IDEA Mississauga

As a Canadian Business, you know how unpredictable the U.S. tariff environment has become. Many Canadian companies are unknowingly paying duties they don’t owe or exposing themselves to penalties simply because they’re unsure how to properly apply CUSMA rules. This complimentary, in-person CUSMA Compliance Workshop will equip businesses with practical guidance to correctly qualify goods, reduce duty exposure, and protect U.S. market access. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gTrC-GqU

This summer could change everything. Meet Ruslan, founder of LawnPro 🌱 Through Summer Company, he turned his passion for lawn care into a real business, while learning accounting, marketing, time management, and how to properly track hours and expenses. That’s what the Summer Company Program delivers: real skills + real funding. Ontario students (aged 15–29) receive: • Free business training • Mentorship • Up to $3,000 in grant funding You, or someone you know could be next. Apply by May 1, 2026 👇 https://lnkd.in/gvsQ_MtM

Navigating taxes as an incorporated small business can be complex, and small errors can quickly become costly. Join IDEA Mississauga as we host the Canada Revenue Agency - Agence du revenu du Canada (CRA) for a practical virtual webinar designed specifically for small corporations. Through the CRA’s Liaison Officer Service, participants will gain clear guidance on corporate tax responsibilities, common filing mistakes, bookkeeping best practices, and the tools available to help keep businesses compliant and organized. This session is intended for incorporated businesses and those considering incorporation. Register today: https://luma.com/rr2w34zg

Applications are now OPEN for Summer Company 2026! Are you an Ontario student (ages 15–29) with a business idea? This summer, turn it into a real business and experience what it’s like to be your own boss. Participants receive: • Free business training (marketing, sales, bookkeeping & more) • One-on-one mentorship from local business leaders • Up to $3,000 in grant funding to launch Spots are limited, apply by May 1, 2026 and start building your business this summer. Submit your inquiry form to get started 👇 https://lnkd.in/gvsQ_MtM

Yesterday morning, IDEA Mississauga kicked off our Breakfast Series session titled Demystifying Angel Investing with engaging dialogue and valuable insights during our panel discussion. Bringing together angel investor Ana Misra, startup lawyer Kevin Fernandes of KMB Law (Keyser Mason Ball, LLP), and founder Jennifer Ai, the discussion unpacked what early-stage fundraising really looks like, from navigating deal terms to building strong, long-term founder–investor relationships. A special thank you as well to Pam Banks and Andrew Opala of Altitude Accelerator for sharing insights on the newly launched Summit Edge Fund and what it means for founders in our ecosystem. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such thoughtful exchanges, we’re excited to keep the momentum going. #IDEAInnovationHub #Fundraising #AngelInvesting #Founders #StartupEcosystem Sneha Punwani, MBA

Attention Founders & growth-stage leaders! Join us for a discussion on building the right legal foundation, governance, and transaction strategy to move from startup to scaleup. Secure your seat today! Presented by IDEA Mississauga and sponsored by KMB Law (Keyser Mason Ball, LLP), this session brings together deep legal expertise and real-world investor and operator experience to unpack what it really takes to build a resilient, investor‑ready company. From structuring your business and preparing for growth to navigating private equity, M&A, and governance, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply immediately. 🎟️ Admission: Free (Registration Required) ☕ Light refreshments will be served Register: https://luma.com/9v89bkkq

The way people shop is changing. E-commerce, smaller store formats, and rising development costs are reshaping retail across the country, and Mississauga is no exception. While these changes create opportunities, they also introduce new challenges if left unmanaged. IDEA Mississauga is excited for this Strategy, as it responds directly to these pressures ensuring growth supports both housing and the retail spaces that make neighbourhoods complete. What the Retail Strategy aims to deliver: - Assists existing retail to be more resilient - Supports new retail in growing neighbourhoods - Reduces barriers for small and independent businesses - Creates vibrant, people-focused main streets - Balances housing, jobs, and community needs

Today, Mississauga takes an important step forward. Together with the continued leadership of Council and the support of our business community and stakeholders, Invest Mississauga is proud to launch Path to Prosperity 2030, the City’s new Economic Development Strategy. This road map outlines how we will build a globally competitive, inclusive, sustainable, and agile economy. Explore the strategy: https://lnkd.in/g3mCUTF7 #PathToProsperity2030 #Mississauga

There is still time to register! ⏰ IDEA Mississauga is hosting a FREE hands-on workshop on AI-powered Content Creation for Small Business, delivered by Camp Tech. Designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs, this beginner-friendly session will give you the practical tools and workflows to streamline your content creation and create professional, on-brand content with confidence. Through guided demonstrations and step by step exercises discover how to leverage AI-driven tools like Canva and Descript to elevate your digital marketing efforts. 📍February 18th, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM, Living Arts Centre, Mississauga 🎟️ FREE registration: https://luma.com/2wkyqwvm