Breaking Barriers, Building Businesses: New Insights on Entrepreneurship in Canada 

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October 21, 2025 | Virtual

The Canadian Chamber’s Business Data Lab (BDL) is hosting its fourth annual virtual event during Small Business Week this October.

Canada’s future prosperity depends on the success of its entrepreneurs — yet too often, women and immigrant business owners face barriers that hold back their full potential. Persistent barriers for these entrepreneurs means that Canada loses out on productivity, innovation, and growth. Levelling the playing field could unlock billions in economic activity — and position Canada as a global leader in inclusive entrepreneurship.

Join us for a dynamic Small Business Week event with BDC and the Business Data Lab that brings new research to life through real-world stories and actionable ideas.

Speakers:

• Opening Remarks
  • Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Moderator
  • Marwa Abdou, Senior Research Director, Business Data Lab, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Panellists
  • Fatiha Senhaji, VP Inclusive Entrepreneurship, BDC
  • Jaipaul Massey-Singh, CEO, The Brampton Board of Trade
  • Karima-Catherine (KC) Goundiam, CEO, Red Dot Digital Inc. & B2BeeMatch

This 90-minute interactive session will feature:

• Fresh insights from BDL’s latest studies on women and immigrant entrepreneurs revealing the hidden opportunities Canada can’t afford to ignore.
• Candid conversations with entrepreneurs who are building companies, creating jobs, and exporting Canada’s talent to the world.
• Policy and practice solutions from experts and business leaders on how to close gaps in financing, networks, and support.
• Interactive polls so you can share your perspective and walk away with concrete actions to apply in your business or community.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, policymaker, investor, or simply passionate about inclusive growth, this session will challenge assumptions, highlight untapped opportunities, and showcase the role women and immigrant entrepreneurs are playing in shaping Canada’s economy.

This Event Is Hosted in Collaboration With