Entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, students, and community members are invited to celebrate the start of National Small Business Week at the Business Development Centre (BDC) Open House: A Local Business Support Showcase on Monday, October 19, 2026.
The BDC is Collingwood’s one-stop hub for economic development and business support, bringing together the Town of Collingwood’s Economic Development Division, the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC), the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce, the Collingwood Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA), and the Georgian Bay Accelerator.
Through this collaborative network, entrepreneurs and businesses can access the expertise, resources, and connections they need to start, grow, and succeed. Attend the BDC Open House to connect with business support professionals, explore resources, and learn about funding opportunities, training programs, and advisory services that support business growth and development.
Building on the success of past BDC Open Houses, this year's event expands beyond the organizations within the BDC and includes a broader network of local and regional partners that support business start-up, growth, workforce development, tourism, innovation, and investment attraction throughout South Georgian Bay and Simcoe County. Community Futures South Georgian Bay and Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7), Lakehead University, and Experience Simcoe County are among some of the additional partners who will be present at the Open House.
In support of laneway activation and the strategic pillar in the Town's Downtown Master Plan, "Establish a Heart in Downtown Collingwood", the event will be held indoors and outdoors, showcasing outdoor spaces in and around the BDC.
“As we kick off National Small Business Week, we're proud to showcase the collaborative network of organizations working hard to help strengthen the local economy through their support of business success in Collingwood and across South Georgian Bay,” said Prerna Sharma, Manager, Economic Development.
Event Details
Business Development Centre Open House
Monday, October 19, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Business Development Centre
105 Hurontario Street, Collingwood
The BDC Open House is a drop-in-style event, is free to attend, and includes light refreshments. Stop by and connect with local entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, and community stakeholders.
For more event information, please visit the Live More Now website.
Other events happening in Collingwood during Small Business Week
Complementing the BDC Open House, the Small Business Enterprise Centre (funded by the Province of Ontario and operated by the Town of Collingwood) is hosting a Lunch & Learn session with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) and Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) on October 21, 2026, 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. For more event information and to register, please visit the Small Business Enterprise Centre's website.