Small Business Summit

Breakout Sessions

• MARKETING PLAYBOOK

• LEAD THRIVE

• FUNDING YOUR FUTURE

• BUILDING A LEGACY

Marketing Playbook

Seven tactics for real growth and attention for business in today’s competitive and digital-focused world  

In this engaging and practical session, small business owners will be introduced to a marketing playbook featuring seven proven customer acquisition tactics designed to drive real growth and increased visibility in today’s competitive, digital-first environment.  

Presenter: Chris Hanna, All In Content   

Each tactic will be paired with a bite-sized, actionable strategy that participants can apply immediately. The session will also showcase AI-powered tools and micro-hacks that help streamline efforts and enhance results. Whether you’re building your brand or preparing to scale, this session provides clear, practical guidance for choosing the right marketing strategies to support your business goals. 

Lead to Thrive

Building resilient, high-impact teams through workplace culture and care  

Presenter: Jennifer Charron, Logic Executive Search & Workplace Solutions 

Great teams are not created by chance. They are shaped by intentional leadership that prioritizes trust, wellbeing and shared purpose. This session explores how business leaders can build resilient, high-performing teams by fostering a workplace culture rooted in empathy, clarity and support.   

Participants will gain practical strategies to strengthen morale, prevent burnout and cultivate a team environment where people feel empowered to excel.  

Funding Your Future

Unlock capital for business growth by discovering the funding landscape and strategies for securing loans, grants and investment  

Access to capital is one of the most critical factors in growing a successful business. This session will guide entrepreneurs and small business owners through the current funding landscape, exploring a range of options including government grants, small business loans and private investment.  

Participants will gain a clear understanding of what types of funding are available, how each one works, and which strategies align best with their business goals. Whether you’re looking to launch a new venture, expand operations or invest in innovation, this session will help you identify the most effective pathways to secure the capital you need to grow with confidence.  

Building a Legacy

A Leaders Blueprint for Sustainability and Creating a Lasting Impact  

Presenter: Frank Abbruzzese, President, AlphaKOR   

A roadmap for creating lasting impact through leadership, decision making, customer service, community and authentic relationships. This will be a guide for leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers who are striving to build organizations that last — through people-first leadership, strong values and bold decisions. 

Mastering the art of networking: Insights from Frank’s Wednesday Wisdom events, the power of networking and how to master it and use it effectively as a tool. Whether you are starting your journey or looking to elevate your impact, Building a Legacy offers timeless wisdom and actionable strategies to help you not only succeed in business — but also build something that endures.    

Sponsor the Summit

Elevate your brand and connect with Windsor-Essex’s vibrant entrepreneurial community as a Small Business Summit sponsor. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Become an Exhibitor

• 8 Standard Booths (8′ table inside the main ballroom): $500 + HST
• 1 Extra Large Booth (10′ x 10′ space inside the main ballroom): $750 + HST
• 2 Standard Booths (8′ table in lobby, next to registration desk): $350 + HST

Contact Sarah Seremack to secure your exhibitor booth.

Register for Small Business Summit

Join us on Oct. 21 for a day designed to inspire, connect and empower entrepreneurs and business leaders across Windsor-Essex.

Your registration includes:

• Keynote presentation
• Panel discussion and breakout sessions
• Valuable networking opportunities with peers and industry experts
• Breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day
  

Tickets: $95 per person + HST

REGISTER

Keynote Presenter

James Boettcher

CEO & Custodian of Culture
Righteous

James has the honour of leading the team at Righteous, Canada’s #1 Gelato Company, and knew early on that whatever his life’s work would turn out to be, doing good and having fun would be at the heart of it.

Acquiring Fiasco, which would become Righteous, in the dead of winter in 2009, with nothing more than good vibes and a commitment to doing whatever it takes, James has ensured that this little scoop shop that could would become a force for good, an industry leader, and the kind of company you would want your mom or dad to work for.

His heart centered leadership, disruptive vision, honesty in craft and innovative approach to culture has charted the course for Righteous’ tremendous growth and earned the nod for several local and national awards including Top 40Under40, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® and most recently Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures.

Righteous is now available in every grocer in Canada, and hundreds of doors in the USA.

A man of passion and enthusiasm, James is committed to building something that matters, and creating things that make the world more awesome.

Agenda

Panel Discussion

Beyond the Bottom Line: Purpose, Passion and the Power of Local Business

This dynamic conversation brings together a diverse group of leaders who are reshaping Windsor-Essex through values-driven leadership, innovation and community impact. Each panelist brings a unique perspective on what it means to build businesses that thrive while making a difference.

• Richard Peddie – Former President & CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, bestselling author and now a passionate community builder in Amherstburg, Richard has dedicated his career to creating strong values-based organizations and vibrant communities.
• Jason Trussell – Owner and franchisee of 12 McDonald’s restaurants in Windsor-Essex, Jason combines global executive experience with local impact, supporting charities, youth mentorship and education while building high-performing teams.
• Ameen Fadel – Co-Founder & President of Cedar Valley, Ameen turned a high school project into a nationally recognized food brand, earning a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30. His story reflects the innovation and resilience of the next generation of business leaders.
• Brenell Dean – Paralegal & Business Consultant at TPP Partner Inc. and Good Tell Advisory Inc., Brenell has consulted with over 60 organizations across industries, helping leaders overcome challenges, scale sustainably and strengthen internal systems for lasting success.
• John Alvarez – Co-owner of F&B Hospitality Group, John has built a collection of beloved restaurants while championing local talent and shaping the region’s food culture. His entrepreneurial journey blends culinary creativity with community commitment.

Moderator

Panelists

The Small Business Summit will be hosted at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts in Windsor, Ont.

Skyline Ballroom

All summit programming, including the keynote, panel discussion, breakout sessions, and networking, will take place in the Skyline Ballroom. With floor-to-ceiling windows, this space offers an inspiring setting and sweeping views of the Windsor waterfront and Detroit skyline.

Location & Parking

The St. Clair Centre for the Arts is conveniently located in downtown Windsor at 201 Riverside Dr. W.

Public parking lots and street parking are located within walking distance of the venue.

Getting Here

• From Highway 401: Take Exit 5 toward Windsor and follow Dougall Avenue north to Riverside Drive West. The St. Clair Centre is located directly on Riverside Drive.
• From Detroit: The venue is just minutes from the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel or Ambassador Bridge.
• By Transit: Transit Windsor buses stop near the venue, and Windsor International Transit Terminal is only a short walk away.
• By Air: Windsor International Airport (YQG) is a 20-minute drive from the Centre. Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) is also accessible within 40 minutes, depending on border traffic.