Small Business Week is a national celebration led by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), shining a spotlight on the entrepreneurs and small businesses that power our communities. This year’s theme, “The economic revolution is here – get your business ready,” reflects the rapid changes facing businesses today and the opportunities that come with innovation, technology, and resilience.

From October 19–25, 2025, communities across Canada will host events, workshops, and forums to help small businesses adapt, grow, and succeed. Here in Prescott, we are proud to join the celebration alongside our local and regional partners. Throughout the week, Invest Prescott, the Downtown Prescott BIA, the South Grenville Chamber of Commerce and more will present a series of events designed to connect, educate, and inspire.

The highlight of the week is the Prescott Small Business Week Forum, featuring insights from Mayor Shankar, local support organizations, and a featured guest speaker.

Scroll down to explore the full schedule of Small Business Week 2025 events in Prescott.

Associate Minister of Small Business Nina Tangri

Member of Provincial Parliament Steve Clark

Small Business Week in Prescott

Small Business Week Forum

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Grand Room, Prescott Town Hall, 360 Dibble St. W.

The Prescott Small Business Week Forum is the cornerstone of this year’s celebration of entrepreneurship — an inspiring evening that brings together local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners to connect, learn, and celebrate the strength of Prescott’s business community.

The evening’s feature presentation, a fireside chat and keynote panel discussion titled “The First 365: How Prescott’s Small Businesses Transition, Succeed, and Grow,” will be moderated by Mayor Gauri Shankar. The discussion will spotlight three local entrepreneurs who have each experienced transformation and growth over the past year:

  • Jason Mullin, Director of Sales & Marketing, SCC Hospitality (Quality Inn Prescott);
  • Darcy Primrose, Owner, Voice2Net; and
  • Ashton Mayes, Owner, AMayesZing Photography.

Together, they will share candid stories of the first year of change — the challenges, opportunities, and lessons that have shaped their success.

Attendees will also gain insights from a presentation on Prescott’s latest economic and demographic data, highlighting local business trends and trade area dynamics, along with updates on regional business support programs available to help small businesses grow and succeed.

Throughout the evening, guests can explore an on-site Business Support Trade Show, featuring organizations that provide expert advice and resources for entrepreneurs, including Community Futures Grenville, South Grenville Chamber of Commerce, Ontario Approved Professionals, CSE Consulting, Leeds Grenville Small Business, Downtown Prescott BIA, and Invest Prescott.

Closing the event, featured speaker Jeanette Johnston will deliver an empowering talk on leadership, mindset, and overcoming limiting beliefs, connecting to this year’s national BDC Small Business Week theme: “The economic revolution is here – get your business ready.” Jeanette Johnston Business & Mindset Coaching also proudly serves as the Refreshment Sponsor for this year’s Forum.

Light refreshments will be served. Admission is free, and registration is encouraged.

RSVP Here

Downtown Connections: A Small Business Week Event

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 | 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Prescott Fire Department Hall, 302 Centre Street

Network with fellow business owners and meet the Downtown Prescott BIA Board at this special Small Business Week event. Learn more about the BIA’s role in supporting downtown businesses, enjoy light refreshments from local restaurants, and hear from a guest speaker (to be announced).

RSVP Here

South Grenville Chamber of Commerce & RBC: Small Business Celebration

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 p.m.
RBC Prescott Branch

Join us for a special evening dedicated to celebrating small businesses in our community. Hosted by the South Grenville Chamber of Commerce and RBC, this event will feature a presentation on fraud prevention strategies tailored to small business owners, as well as networking opportunities and community recognition. It’s a chance to connect, learn, and celebrate the entrepreneurs that make South Grenville thrive.

RSVP Here

Regional Partner Events

Bridges to Better Business: Digital & AI Adoption for the Future

Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Joshua Bates Centre, 1 Main St., Athens
Cost: $69 · Register: Eventbrite

Join Leeds Grenville Small Business for an evening on how digital tools and AI drive growth, efficiency, and innovation—featuring Fraser Hardy (Northnet Media / FraserHardy.com) and Theo Graham (Songwood Contracting). Expect practical tactics you can apply right away, plus networking, expert-led presentations, an interactive Q&A, catered dinner by Brockberry Cafe & Suites, a cash bar by Arbru Solar Brewery, awards celebrating outstanding businesses, and the Starter Company Plus graduation. Hosted by the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville and the St. Lawrence–Rideau Immigration Partnership.

Purchase your ticket here

BDC National Kickoff Event (Online)

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. (ET)
Online

Canada’s economy is entering a new era of transformation. Shifting trade partnerships, rapid technological advances, and a wave of business transitions are reshaping the landscape and creating new opportunities for growth.

Join Pierre Cléroux, Vice President, Research and Chief Economist at BDC, along with a panel of experts, for this national kickoff webinar: “Get your business ready for the economic revolution.” Gain the latest economic insights, hear how entrepreneurs are adapting, and discover practical strategies to help your business stay competitive.

Register Here

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