The Amplify Your Biz Summit, a targeted Finance Edition, convened more than 200 entrepreneurs in Mississauga, Ontario, on February 8, 2026, to demystify company finance and enhance small business owners’ financial literacy. The live event, which ran from 12:45 PM to 4:30 PM at the Hazel McCallion Central Library’s Noel Ryan Auditorium, featured hands-on activities and professional advice to equip founders with skills they could use immediately.
In partnership with IDEA Mississauga, Canadian Small Business Women organized the summit to empower early- to mid-stage female entrepreneurs and other business owners by providing clarity on funding options and helping them confidently manage grants, loans, funding applications, and financial planning.
Theme and Purpose
The event’s main goal was to provide entrepreneurs with practical advice on managing and securing funding, what to look for when applying for grants, and how to establish a solid financial foundation for 2026. In addition to learning how to avoid common mistakes and evaluate financial data most important to funders, attendees also learned how to position their initiatives for current grant and loan opportunities.
Speaker Lineup and Sessions
Expert speakers contributed distinct perspectives on the funding and finance landscape, which were on the summit’s lineup. In his keynote address, Sola Oluwole, director and co-founder of 3G Action Consulting, discussed why successful companies continue to be denied funding and how to address this issue. He highlighted common mistakes in applying for entrepreneurial funding and practical strategies to increase the likelihood of approval.
Financial advisor and fractional CFO Shalini Dharna Kibsey, CPA, of Dharna CPA Professional Corporation, noted that understanding cash flow, grant application components, and strategic revenue planning are just a few of the financial fundamentals every entrepreneur should grasp. Dharna’s presentation focused on understanding your numbers and securing the right financing. She emphasized that knowing your financials isn’t optional for confident growth.
Fireside Chat with The Honourable Rechie Valdez
The live fireside discussion with creator Dwania Peele and The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women & Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), was a highlight of the summit. They broke down together:
- Currently, small firms can apply for federal grants and loans.
- Important tips for structuring and drafting funding applications
- Useful guidance for utilizing government assistance programs
- How municipal and local ecosystems might aid in financing initiatives for small businesses
This interactive discussion provided clarity on government assistance, information for applicants before applying, and advice tailored to entrepreneurs seeking financial confidence.
Monster Valdez discussed federal funding opportunities—including grants and loans—and how they are designed to support entrepreneurs. She also emphasized that understanding how to position your business is just as important as knowing what’s available.
Key Takeaways for Attendees
Participants left with:
- A better comprehension of what donors genuinely search for in applications
- Techniques for financial planning to bolster their business arguments
- Resources to approach funding decisions with assurance
- Making connections with colleagues and specialists who are interested in small business expansion
Impact and Community
Early in the 2026 business calendar, the Amplify Your Biz Summit was a milestone for community building and education. Entrepreneurs received practical methods rather than general guidance through professional presentations, tactical discussions, and in-person interactions with policymakers. The goal of this emphasis on realistic fundraising preparedness was to help founders proceed with purpose and greater financial certainty by replacing ambiguity with clarity.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information intended only for informational purposes. CanadianSME Small Business Magazine does not endorse or guarantee any products or services mentioned. Readers are advised to conduct their research and due diligence before making business decisions.
