Thursday, October 22, 2026
Tradeshow: 5:00p.m. - 6:00p.m.
Main Event: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00p.m.
Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront, 208 St Mary's River Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5V4
Keynote Speaker
Terry O'Reilly is the award-winning host of CBC Radio's Under the Influence and one of Canada's leading voices on marketing, branding, and business growth.
A bestselling author and internationally sought-after keynote speaker, Terry combines humour, storytelling, and real-world insights to reveal what makes an idea succeed.
Join Terry and a room full of ambitious entrepreneurs and business leaders for an inspiring keynote designed to spark new ideas and fuel your next stage of growth.
Pitch Competition
This is what innovation in Sault Ste. Marie looks like today.
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From a competitive pool of local businesses, two finalists are selected to go head-to-head at the Bridges to Better Business Pitch Competition.
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These entrepreneurs take the stage and pitch their idea live in under five minutes—what they’re building, why it matters, and how it could be the next big thing for the Soo.
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It’s fast-paced, high-energy, and unfolds in real time as ideas are challenged, judged, and voted on in the moment.
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The audience votes for their favourite pitch and the winner takes home $15,000.
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Be in the room and help choose the next big idea in Sault Ste. Marie.
The Soup Kitchen Community Centre won $1,300 at the Bridges to Better Business Pitch Competition in 2016
Support the Soup Kitchen with your ticket
The Soup Kitchen Community Centre was the first-ever winner of the Bridges to Better Business Pitch Competition in 2016.
This year, we’re honoured to support them as our community partner.
Support the Soup Kitchen Community Centre when you attend Bridges to Better Business. Simply add a donation to your basket when you purchase your ticket.
Your donation will be matched by PUC, up to $2,000, doubling your impact.
Event Schedule
This year’s event is a jam-packed evening of learning, connecting, and supporting local.
Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect at Bridges to Better Business 2026:
5:00PM: Tradeshow
Presented by TD Bank
Meet Sault Ste. Marie’s Small Business Community
Connect with local entrepreneurs and businesses at our networking tradeshow.
The tradeshow will showcase the Top Five businesses alongside other brilliant small businesses that have grown with the Millworks Centre of Entrepreneurship.
Cash bar available. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served.
6:00PM: Welcome
Erica Hogan, 2019 Bridges winner, will serve as the evening’s MC, welcoming guests and guiding us through the evening’s program.
6:15PM: Panel Discussion
Presented by BDC
Hear from local business leaders as they explore this year’s BDC Small Business Week theme, It’s a two-speed world now—fast or finished.
Hear their perspectives on navigating rapid change and opportunities for growth. Discussion will be moderated by Brandon Walker, Editor of SooToday.
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A delicious three-course meal from Delta Hotels Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront will be served during the panel discussion.
7:00PM: Pitch Competition
Presented by OLG
Two entrepreneurs. One winner.
The Bridges to Better Business Top Two pitch their businesses to a live audience and panel of judges.
Following each pitch, judges have the opportunity to ask questions before the audience votes to help determine the winner.
7:35PM: Keynote Address from Terry O'Reilly
Marketing expert, author and host of CBC’s Under the Influence
Terry O’Reilly brings his trademark storytelling and marketing expertise to the stage, sharing insights and lessons from his decades of experience helping businesses understand what makes brands stand out.
8:25PM: Presentation from the Soup Kitchen Community Centre
Presented by PUC
The Soup Kitchen Community Centre was the winner of the first ever Bridges to Better Business Pitch Competition in 2016. since then, the organization has continued growing to meet the needs of our community.
Support the Soup Kitchen by adding a donation to checkout when you purchase your tickets.
All donations up to a total value of $2,000 will be matched by PUC.
8:30PM: Winner Announcement
We’ll wrap up the evening by announcing the winner of the $15,000 Grand Prize and the runner-up $5,000 Finalist Prize.
Past Winners
Get your tickets
Tickets are available at bridges.eventbrite.ca
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If you need any help with your tickets, please feel free to get in touch with Katie, our Bridges to Better Business event coordinator:
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Katie Wright
Marketing and Program Coordinator
705.251.3500 ext. 3