Small Business Summit

This half-day experience is tailored for entrepreneurs and small business owners who want to elevate their business through self-empowerment, inspiring stories, and community connection.

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.

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.

Marketing Playbook: Seven Tactics for Real Growth
Presenter: Chris Hanna, 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
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.

 

This summit 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