The Regional Business Centre, in partnership with the Foundry and the Jim Fielding Innovation and Commercialization Space located at Laurentian University, are proud to present Homegrown Ventures 2026, an entrepreneurial showcase to inspire budding local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. The event will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Jim Fielding Innovation and Commercialization Space at Laurentian University.
“Homegrown Ventures offers experienced local founders and aspiring entrepreneurs an important opportunity to come together to share practical perspectives and lessons learned along the way,” says Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of the City of Greater Sudbury. “The City is proud to support initiatives like this that foster entrepreneurship and innovation, and contribute to a resilient, diversified local economy.”
This year’s Homegrown Ventures features a knowledgeable lineup of three accomplished business leaders:
These entrepreneurs will share their journeys, challenges and successes through engaging presentations and a panel discussion. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions during an interactive Q&A session, gleaning real-world insights from seasoned entrepreneurs.
“This is the third time The Foundry has partnered with the Regional Business Centre for Homegrown Ventures, and each year the impact grows,” says Gisele Roberts, Director of Research and Innovation at Laurentian University. “It is a fantastic way to expose aspiring entrepreneurs, including Laurentian University students, alumni and emerging founders, to the realities of launching a business. Hearing directly from local founders who have navigated challenges and built meaningful ventures offers invaluable insight, and we’re proud to work together to strengthen Sudbury’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
The showcase will conclude with a networking session, allowing attendees to connect and build relationships within Greater Sudbury’s growing business ecosystem. Refreshments will be provided.
Admission to Homegrown Ventures 2026 is free, but registration is encouraged to secure your spot. Register by visiting regionalbusiness.ca/seminars-events/homegrown-ventures-2026/.
About the Regional Business Centre
The Regional Business Centre is a one-stop source for information, guidance and support to help start, grow or manage a business. Since 1995, the Centre has supported thousands of entrepreneurs and small business owners in Greater Sudbury and beyond. They are one of 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres across Ontario and a member of Small Business Centres Ontario.
The Centre operates as part of the City of Greater Sudbury’s Economic Development team, allowing them to stay connected to local priorities and broader business development efforts. They also work closely with our Collaboration Network, a group of community partners who help strengthen and expand the support they offer to entrepreneurs.
Learn more online: https://regionalbusiness.ca/