THUNDER BAY CHAMBER HOSTS INAUGURAL SMALL BUSINESS SOLUTIONS SUMMIT
by Scott A. Sumner
The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce held it's inaugural Small Business Solutions Summit on Wednesday October 22, 2025 at the Superior Inn. A collaboration with seven partners: Thunder Bay CEDC, Thunder Bay Ventures, NOIC, Northern Ontario Angels, BDC, NADF and PARO this one- day conference, was designed to bring practical knowledge and expertise to small business owner and operators. Panel discussions and presentations focused on marketing, human resources, entrepreneurial insights, AI and featured luncheon keynote Cherry Rose Tan, author of Still Standing.
Attendees connected with 28 organizations at the trade show who offer services, supplies and expert solutions for small business.
Cherry Rose Tan, Entrepreneur in Residence at Schulich School of Business at York University
“It has been incredible to be here and talk about the game of innovation. Entrepreneurs today are dealing with the amount of change we face and uncertainty. I talk about the three leadership skills- Mindset, Heartset and Skillset we can use to spark things.”
“ I am more optimistic about today's environment but there are two camps- some that feel overwhelmed say with AI, and the other camp feel it has never been easier to build and ship products or to get meetings with people for example. AI and technology have had a big impact and is a good opportunity for Canada to rally around innovation as we have top AI research in the country. The benefits of AI are about what you want to get from it. There are excellent groups out there to learn about AI together, say on Facebook or other mediums.”
