October 17-21 is Muskoka Small Business Week, an opportunity to celebrate small businesses in our community, get out and network, and learn a few things, too. From business speed dating to a tech extravaganza, there’s no shortage of innovative and interesting events to connect business owners with each other, with local consumers, and with experts who can help their businesses thrive.
Muskoka Small Business Week is presented by the Muskoka Biz Series, a partnership between Muskoka Futures, Muskoka Small Business Centre, Muskoka Community Network, YWCA Muskoka, and the Muskoka Chambers of Commerce – all organizations that provide programs and services for small businesses.
“There are lots of organizations that support businesses in Muskoka,” says David Brushey, Executive Director of Muskoka Futures. “We want to remove some of the confusion around who does what. We are all working together to help develop, plan, promote various events across Muskoka that relate to small business, and when you have a question, you can approach any partner and we can help navigate where to find the specific resources you need.”
These are the events happening during Muskoka Small Business Week (be sure to register in advance where noted):
Enterprising Women – Business Model Canvas, October 17, 10am-2pm
Review and optimize your operations to work smarter not harder. A networking luncheon is included in this event hosted by YWCA Muskoka. The cost is $15 for YWCA members, $20 for non-members. Register in advance at ywcamuskoka.com
Joint Business After Hours networking event, October 17, 5:30-7:30pm
Presented by the Huntsville/Lake of Bays, Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, and Port Sydney/Utterson Chambers of Commerce, and hosted by Muskoka Brewery. Network with local business owners and enjoy light refreshments provided by The Griffin Gastropub and Muskoka Natural Food Market. Bring your business cards to exchange with new people you meet and to enter a draw for a prize. This is a free event, but remember to RSVP to your local chamber of commerce.
Youth Tech Extravaganza, October 18, 6-8pm
This popular event at the Huntsville Public Library lets you experience new technology like 3Doodler Starts, Cubelets, Sphero, augmented reality colouring, the Library’s 3D printer, and green screen photos. Get up close and personal with the Hoya Robotics robot Valkyrie. This is a free drop-in program, no pre-registration required.
Women in Business networking, October 19, 6-8pm
Presented by the Port Sydney Chamber of Commerce and hosted by North Granite Ridge Golf Club. Meet other women in business and hear guest speaker Danielle Millar, Manager of Events and Projects at Sawdust City Brewing Co. There will be a silent auction, local artisans, door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar. Register in advance to 705-385-1117 or [email protected]
Lake of Bays Speed Dating for Business, October 19, 6-8pm
Join the Huntsville Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce at the Dwight Community Centre for this speed dating-style networking event to meet local business contacts, explore partnerships, and discover more about the local business community. A free event open to all businesses in Lake of Bays and beyond. Register to [email protected]
Muskoka Young Professionals Networking, October 21, 7-9 pm
A networking and problem solving session hosted at Muskobilly’s Tap and Grill in Gravenhurst. This event will get you thinking! Small groups will be given 15 minutes to come up with an idea on how to solve a relevant (or not so relevant) issue that is affecting us in Muskoka, before shifting gears to start thinking about a new problem with a new group.
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