Meridian Small Business Forum and 2024 Annual General Meeting

You’re invited to a free evening of celebration, networking, and knowledge sharing!

Come out to the Meridian Small Business Forum and 2024 Annual General Meeting, featuring celebrity speaker Arlene Dickinson, free food and drink, and complimentary product samples from award-winning businesses.

When: Thursday, April 18, 2024, beginning at 4 p.m.

Where: The Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge Street, North York, Ontario

Featured speakers

• Keynote address by Arlene Dickinson of CBC Dragon’s Den
• Event MC Sebastian Clovis of HGTV
• Finalists and winners from our 2023 Small Business Big Impact Awards (SBBI)
• And of course our very own CEO, Jay-Ann Gilfoy

The evening’s itinerary

4 pm: Small Business Market opens, along with light food and beverages

5 pm: Opening prayer with Indigenous Elder​

5:15 pm: Welcome remarks from Jay-Ann and Sebastian

5:30 pm: Panel discussion with our Small Business Big Impact Award winners; facilitated by Sebastian

6:15 pm: Networking break with complimentary food and beverage

6:45 pm: Meridian Annual General Meeting proceedings hosted by Meridian Board Chair, Karen Farbridge

8:00 pm: Keynote address from Arlene Dickinson on the impact of small business​

8:45 pm: Closing remarks and Refreshments

Our Big Impact Award-winning Panelists

• Chelsee Pettit of Aaniin Retail Inc
• Phil Winters of GoodLot Brewery
• Brandon Day of Community Builders

Important event notes

• Light food and beverages will be available throughout the event​
• Giveaways will feature products from our Big Impact Awards finalists
• The Small Business Market will also feature Big Impact Awards businesses

About Arlene Dickinson
Arlene Dickinson is a visionary entrepreneur and leader with a remarkable track record of success. She is the Founder and General Partner of District Ventures Capital, a venture capital fund that invests in innovative companies in the food and beverage and health and wellness sectors. Under her leadership, District Ventures Capital has become a leading force in the industry, with a portfolio of ground-breaking companies that are transforming the way we live and eat. Beyond her business ventures, Dickinson is a sought-after speaker, three-time best-selling author, and philanthropist. She is widely recognized for her role as a Venture Capitalist on the hit television series, Dragons’ Den, where she currently has starred for over 15 seasons.

About Sebastian Clovis
Sebastian is a one-of-a-kind personality in lifestyle TV. His infectious energy and sense of humour make him jump off the screen, but what makes Seb authentically unique is a combination of his origin story, his passion for empowering people, his trustworthy nature, and his relentless obsession with upcycling, smart spending and creative, custom-built solutions. Seb has starred on “$ave My Reno” and “Tackle My Reno” and featured on hit ensemble series "Home To Win," "Family Home Overhaul," and the "Marilyn Denis Show." His latest project, the CSA-nominated “Gut Job,” has him blazing trails in the lifestyle space with amazing transformations, hilarious scenes, and life-changing homeowner experiences.

Parking:

Public parking can be found at several lots near the Meridian Arts Centre, including an underground lot with direct connection to the venue at 5000 Yonge Street (wheelchair accessible with elevators), a 24hr indoor lot at 93 Beecroft Road (staffed booth until 10pm), as well as two 24hr lots with automated payments at the North York City Centre and 180 Beecroft Road.

Limited street parking is available on Yonge St, Beecroft Rd, and other nearby streets.

Please contact AGM@meridiancu.ca with any questions.