To help put a spotlight on local entrepreneurs, Chatham-Kent is hosting a summit for those starting, running, or growing a business.
The Chatham-Kent 2023 Business Summit will be held from April 20 to 21 at the John D. Bradley Centre in Chatham.
"If a person or organization is looking to start or grow a business, they can come to this event and everything they need to do just that, will be under one roof," said Eric Labadie, economic development's marketing and communications officer.
Over 60 local businesses ranging from accountants, lawyers, print shops, marketing companies, and property management groups will be showcasing their services.
The two-day event will feature ongoing speaker engagements and learning sessions designed to provide educational opportunities. Michael "Pinball" Clemons, a Canadian Football League Hall of Famer, and Danielle Campo Mcleod, a Canadian Paralympic swimmer will be headlining the speaker series.
Each speaker will be sharing their stories and how they or got started, according to Anthony Wilson, an economic development officer for Chatham-Kent.
"We're hoping existing business owners will come to the event and forge new partnerships, network with business owners, and get some new ideas to put back into their business, " said Labadie.
Quentin Solomon, who is a co-founder of Excordia Creative, a digital marketing company in downtown Chatham, started out by taking advantage of the municipality's economic development summer program.
He said the program provided him with mentorship as well as a grant to get his business off the ground.
"We're super excited to be a part of the summit this year," said Solomon. "We're excited to network with all of the businesses, new or existing."
The CK Business Summit will run from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 20 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 21.
For more information about the summit or registering for an exhibition booth, visit the Chatham-Kent website.