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One Week. One Entrepreneurial Community. October 19-23, 2026

BDC Small Business Week™ is Canada’s largest annual celebration of entrepreneurship, created by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to recognize the contributions of entrepreneurs and small business owners across the country.

This year’s theme is especially relevant for today’s business environment. Entrepreneurs are navigating rapid change, adopting new technologies, and finding innovative ways to grow. To help Durham Region businesses stay ahead, we have curated a selection of Small Business Week events from the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) and local Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade.

Whether you’re starting a business, growing an established company, or looking for your next opportunity, Small Business Week 2026 offers actionable insights you can put to work immediately.

At BACD (Business Advisory Centre Durham), we’ve been proud to support thousands of entrepreneurs across Durham Region for over 25 years. Whether you’re just starting out or scaling up, we’re here with free advisory services, over 130 workshops a year, and programs that help you build a business that lasts.

BDC Small Business Week 2026 Themes

The New Speed of Business – Moving beyond resilience means adapting quickly, making decisions faster, and creating systems that help your business gain momentum.

Technology & AI – Artificial intelligence and technology continue to reshape how businesses operate. Entrepreneurs who embrace these tools can improve productivity, streamline operations, and create more time to focus on growth.

Growth & Expansion – Growth can take many forms. From acquiring a business and pursuing new markets to improving financial management and preparing for larger opportunities, this year’s theme encourages entrepreneurs to think strategically about their next phase of growth.

Small Business Week Events

Monday Oct 19

Buying a Business – What to Look For, the Red Flags & How to Get It Financed: October 19, 2026 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

This session takes a full, practical look at what it actually takes, starting with the fundamentals: what makes a business a good buy, the signals that show a healthy business, and the red flags that should make you walk away.

We’ll walk through the buying process step by step, from defining what you’re looking for through due diligence and closing, and cover how deals typically get structured.

Then we’ll get into financing: how CSBFL works, how lenders underwrite an acquisition, and how to structure an offer that’s financeable from day one. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or exploring your next acquisition, you’ll leave with a practical framework for evaluating opportunities and a realistic picture of the road from first look to closing.

Register: Buying a Business

Tuesday Oct 20

Building Your Business Platform: October 20, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.Your online presence should support your business goals, not become another item on your to-do list. This hands-on workshop will help you define your positioning, identify where you should be showing up online, and build a simple content system that supports growth. Participants will leave with a practical platform plan tailored to their business. Presented by digital marketing strategist Natania Mason, Natania Creates

Register: Building Your Business Platform

BACD Start Up Session: October 20, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Thinking about starting a business? Learn the fundamentals of launching a business in Ontario, including planning, registrations, resources, and next steps available through BACD’s advisory services and programs. [bacd.ca]

Register: View BACD Events Calendar

Wednesday Oct 21

Hands-On: Start Your SOPs & Process Mapping: October 21, 2026 | 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Growing businesses need systems that create consistency and efficiency. Learn how to document workflows, map processes, and begin building Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that help your business operate smoothly as it grows. Presented by Sara Norton of Reply-All.

Register: Start Up Session

Ajax Pickering Board of Trade Business Excellence Awards 2026 Oct 21 | 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Celebrate outstanding businesses and community leaders who are making a significant impact in Ajax and Pickering.

Thursday Oct 22

4th Annual BDC Economic Outlook Breakfast: October 22, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

BDC Joint Chamber / Board of Trade event in partnership with Ajax Pickering Board of Trade, Clarington Board of Trade, Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and Whitby Chamber of Commerce. This year’s keynote presentations feature Pierre Cléroux, Chief Economist at BDC, and Hart Massie, Client Partner, Advisory Services at BDC, who will explore this year’s timely theme: It’s a Two-Speed World Now – Fast or Finished.

Growth requires strong financial management. Learn strategies to improve cash flow forecasting, strengthen decision-making, and manage uncertainty with greater confidence.

Register: View BACD Events Calendar

What’s Brewing, Oshawa Chamber of Commerce: October 22, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Join your Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce for their What’s Brewing networking meetup!

Friday Oct 23

Coffee & Convos North Durham Chamber of Commerce: October 23, 2026 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Join the North Durham Chamber of Commerce for a relaxed morning of connection at Port Perry Dance Academy. Whether you’re a local business owner, community partner, parent, or simply someone who loves good conversation, this drop‑in meetup is the perfect way to start your day.

We Mean Business Networking Breakfast: October 23, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Business growth often starts with the right conversation. Connect with entrepreneurs, professionals, community partners, and business support organizations from across Durham Region while building relationships that can help your business move forward.

Register: We Mean Business