The Economic Revolution is Here, Get Your Business Ready | Small Business Week 2025
This year during the Bay of Quinte Small Business Week we're taking a close look how our business community has been navigating changing times with a fundamental shift in global economics, the rise of AI technology and a generational transfer in business ownership. Discover the strategies, resources and new opportunities that lay ahead as Canadian entrepreneurship is being transformed.
MONDAY OCTOBER 20
11:00am - 12:30pm | Small Business Week Kick Off | Nourish at Loyalist College
BDC has united Canadian business owners for half a century, recognizing and nurturing their courage as visionaries and creators. This year is no exception. We invite you to kick off the week by joining us for a presentation from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
TUESDAY OCTOBER 21
9:00am - 10:30am | Navigating the Bay of Quinte Market: Find Your Three Marketing Strategies for 2026 | Trent Port Marina
Ready to cut through the noise and grow your business with clarity and purpose in 2026? This interactive 90-minute workshop is designed to help entrepreneurs in the Bay of Quinte region gain insight, direction, and actionable strategies for the year ahead. Whether you're looking to stabilize or scale, this session will guide you through the realities of today’s market and help you build a plan that works.
12:00pm - 1:00pm | Presented by BDC | Online Webinar
Canada’s economy is entering a new era of transformation. Shifting trade partnerships, rapid technological advances and a wave of business transfers are reshaping the economic context and creating new avenues for growth, innovation and productivity.
Join BDC’s Chief Economist, Pierre Cléroux, and a panel of experts to understand how you can prepare for a changing business landscape. You’ll hear the latest economic insights, see how other entrepreneurs are adapting and discover concrete actions to get your business ready for the economic revolution.
12:45pm - 4:00pm | Steering Through the Storm: Women Leading with Purpose | Trent Port Marina
This event brings together four inspiring local women entrepreneurs to share their real-world experiences of navigating the ever-changing tides of business. Through themes like looking at the big picture, finding safe harbours, directions for success, and sharing business resources, this event will highlight the challenges, opportunities, and strategies that come with leading in uncertain times.
From business and strategic planning to managing risk, spotting opportunities, and adapting to change, attendees will gain both validation—knowing they’re not alone—and motivation to try new approaches. By hearing relatable success stories, women entrepreneurs will leave equipped with insights, resources, and renewed confidence to steer their own businesses forward with purpose.
Begins at 6:00pm | Paint Your Business | Presqu'ile Waddling Arts Centre
The Municipality of Brighton invites you to attend a special event in partnership with the Brighton Arts and Culture Council. The evening will feature artwork of Brighton's Proctor House by BACC Artist, Des Rodrigues, showcasing the style of painting you'll be creating! Receive a ready to paint, pre-drawn image of your storefront, art supplies and artist instruction — while enjoying light refreshments, charcuterie and a signature cocktail.
This event is open to small businesses in Brighton, Quinte West, Belleville, and Prince Edward County. There are only 20 spaces available, so be sure to reserve your spot before they're gone! Questions? Contact Caroline Birch at cbirch@brighton.ca
WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 22
Begins at 10:00am | Not a Trade Show Business Expo | Banquet Hall at Pentecostals Of Quinte, Belleville
The "Not A Trade Show" Business Expo is back! This is a fantastic opportunity to connect with local businesses in a fast-paced, engaging format. Businesses will have the undivided attention of their peers and colleagues as they deliver their '3-minute' pitch. Register today to deliver your pitch during a morning or afternoon round—each round starts on the hour. You can also register to watch as a spectator and take advantage of this free learning opportunity and network with local small business owners and community leaders.
thursday October 23
5:00pm - 7:00pm | Mega Mingle | The Grange, PEC
Businesses from across the region come together to celebrate Business Week. Join the Quinte West Chamber, Belleville Chamber and PEC Chamber for an evening of networking and fun at the Grange Winery in Prince Edward County. Let's toast to connections, colleagues, and business success!
friday October 24
10:00 - 11:30am | Business Roundtable with MP Chris Malette and MPP Tyler Allsopp | Virtual
Join us for a virtual open discussion roundtable with Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette, MPP Tyler Allsopp, and the business community.
5:30pm - 10:00pm | Quinte Business Achievement Awards | The National Air Force Museum of Canada
The 29th annual Quinte Business Achievement Awards continues to recognize outstanding businesses, not-for-profit organizations and business leaders in areas such as entrepreneurship, business growth, company practices, product innovations, customer service, stewardship, marketing success and community service
Note: All workshops, seminars and networking events are free to attend with exception of the QBAA awards gala.