Aurora Chamber of Commerce Business Summit and Economic Outlook:
Navigating Change, Seizing Opportunity
The 2025 Business Summit and Economic Outlook brings together thought leaders and innovators to explore the forces reshaping Canada’s business landscape. From economic realities to technological transformation, this year’s event offers fresh insights and practical strategies to help organizations adapt, compete, and thrive.
Attendees will gain an informed perspective on Canada’s economic outlook from BDC’s Director of Economic Research, Arnaud Franco, and discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the way we work and grow in a keynote by entrepreneur and innovator, Myles Doak. Together, these sessions will inspire new ways to think about resilience, opportunity, and the future of business.
Join us on Tuesday, November 18th, 2025 - 8:30am - 12:00pm at the Royal Venetian Mansion.
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Myles Doak - Founder, Neighbour Media
Myles Doak is a two-time Dragon’s Den dealmaker, founder, and entrepreneur who has built and scaled multiple businesses from idea to millions in revenue.
After 15 years of building across industries — from consumer products to media — Myles now helps entrepreneurs understand how to harness new technology to build profitable, future-ready businesses. His message is simple: AI isn’t competition; it’s leverage.
Every major technological shift in history — from the printing press to the internet — began with fear. But those who learned to adapt didn’t just survive; they leveled up.
In this keynote, Myles Doak explores how Artificial Intelligence is not replacing entrepreneurs — it’s amplifying them. Drawing from 15 years of building multiple businesses and leveraging new tools to grow faster, Myles shows how to use AI as the ultimate form of leverage — to create, communicate, and operate at a level that used to take teams of people.
Through real examples and practical frameworks, Myles will help attendees understand:
- The repeating pattern of fear and opportunity behind every major tech shift.
- How AI is redefining productivity, creativity, and scale.
- The exact ways entrepreneurs can use AI to work smarter, move faster, and grow stronger.
This isn’t a talk about robots or replacement — it’s about relevance, adaptation, and the future of entrepreneurship in the age of intelligent tools.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Arnaud Franco, Director of Economic Research, BDC
Arnaud Franco was appointed Director of Economic Research at BDC in January 2024.
He leads a team of brilliant economists, tasked with providing real and actionable insights to Canadian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, he keeps senior leaders informed about critical developments in the economic landscape.
Mr. Franco has nearly 20 years of analytical experience and a decade of management and leadership training. He is also a seasoned public speaker, having presented at numerous global conferences.
Gain a fresh perspective on the forces shaping Canada’s economy and what they mean for businesses today. In this engaging session, BDC’s Director of Economic Research, Arnaud Franco, will share insights on the country’s current economic position, the factors driving change, and where new opportunities are emerging. This presentation will offer valuable context and practical takeaways to help the business community plan and adapt with confidence in a shifting economic landscape.
OUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES
Elvira Caria, Award-Winning Journalist, Broadcaster & Community Leader
Elvira Caria is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and one of the GTA’s most recognized media personalities. With over 35 years of experience across radio, television, print, marketing, and PR, she has built a reputation as a dynamic emcee and international voice actor.
Host of Caria’s Corner and professor at Humber College’s School of Media Studies, Elvira brings passion, authenticity, and a strong community spirit to everything she does. Her dedication to giving back has earned her numerous accolades, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal, The Order of Vaughan, and recognition as a 2025 Vaughan Chamber of Commerce Woman of Excellence.
At the heart of her work is a simple belief: talk to people, listen, and connect.
Thank You To Our Event Sponsors
