Small Business Summit

This half-day experience is tailored for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to elevate their business through knowledge, strategy and community.

What You’ll Experience:

Panel Discussion

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

Learn from visionary entrepreneurs shaping Windsor-Essex through values-driven leadership, innovation and impact.

Panelists:

• Richard Peddie – Amherstburg Business Owner & Philanthropist
• Jason Trussell – Franchise Owner & National Speaker, McDonald’s
• Brenell Dean – Partner & Paralegal, Sway Law
• John Alvarez – Co-owner, F&B Hospitality Group
• Ameen Fadel – Co-Founder & President , Cedar Valley

Breakout Sessions

Marketing Playbook: Seven Tactics for Real Growth

Presenter: Chris Hannah, All In Content

Discover seven proven marketing tactics to drive real growth in today’s digital-first world. Walk away with actionable strategies, AI-powered tools and micro-hacks you can implement immediately to boost visibility and customer acquisition.

Lead to Thrive: Building Resilient, High-Impact Teams

Presenter: Jennifer Charron, Logic Executive Search Group

Strong teams are built through intentional leadership and culture. Learn how to foster trust, prevent burnout and create an environment where your team thrives — so your business can too.

Funding Your Future: Unlock Capital for Business Growth

Presenter: TBA

Accessing capital can be the game-changer your business needs. This session explores the funding landscape, including grants, loans and investment options, with practical strategies to secure the resources that fuel growth.

Building a Legacy: A Leader’s Blueprint for Sustainability & Impact

Presenter: Frank Abbruzzese, Author & President, AlphaKOR

Gain a roadmap for building an organization that lasts through values-based leadership, authentic networking and strategic decision-making. Whether you’re starting out or scaling up, these timeless principles will help you succeed and leave a lasting mark.

Keynote Presentation

James Boettcher, Custodian of Culture & CEO
Righteous Gelato

James Boettcher is the CEO and self-styled Custodian of Culture at Righteous Gelato, a Calgary-born, purpose-driven gelato brand. Righteous Gelato, is known for crafting premium, small-batch gelato made with simple, natural ingredients and a commitment to bold, innovative flavours. Driven by values of community, creativity and conscious leadership, Righteous has grown from a local favourite into a nationally recognized brand, available across Canada in major retailers and independent shops. 

James has guided Righteous from a modest startup to a triple-bottom-line leader — balancing people, planet and profit. The company earned Certified B Corporation status, was named one of 2023’s Top Impact Companies by Real Leaders and recognized in Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2024. James is passionate about challenging the status quo, embedding culture at the heart of the organization and proving that business can be both profitable and socially responsible.

Why Attend?

This event is your opportunity to:
✔ Gain practical insights from leading experts and entrepreneurs
✔ Choose the sessions that match your growth goals
✔ Build meaningful connections with business leaders and peers
✔ Walk away with tools, strategies and inspiration to elevate your business

Agenda

8:30 a.m. – Registration, Breakfast, Networking
9:15 a.m. – Opening Remarks
9:30 a.m. – Panel Discussion: Beyond the Bottom Line
11 a.m. – Breakout Sessions: Marketing Playbook and Lead to Thrive
12 p.m. – Breakout Sessions: Funding Your Future and Building a Legacy
12:40 p.m. – Lunch
1 p.m. – Keynote Presentation
1:45 p.m. – Closing Remarks

General Admission

Registration: $95 + HST

Exhibitor Booths

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

Sponsorship

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