THUNDER BAY – Lakehead University will virtually host over 200 participants who are attending the 2022 Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (CCSBE) conference this weekend.
The three-day event, from Friday through Sunday, will feature a variety of speakers from all over the world to discuss the theme, “Entrepreneurship, SMEs, and Sustainable Development,” focusing on the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in pursuing opportunities with and support of culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable social and economic objectives.
University officials said that each speaker will describe their vision of the trends in entrepreneurship related to community, outlining what universities can do to address those trends.
Among various other sessions, eight panels from the local Lakehead communities will discuss topics in entrepreneurship ecosystem, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and collaborative and community-engaged actions in achieving sustainability.
Dr. Yuanyuan Wu, an associate professor in the faculty of business administration at the school's Orillia campus, led the hosting team who worked with CCSBE to develop a successful conference program.
“Our goal was to mobilize knowledge and generate positive impacts within academic and industry communities,” she said.
Dr. David Richards, the dean of the faculty of business administration, said the school is committed to enhancing entrepreneurship scholarship and student experience in support of the development of learners, communities, and knowledge by integrating diverse perspectives, leveraging innovative approaches, connecting with key partners, and conducting impactful research.
“We are very pleased to have the opportunity to host this year's CCSBE Conference,” he said.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to build connections between researchers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and organizations that support entrepreneurship. This year's theme is also a reflection of our commitment to supporting sustainable economic development.”
More than 10 Lakehead undergraduate and graduate students are involved in volunteering during the conference.
