Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre and Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce/Media Release
Event celebrates innovation, leadership and community impact in Windsor-Essex
WINDSOR-ESSEX, ONT. (Oct. 21, 2025) – Entrepreneurs, business owners and community partners from across Windsor-Essex attended the Small Business Summit for a dynamic day of learning, networking and inspiration.
Hosted by the Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, a division of Invest WindsorEssex, and presented by the Toronto-Dominion Bank, the Small Business Summit featured a keynote presentation by James Boettcher, CEO and Custodian of Culture at Righteous, a panel discussion with leading local entrepreneurs and informative breakout sessions on key business topics.
James Boettcher shared his journey from acquiring a small gelato shop in 2009 to building Righteous, Canada’s No. 1 Gelato Company. His keynote, “Build Something That Matters,” highlighted how purpose, people and persistence can transform any ordinary company into an extra-ordinary movement.
Boettcher’s story resonated deeply with attendees, providing practical insights, a few laughs (and tears) and a renewed sense that your business can be successful and make money while also making a profound impact.
Adding to the day’s inspiring programming, a panel discussion, “Beyond the Bottom Line: Purpose, Passion and the Power of Local Business,” brought together a diverse lineup of Windsor-Essex entrepreneurs who are making a difference across various industries:
- Richard Peddie, Amherstburg business owner, philanthropist and former president and CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- Jason Trussell, owner and franchisee of 12 McDonald’s restaurants in Windsor-Essex
- Ameen Fadel, co-founder and president of Cedar Valley
- Brenell Dean, paralegal and business consultant at TPP Partner Inc. and Good Tell Collaborative
- John Alvarez, co-owner of F&B Hospitality Group
Moderated by CBC Windsor Morning host, Amy Dodge, the panel explored how values-based leadership, innovation and collaboration are shaping the future of the region’s business community.
The Summit also featured interactive breakout sessions on marketing, leadership, funding and sustainability, offering attendees practical insights and strategies to support business growth.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration between small business owners, community organizations and local government in building a resilient and innovative regional economy.
Quotes
“Empowering and supporting small businesses is essential to a thriving economy. The Small Business Summit is a testament to the strength and spirit of Windsor-Essex entrepreneurs. The success of our small business community is because of the people who are willing to innovate, take risks and give back to the region. This event celebrates the importance of entrepreneurship and reinforces why Windsor-Essex is one of the best places in Canada to start and grow a business.” – Gordon Orr, CEO of Invest WindsorEssex
“The incredible enthusiasm at this year’s Small Business Summit show just how committed our local entrepreneurs are to learning, connecting and growing. By bringing together leaders who lead with purpose and passion, we’re helping to strengthen the foundations of our local economy and inspire the next generation of business owners.” – Sabrina DeMarco, Executive Director, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, a division of Invest WindsorEssex
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Windsor-Essex. Their resilience, creativity, and community spirit are what drive our region forward. The Small Business Summit is more than an event; it’s a celebration of the entrepreneurs who turn ideas into impact. At the Chamber, we’re proud to champion these leaders and foster the connections that help them thrive. Together, we’re building a future where Windsor-Essex remains one of Canada’s most exciting places to start and grow a business.” – Ryan Donally, President & CEO, Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce
ABOUT SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTRE
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre operates as a division of Invest WindsorEssex in partnership with the Province of Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. SBEC provides thousands of entrepreneurs with the training and support necessary to start and grow successful businesses in Windsor and Essex County. webusinesscentre.com
ABOUT WINDSOR ESSEX CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce has been the leading voice for business in Windsor and Essex County for nearly 150 years. Its mission is to be the nexus of business success in the region — connecting members to opportunity, advocacy, and growth. The Chamber serves as a vital anchor for the local business community, fostering relationships with all levels of government, international partners, and regional stakeholders. Through signature events, the Chamber celebrates and strengthens the entrepreneurial spirit that drives Windsor-Essex forward. As a proud member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce network, which includes over 400 chambers of commerce representing more than 200,000 businesses across Canada, the Windsor-Essex Chamber amplifies the voice of local business on a national scale. windsoressexchamber.org
Media Contacts:
Gina Meret-Dybenko
Director, Marketing and Communications
Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-791-6223 / Phone: 519-255-9200 Ext. 2228
Email: gmeret@investwindsoressex.com
Natasha Marar
Manager, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Programs
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre, Invest WindsorEssex
Mobile: 519-995-6780 / Phone: 519-997-2922
Email: nmarar@webusinesscentre.com
Matthew Dumouchel
Director of Operations
Windsor Essex Chamber of Commerce
Mobile: 519-560-0903 / Phone: 519-966-3696 x230
Email: mdumouchel@windsoressexchamber.org