, networking, and access to resources that can accelerate startup growth.
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10:30 a.m.
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Presentation by Susan Henry - Director, Community Impact and Financial Inclusion, Alterna Savings
Topic: Impact Investing: Aligning Profit with Purpose
Exploring the growing trend of impact investing and how entrepreneurs can build socially and environmentally conscious businesses while attracting impact investors.
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10:45 a.m.
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Question and Answer Session
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11:00 a.m.
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Break and Speed Networking
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11:10 a.m.
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Presentation by Ann Wong - Managing Director, Government Grants, Mentor Works
Topic: Crafting a Winning Grant Proposal
Creating a compelling grant proposal that aligns with the objectives of funding agencies. This session will cover key elements of a strong proposal, such as outlining project details, demonstrating innovation, showcasing economic benefits, and highlighting the alignment with government priorities.
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11:25 a.m.
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Panel Discussion
Topic: From Seed to Growth: Investing in the Journey of Entrepreneurs
This panel will feature experienced angel investors and venture capitalists discussing their investment strategies, the challenges they face while supporting startups at different stages, and insights into successful long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs.
Moderator: Brenda Osler - Senior Economic Development Officer, City of Richmond Hill
- Moien Giashi – Senior Investment Associate, Greensky Ventures
- Venture Capitalist – TBD
- Angel Investor – TBD
- Angel Investor – TBD
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11:45 a.m.
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Panel Discussion
Topic: Tailored Financing Solutions for Growth
This panel discussion brings together representatives from leading Canadian banks and financial institutions to explore how tailored financing solutions can support the growth and sustainability of small businesses. The panelists will discuss collaborative approaches, innovative financial products, and strategic partnerships that these stakeholders can employ to better serve the diverse needs of these businesses.
Moderator: Brenda Osler - Senior Economic Development Officer, City of Richmond Hill
- Vivian Ma - Senior Business Adviser, Business Banking, CIBC
- Sen Angco - Small Business Development Manager, Markham Richmond Hill District, Scotiabank
- David Canseco - Area Manager, Business Banking, TD Bank
- Enrique Soissa - Business Development Manager, Futurpreneur
- Bradley Cheuk - Senior Account Manager, Ontario Technology Group, Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
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12:15 p.m.
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Success Story and Lessons Learned
Hear from successful entrepreneurs as they share their stories and entrepreneurial journey. Seek inspiration, motivation, and learn the powerful ideas they have leveraged throughout their entrepreneurial tenure.
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12:30 p.m.
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Question and Answer Session
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12:40 p.m.
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Closing Remarks, Introduction to Virtual Expo and Open Networking
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12:45 p.m.
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Virtual Expo
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