Central Business Forum & Awards Dinner
CCIB’s signature event, guided by the theme, Rooted in Purpose. Growing through Connection will explore pathways for economic growth, shared learning, and meaningful partnership.
The Forum will bring together Indigenous businesses, industry leaders and community partners for engaging sessions, networking opportunities and conversations that advance Indigenous entrepreneurship and leadership.
In the evening, we will come together to honour the recipients of the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award and the Business Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating their achievements and contributions to Indigenous prosperity.
Date & Time
Location
Overview
Rooted in Purpose. Growing through Connection.
This guiding theme shapes CCIB’s 2026 Central Business Forum & Awards Dinner, taking place on February 26 in Toronto. Join us as we explore pathways for economic growth, shared learning, and meaningful partnership.
In the evening, we will come together to honour the recipients of the Young Indigenous Entrepreneur Award and the Indigenous Business Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating their achievements, leadership, and contributions to Indigenous prosperity.
Indigenous Breakout Sessions
Join powerful breakout sessions exploring Indigenous supply chains, youth entrepreneurship, and the future of small business. Learn, connect, and gain insights to strengthen your impact and leadership.
Indigenous Artisan Market
We invite you to visit and explore the Indigenous Marketplace, which will feature a diverse selection of Indigenous artisans and businesses, offering unique products and showcasing local craftsmanship.
Featured Speakers
Elder
Ann Campiou
Elder for Enoch
TERRITORY WELCOME
Chief Margaret Ann Sault
Elected Chief, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation
CCIB CEO
Tabatha Bull, ICD.D, BSC
President and CEO, CCIB
Day 1: February 25
Pre-event set up and reception.
5 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.
Networking Reception
Kick off the event with a casual evening of entertainment, food, and networking. Connect with fellow attendees, CCIB board members, speakers, and staff. Tickets can be added when you register for the event.
Entertainment:
Marc Meriläinen
Day 2: February 26 Forum
Forum agenda.
9:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Indigenous Artisan Market
We invite you to visit and explore the Indigenous Marketplace, which will feature a diverse selection of Indigenous artisans and businesses, offering unique products and showcasing local craftsmanship.
Presented By:
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Networking Lounge
The Networking Lounge serves as a dedicated meeting space for attendees to connect, collaborate, and engage in meaningful discussions throughout the event. Use CCIB’s new event app to connect with attendees and book meetings in the Networking Lounge.
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Registration & Coffee Connection
Pick up your badge, grab a coffee and connect with fellow attendees.
Sponsored by:
9:30 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.
Forum Opening
Opening Remarks
Elder Blessing
Opening Performance
Host:
Jessica Dumans
Elder:
Amy Desparlais
Territory Welcome:
Chief Margaret Ann Sault
Remarks:
Carla Y. Nell, Executive Vice-President, Corporate Relations/Engagement and Strategy, IESO
Tabatha Bull, President & CEO, CCIB
Forum Lead Sponsored by:
10:40 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Networking & Lightening Talks
Speaker:
James McInnes, MBA, Founder and CEO, Prompty
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
AM Breakout Sessions
Topic 1:
Co-Creating Supply Chains: How Corporations Can Build Indigenous Business Capacity Over Time
Topic 2:
From Boardrooms to Business Plans: Youth Perspectives on Entrepreneurship and Corporate Leadership
Topic 3:
Shifting the Focus: Why Indigenous Economic Development Should Champion Small Business
Sponsored by:
12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.
Buffet Lunch
Enjoy a variety of dishes while networking with fellow attendees.
1:15 p.m. – 1:55 p.m.
Mainstage Panel
Leading in Two Worlds: Lessons from Entrepreneurs-Turned-Chiefs and Chiefs-Turned-Entrepreneurs
Host:
Holly Fortier, CEO/Founder, Nisto
Entertainment:
Dancing Cree
Sponsored by:
1:55 a.m. – 2:40 p.m.
PM Breakout Sessions
Topic 1:
Co-Creating Supply Chains: How Corporations Can Build Indigenous Business Capacity Over Time
Topic 2:
From Boardrooms to Business Plans: Youth Perspectives on Entrepreneurship and Corporate Leadership
Topic 3:
Shifting the Focus: Why Indigenous Economic Development Should Champion Small Business
Sponsored by:
2:40 p.m. – 3:15 pm
Networking Break
Enjoy some refreshments and light snacks. This is your final chance to stop by the Indigenous artisan marketplace!
3:15 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.
The Power of AI
3:55 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
A final reflection on the day’s insights and a note of thanks to our speakers, sponsors, and guests.
Day 2: February 26 Award Dinner
Award dinner agenda.
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception
Join us for an evening reception to network with attendees over cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.
7:00 p.m. – 7:35 p.m.
Award Dinner Opening
Opening Remarks
Elder Blessing
Opening Performance
Welcome Remarks:
Lead Sponsor
Tabatha Bull, President & CEO, CCIB
7:35 p.m. – 7:55 p.m.
Award Presentation
Award Category Presentation: Young Indigenous Entrepreneur
Sponsored by:
7:55 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Dinner and Performance
Sponsored by:
9:00 p.m.
Award Presentation
Award Category Presentation: Indigenous Business Lifetime Achievement
Sponsored by:
9:20 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Conclusion of the evening with a heartfelt thanks and recognition of the outstanding achievements celebrated tonight.
Sponsors
Sponsor an Event
Sponsors are a key component of CCIB’s events, and there are many opportunities to either headline as a lead sponsor or support a specific element of an upcoming forum. Sponsoring is easy and benefits include recognition, marketing, speaking opportunities and more.