MBOT Small Business Forum

Courtyard Toronto Mississauga/West
290 Derry Road West
Mississauga, ON L5W 1N6

Running a business today requires more than keeping up — it requires planning ahead.

Join the Mississauga Board of Trade for Small Business Forum 2026, a practical half-day event designed to help business owners and entrepreneurs increase productivity, strengthen profitability and build long-term business value.

From the economic outlook and artificial intelligence to buying, selling and succession planning, the forum will bring together economists, government representatives, business leaders and professional advisors to address the issues shaping the future of small business.

What You'll Take Away

You'll leave with practical insights and ideas to help you:

• Understand the economic environment heading into 2027

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and profitability

• Use AI to streamline operations and work more efficiently

• Understand what makes a business valuable and transferable

• Prepare for buying, selling or transitioning a business

• Start planning for succession, estate and long-term ownership

• Connect with business leaders, advisors and resource organizations
   

Agenda

8:00–8:45 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast

8:45–9:00 AM | Welcome & Opening Remarks

9:00–9:55 AM | Economic Outlook 2027: What Canadian Businesses Need to Know — Pierre Cléroux, BDC

9:45–10:35 AM | AI & Productivity Masterclass — Alice Bazdikian

10:35–10:45 AM | Refreshment Break

10:45–11:45 AM | Ontario's Small Business Outlook & Fireside Chat — Minister Nina Tangri

11:45 AM–12:30 PM | Lunch & Networking

12:30–12:55 PM | Afternoon Welcome & Introduction

12:55–1:30 PM | The Great Business Transition: Buying, Selling & Building Business Value — Moderator: Alicia Neposlan

Panelists: Aldrin Fernandes; Viv Naidoo, Familifood Club

1:30–2:15 PM | Succession, Estate Planning & Protecting the Future of Your Business - Moderator: Michael Freckleton

2:15 PM | Closing Remarks