BDC Small Business Week invites Canadian entrepreneurs to build a (better) path forward
New BDC CEO Isabelle Hudon and special guests kick off a week of events to preview
and practical advice for entrepreneurs adapting to a new business landscape
MONTREAL, October 18, 2021 /CNW Telbec/ – This year’s edition of BDC Small Business WeekMT (SBW) is an opportunity for Canadian entrepreneurs to learn how to build a (better) way forward in a landscape that has changed the way we do business at an unprecedented rate over the past 18 months. For SBW, it’s about navigating a new business environment, where more than 80% of entrepreneurs say it’s their responsibility to take action to protect the environment, 55% of employees say they prefer to continue working distance and 8 in 10 Canadians who have purchased online during the pandemic say they will continue to do so in the future.
From growing labor shortages and climate events to the rise of remote working and the expansion of e-commerce, businesses will need to focus on innovation, inclusion and sustainability to sustain their growth.
“Over the past 18 months, entrepreneurs have clearly shown their agility and resilience, stepping up efforts to deal with disruption,” says Isabelle Hudon, the first woman to serve as President and CEO of BDC. “BDC Small Business Week is an important time to pause, celebrate progress and reflect. I am convinced that entrepreneurs, armed with the positive lessons learned from the pandemic, their great capacity for innovation and their strength, will continue to reinvent themselves and review their activities in order to build a more inclusive and sustainable economy, notes Hudon.
BDC Small Business WeekMT goes completely virtual for the second year. Events include:
- On October 18 at 12 p.m. EDTa one-hour conversation with the following participants:
- Hosted by Isabelle Racicot by Rouge FM, Virgin Radio
- President of CDB Isabelle Hudon will discuss his vision for BDC and why from Canada the recovery must be done with inclusiveness, innovation and sustainability.
- Pierre Cléroux, Vice-President, Research and Chief Economist, BDC, will talk about the main challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
- Tareq Hadhad, CEO and Founder of Peace by Chocolate, and lauren rathmellco-founder of Lufa Farms, will both participate in a panel discussion to talk about inclusivity, innovation and sustainability, three important pillars of our country’s future.
- On October 20 at 11:30 a.m. EDT, join Pierre Cléroux for a live event during which he will present an overview of the Canadian economy and the main indicators to watch. You’ll also learn about the major trends that are reshaping our new business environment and the tangible implications for business owners.
- On 21st of October at 12 p.m. EDTDiversity and Inclusion 101 – Join Devika Pandey Manager, Learning and Knowledge Solutions at the Canadian Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI), and Steve YanSenior Advisor, Diversity and Inclusion, BDC, for practical D&I strategies and initiatives for your business.
BDC is working alongside many knowledgeable organizations such as Futurpreneur and WEConnect International to deliver valuable content during this unique week. Entrepreneurs can benefit from their expertise by joining these special events. For more information on SBW events, visit: https://www.bdc.ca/en/small-business-week/events.
About BDC Small Business WeekMT
BDC Small Business WeekMT, October 17-23, is an annual event that celebrates Canadian entrepreneurship and is now in its 42nd edition. Each year, nearly 10,000 entrepreneurs take advantage of this event to learn, network and celebrate entrepreneurship
About BDC
BDC is the bank for Canadian entrepreneurs. It provides access to financing and advisory services to help Canadian businesses grow and succeed. Its investment arm, BDC Capital, offers a wide range of venture capital solutions. For more than 75 years, BDC’s sole raison d’être has been to support entrepreneurs in all sectors and at all stages of growth. For more information and to view more than 1,000 free tools, articles and testimonials from entrepreneurs, visit bdc.ca.
SOURCE Business Development Bank of Canada
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Related links
https://www.bdc.ca/
