Forging the way forward: How entrepreneurs are adapting to the pandemic

When:
October 19, 2020 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm America/Halifax Timezone
2020-10-19T14:00:00-03:00
2020-10-19T15:00:00-03:00
Where:
Virtual Event
Contact:
41st BDC Small Business Week kick-off event
Canadian entrepreneurs are defying all odds amidst one of the largest economic crises in history. Despite the new business reality caused by the coronavirus pandemic, they are adapting and positioning themselves to succeed in the future.

Join BDC’s President and CEO Michael Denham in conversation with business owners for a free virtual event. You will hear real stories of entrepreneurs who have successfully navigated this new business context. You will learn:

  • How the pandemic has impacted Canadian businesses
  • What entrepreneurs did to turn things around
  • How these same business owners are preparing for tomorrow

As part of BDC’s Small Business Week kick-off, we will welcome the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. You will hear about the federal government’s COVID-19 support programs for small businesses and how business owners can prepare for the uncertainty of the months ahead.

We are also pleased to welcome Sami Hayek from Pitbull Energy Services and Joanna Griffiths from Knixwear to hear their personal accounts of innovation and courage.

Featuring

Michael Denham, BDC’s President and Chief Executive Officer

Michael Denham

President and Chief Executive Officer, BDC

A strong advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation, Michael has dedicated his 30-year career to advising Canadian companies on their challenges and opportunities, including corporate strategy, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and global partnerships. At the helm of BDC since 2015, he drives the organization to provide impactful and accessible guidance and funding to help Canadian businesses through good times and bad times.


The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

The Honourable Mary Ng

Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade

The Honourable Mary Ng was elected as Member of Parliament for Markham–Thornhill in April 2017. Minister Ng is a devoted community leader who has always believed in the power of public service. She has 20 years of experience in the areas of education, women’s leadership, job creation, and entrepreneurship. Minister Ng immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong with her family and grew up learning about the struggle and eventual success that many new immigrants experience in Canada. Her years working for the Ontario Public Service, Ryerson University, and the Ontario Ministry of Education led to her being recognized as one of Canada’s top-performing public sector leaders. She later served as Director of Appointments for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Other guests

Sami Hayek, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pitbull Energy Services

Sami Hayek
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Pitbull Energy Services

Joanna Griffiths, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Knixwear

Joanna Griffiths
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Knixwear