Shift Happens! Challenge, Change & Getting Unstuck

Empowering Muskoka’s Entrepreneurs, Small Business Week in Muskoka will explore the need for change to get unstuck, to think differently, to future-proof your business and prosper.

Includes: A Small Business Half Day in Muskoka Lakes and, before the week begins, a Call for Stories about business change. Contributors may earn a spot on the Navigating Change panel.

Who: Organized by the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce and Muskoka Futures.

When/Where: Events throughout the week.

  • Tuesday, November 25: Township of Muskoka Lakes Business After Hours
  • Thursday, November 27: Shift Happens, Venue TBD, Muskoka Lakes

Sponsorship Opportunities

Thinking differently — what do YOU want your sponsorship to include? Let’s build it together!

  • Changemaker (Title Sponsor): $5000
  • Innovator: $2000 (3 available) – Cover keynote speaker costs
  • Change Agents: $1000 (3 available)
  • Fueling Change: Covers breakfast and breakout food costs (TBD closer to event)
  • Challenge: Support the Call for Change Stories with a $1000 investment

How to Get Involved: Call Norah at 705-762-5663 or email [email protected]

November 27, 2025 Draft Event Agenda (topics, times subject to change)

8:30 – 9:00 AM
 ☕ Registration & Networking Breakfast

  • Light refreshments, coffee, and facilitated “connection cards” to spark conversations.

9:00 – 9:15 AM
 🎤 Welcome & Opening Remarks

  • Acknowledge the land, introduce the theme (“challenge, change, getting unstuck”), and outline the flow of the day.

9:15 – 10:00 AM
 💡 Keynote Address: “The Power of Getting Unstuck”

  • A dynamic speaker shares personal stories of transformation and practical insights.

10:00 – 10:15 AM
 💬 Table Talk: Reflect & Share

  • Guided table conversation: “When have you faced a major change in your business or life, and what helped you shift forward?”

10:15 – 10:45 AM
 🔥 Interactive Panel: “Navigating Change as a Business Owner in Muskoka”

  • business leaders or entrepreneurs share challenges and breakthroughs, followed by Q&A.

10:45 – 11:00 AM
 ☕ Break & Connection Time

11:00 – 11:45 PM
 🤝 Collaborative Activity: The Unstuck Map

  • Attendees complete a guided worksheet mapping their current challenge and the next 3 action steps. Option to share and get feedback.
  • Networking Break with Nibbles

12:15 – 12:45 PM
 🎤 Closing Inspiration: “From Possibility to Action”

  • A second short talk or closing speaker (e.g., Akeem Haynes or Jessica Holmes) to leave attendees inspired and motivated.

12:45 – 1:30 PM
 🥗 Go out and seize the day!

🎴 Facilitated Connection Cards – Concept & Use

Facilitated connection cards are simple, thoughtfully designed prompts used to spark meaningful conversations between attendees. They can be placed on tables, handed out during registration, or used as part of structured networking moments.

They’re especially useful for:

  • Breaking the ice without awkward small talk.
  • Encouraging reflection on the event’s core themes (challenge, change, getting unstuck).
  • Creating a shared experience and deepening connections between attendees.

✅ How They Work:

  • Each card has 1 prompt on the front and 1 follow-up question or mini action on the back.
  • You can place 1–2 per seat or hand them out during the networking breakfast or breaks.
  • Attendees are encouraged to use the card to spark a quick 5-minute conversation with someone they haven’t met yet.

✨ Sample Prompts (Front of Card)

  1. “What’s one challenge in your business that surprised you this year?”
  2. “When was the last time you felt really stuck? What helped you move forward?”
  3. “What’s a change you’re currently resisting—or craving?”
  4. “What would your business look like if you gave yourself permission to think bigger?”
  5. “What’s a mindset or belief you’ve outgrown as an entrepreneur?”
  6. “Who in your life encourages you to take bold action?”

➡️ Follow-Up (Back of Card)

  • “Find someone you haven’t spoken to yet and share your thoughts on this question.”
  • “Take 30 seconds to reflect silently before you answer.”
  • “Write down one word you want to carry with you into the rest of today.”
  • “Bonus: Snap a selfie with your conversation partner!”

📥 Optional Add-Ons

  • A branded cardholder or envelope they can take with them.
  • A QR code to a digital reflection tool or feedback form.
  • A “connection challenge” bingo card to complete throughout the day (e.g., talk to 3 people you don’t know, share a resource, ask someone about their biggest pivot).

 

🛠️ “Shift Happens” Panel Competition Plan

Turning the panel into something people apply or compete for adds excitement, visibility, and ensures strong, relevant stories. Here’s a suggested structure to run a “Call for Stories” competition that’s simple, fair, and highly engaging.

🎯 Goal:

Select 3 compelling Muskoka-based business owners who’ve experienced a meaningful challenge, change, or pivot—and came out stronger, wiser, or just still standing.

📣 1. Launch a Call for Stories (2–3 weeks before the event)

Use your website, social media, partner newsletters, and local biz groups.

Call to Action Example:

Have you had to pivot, persevere, or rebuild your business in the face of change?
 We’re inviting Muskoka entrepreneurs to share their stories of challenge and transformation for a chance to be featured in our “Navigating Change” panel at [Event Name].

Selected panelists will receive:

  • A professional photo taken at the event
  • A $250 honorarium or local gift bundle
  • Social media spotlight from [Your Organization Name]

✍️ 2. Simple Application Form (Google Form or Typeform)

Include:

  • Name, Business Name, Website
  • Brief summary: “Describe a challenge you faced and how you navigated it (max 300 words)”
  • Why they want to share this story
  • Optional: Upload a short video (2 min max)

🧑‍⚖️ 3. Selection Committee

Have a small committee (3–5 people) rate submissions on:

  • Relevance to theme (challenge, change, getting unstuck)
  • Storytelling potential (authentic, relatable)
  • Diversity of business types/voices
  • Willingness to be honest and vulnerable

🏆 4. Promote Finalists

  • Share brief teasers or quotes from submissions to build buzz.
  • Announce winners a week before the event.

🎙️ 5. Prep Your Panelists

Provide a short coaching or briefing call:

  • Panel format (questions they’ll be asked, time per person)
  • Encouragement to be honest and real, not polished
  • Tips for keeping it practical and inspiring

💡 Bonus Ideas

  • Create an Audience Favourite Award: Have attendees vote live at the panel for the story that resonated most.
  • Feature runner-up stories in a printed event zine or online highlight series.