SPARC Business Forum 2025:
Empowering Small Business Owners in Canada
19 February 2025
The SPARC Business Forum 2025, held at OTT headquarters in Toronto, brought together small business owners, government representatives, and industry leaders to discuss growth strategies, financial support, and Canada-Philippines economic ties. Keynote speakers, including Minister Rechie Valdes, highlighted government initiatives for entrepreneurs, while business owners shared inspiring success stories. The event concluded with an exciting preview of Taste of Manila 2025, a major celebration of Filipino culture and entrepreneurship.
The SPARC Business Forum 2025, hosted by The Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation and Community (SPARC) at the OTT headquarters in Toronto last February 10, 2025, brought together small business owners, government representatives and industry leaders for a day of insightful discussions and valuable networking opportunities. The event focused on supporting entrepreneurs in Canada and fostering international collaboration. This marked an important step toward empowering the Filipino-Canadian business community.
Keynote Speakers Share Vision for Small Business Growth
The event was attended by distinguished keynote speakers, each offering their perspective on the achievements and impact of small businesses in Canada.
- Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business, emphasized that small businesses represent 98% of all businesses in Canada, forming the backbone of the economy. Minister Valdez discussed how the government supports small businesses by lowering taxes from 11% to 9%, reducing credit card transaction fees, and providing a $2.5 billion carbon rebate. She also stressed inclusivity, ensuring that all Canadians have the opportunity to succeed, with a focus on under-represented groups.
- Katrina Borja-Martin, Consul from the Philippine Consulate Office, underscored the importance of the 1 million Filipinos living in Canada who serve as ambassadors of Filipino culture. She encouraged attendees to expand the relationship through community-building efforts, noting that a strong community of Filipino-Canadians can be a powerful force for supporting small businesses.
- Mario Tani, Trade Commissioner, shared an optimistic outlook on the economic relationship between Canada and the Philippines over the next five to ten years. He stated, “There is a lot of promise, and we can see it growing at a very fast and robust rate.” He highlighted the importance of sustaining this momentum, emphasizing that “There are numerous activities and delegations visiting Canada this year to showcase what the Philippines has to offer. Growth is there, and we must ensure it continues.”
Small Business Owners Share Real-Life Experiences
The forum also featured a panel discussion with small business owners who shared their personal journeys and challenges that they faced especially during the pandemic, and the lessons they have learned in the world of entrepreneurship:
- Rovina Lazaro from BanBan Chicken
- Mila Nabor-Cuachon from Casa Manila
- Mahal Hudson from The Avant Garde Company
The panelists provided invaluable insights into the resilience of small business owners and how they adapted during tough times. Mila Nabor-Cuachon shared how pivoting was a crucial strategy during the pandemic. “There’s no hard and fast rule, but you must know what people are going through and understand your market,” Mila explained. Her approach emphasized the importance of flexibility and staying in tune with consumer needs.
On the other hand, Mahal Hudson reflected on how the pandemic created an opportunity to pause and reevaluate the direction of the business. “We are already resilient, but it’s essential to never stop asking for help,” she said, reminding business owners to leverage their support networks during difficult times. The panelists’ perspectives resonated with many attendees, encouraging them to embrace change and seek support when needed.
Expert Speakers Discuss Government Programs and Financial Support
The forum also included presentations from experts who discussed government programs and financial support options available to small businesses:
- Rose Ami discussed One Pinoy, a powerful marketing tool for Filipino entrepreneurs looking to connect with their target audience.
- Rohan Bonde from BDC provided an overview of government loan programs designed to help small businesses grow and scale.
- Vikas Jain from the City of Toronto outlined available grants and programs that support entrepreneurs, helping them access funding and resources for their ventures.
- Maricel Honorivdez from Scotiabank spoke about the various business loans available to help companies expand and thrive in a competitive market.
What’s Next: Taste of Manila 2025
To close the event, Danilo Baluyot gave attendees an exciting preview of the Taste of Manila 2025, a highly anticipated event that promises to showcase the rich culture, food, and businesses of the Filipino community in Canada. The announcement generated buzz and anticipation for the upcoming celebration of Filipino heritage and entrepreneurship.
Building Stronger Business Communities
The SPARC Business Forum 2025 reinforced the importance of fostering strong, supportive business communities that empower small business owners to succeed. By sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities, the forum is helping to shape a brighter future for Filipino-Canadian entrepreneurs.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the authors in this publication are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of OTT Remit, OTT Financial Inc., and the OTT Group of Companies. This publication is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered as exhaustive or comprehensive in covering all aspects of the discussed topics. It is not intended to replace seeking advice from a specialist or professional.
