VancouverGREATER VANCOUVER EVENT
Kick Off Event: Adapt. Connect. Grow.
This Small Business Week kickoff for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and their teams features a panel on current business trends and challenges, breakout workshops, networking, refreshments, and complimentary childcare for children ages 3–12.
- Date and time
- Location
- Anvil Centre · 777 Columbia Street · New Westminster
- Organizer
- City of New Westminster
About this event
Hosted by the New West Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of New Westminster, the Downtown, Uptown, and Sapperton business associations, and Tourism New West, this event celebrates New Westminster’s small business community and launches Small Business Week 2026. It is for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and their teams.
The programme includes a panel discussion on trends and challenges shaping small business, with leaders from the Business Development Bank of Canada, Business Council of BC, Canadian Federation of Independent Business, and Business Improvement Association of BC. Breakout workshops cover “Owning Your Digital Presence” with Dave Keighron of Douglas College, “Financing Growth: Securing and Selecting the Right Capital at the Right Time” with Sarah Lloyd of BDC, and “Teaming Up and Cross-Promotion” with the Chamber and BIAs. There will also be networking with fellow business owners and organizations, and a celebration of the hard work and risk-taking behind running a small business.
Refreshments and light snacks are provided. Complimentary childcare for ages 3–12 is led by City of New West Parks & Recreation staff. The event runs October 19, 2026, from 5 to 8 pm at Anvil Centre. Admission is free; registration is required.