Shift Happens — and so does Business Week, as Muskoka moves to a new rhythm this fall.

Announced Monday, November 6, 2025 (Muskoka, ON) — The Muskoka business community is making a bold move: this year, Business Week shifts to November!

From November 23 to 28, 2025, Muskoka will come alive with Muskoka Business Week — a region-wide celebration of innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Over five days, local businesses and partners will host events that showcase how Muskoka companies are adapting, thriving, and shifting gears to meet today’s challenges.

“Shifting Business Week from October’s traditional Small Business Week* to November is our answer to what local employers have told us,” said Norah Fountain, Executive Director of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and project lead for the week’s Shift Happens flagship conference. “In Muskoka, October is one of the busiest times of the year. We’re doing things differently — because our business community is different. This new timing gives more people the chance to take part, connect, and share and learn from their successes.”

The project is a collaboration among Chambers of Commerce, local employment agencies, business service centres, funders, and municipalities across Muskoka — all working together to support and grow local business.

“Muskoka’s business community is the heart of our local economy and a driving force behind our region’s growth,” said Jeff Lehman, Chair of the District Municipality of Muskoka. “This week is a celebration of innovation, collaboration, and the spirit of entrepreneurship that makes Muskoka such a remarkable place to live and work. The District is delighted to partner with our Chambers of Commerce and other organizations to grow local supports for Muskoka businesses.”

At the heart of the week is the Shift Happens Conference, taking place Thursday, November 27 from 9am to noon at the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame — a fitting venue that honours Muskoka’s tradition of race boat ingenuity and innovation.

This half-day conference will inspire business owners to think differently, embrace change, and take charge of their future.

Canada’s Small Business Professor Brad Poulos

Highlights include a keynote from Canada’s Small Business Professor, Brad Poulos, and a panel discussion featuring Jennifer Davies (Pratt’s Lawn Care & Garden Centre) and Chandler Joliffe (Cedar Canoe Books), who will share how they’ve successfully shifted their businesses to be resilient and ready for growth.

Beyond the conference, Muskoka Business Week features a dynamic lineup of nine and counting events across the region — including a Contractors’ Boot Camp in Bala, a Manufacturing Sector Circle in Huntsville, an Employment North trades tour, networking events in Port Carling with the Township of Muskoka Lakes and in Gravenhurst at the planned Health Hub location, a business roundtable in Port Severn, the grand opening of a new business in Gravenhurst, a Trivia Night fundraiser for Andy’s House at Sherwood Inn, and an Expert Exchange event in Bracebridge to close the week.

Business owners, professionals, and community members are all invited to join in, share their stories, and strengthen the connections that make Muskoka a thriving hub of creativity and growth.

Muskoka Business Week is made possible through the support of the District of Muskoka, RBC Wealth (Alison Gaudet), the Township of Muskoka Lakes, Employment North, Marquee Benefits, Innovative Initiatives Ontario North (IION), and Netspectrum.

For the full event schedule and to be there, visit muskokabusinessweek.ca.

*Small Business Week was created by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in 1979 and became a national celebration in 1981. BDC registered the trademark for “Small Business Week” in 1986. Thank you, BDC!

Events by Date:

  1. Monday, November 24: Contractor Owner Shift Morning Boot Camp with Work Boot Consulting, Bala. $25 Tickets Here
  2. Tuesday, November 25 Muskoka Lakes Chamber and Township of Muskoka Lakes Business After Hours, Port Carling. RSVP >
  3. Tuesday, November 25 Gravenhurst Chamber Business BEFORE Hours at Gravenhurst Health Hub
  4. Wednesday, November 26 Employment North Trade Business Tour  (for Employment North Employee Clients)
  5. Wednesday, November 26 Grand Opening of Bonsai Stays, Gravenhurst. All welcome. Details to come.
  6. Thursday, November 27, FEATURED EVENT, Shift Happens Conference, Cdn Raceboat Hall of Fame. $55 includes breakfast. Get Tickets on Eventbrite Here >
  7. Thursday, November 27 Manufacturing Sector Circle with hosts Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber. Invitation only.
  8. Thursday, November 27: Chamber Challenge Trivia Business After Hours Event, Sherwood Inn, with proceeds to Andy’s House. More details and registration coming soon.
  9. Friday, November 28: The Expert Exchange with hosts Muskoka Small Business Centre and the District of Muskoka. CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
  10. AFTER BUSINESS WEEK, let’s get in the holiday spirit with a Festive Business After Hours at Savvy Community, Gravenhurst on Thurs Dec 4. Please RSVP Here: Your $10 contribution is welcomed and appreciated.