CCSBE 2026 Conference

From Ideas to Impact

November 3rd - 4th, 2026 | Montreal

Join us in creating an engaging, collaborative marketplace for exchanging ideas, research, insights, and best practices among academics, practitioners, and policymakers, to benefit Canadian entrepreneurs.

Theme: From Ideas to Impact

This conference brings together researchers, founders, investors, educators, and policymakers to explore how bold ideas turn into real‑world impact. We will focus on accelerating the journey from lab to market in the life sciences, helping discoveries become viable ventures through the right mix of talent, guidance, and support. We will highlight how AI is transforming entrepreneurship, enhancing how ventures are built, supported, and scaled across innovation ecosystems. Sustainability and long‑term growth will be central to the conversation, emphasizing resilient, responsible business models built for lasting value. At its core, the program celebrates the power of education and research to build entrepreneurial skills, unlock opportunity, and future‑proof careers in a rapidly changing world.

Keynotes

Hear from leading founders and key players in the ecosystem.

Sessions

The CCSBE Conference offers various types of sessions, including workshops, panels, paper presentations, and more.

Annual Gala

Opportunity to recognize and highlight individuals and organizations currently propelling innovation

Register for CCSBE 2026 @ Montreal

Until September 30th, 2026

  • Regular CCSBE Members: CAD $550
  • Student Members: CAD $175

+includes annual membership

After September 30th, 2026

  • Regular CCSBE Members: CAD $600
  • Student Members: CAD $200

+includes annual membership

Location @ Concordia University

Learn more about Concordia University and our host District 3 Innovation Hub

Call for Proposals

Paper, Panel, Workshop, or Discussion Topic

CCSBE offers different speaking opportunities for members to share their research and experience during this conference. Researchers, students, and professionals can apply to present their papers, give a workshop, or organize a panel. If you are interested, please submit your information via the form linked to your preferred session format, and our review committee will get back to you as soon as possible.

The CCSBE accepts, and encourages, French submissions.

Submission Deadline: September 12, 2026

The paper should be no more than 25 pages, inclusive of:

  • Abstract
  • Tables & figures
  • References

We do not request a specific reference style for this conference. However, you should consider using the Chicago Style if you also intend to submit the paper to JSBE later.

Topics of Interest: 

  • Cultivating Impact: Navigating Change with Purpose
    • Equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
    • Adapting and staying resilient to external shocks
    • Social change-making, social impact, and social entrepreneurship
  • The Productivity Edge: Unlocking Efficiency in Entrepreneurial Learning
    • Use of emerging technologies
    • The role of incubators and accelerators
    • Intellectual property and research-based ventures
    • Growing ventures from S to M
  • Charting the Course: Steering Innovation Through Global Shifts 
    • Internationalization and export market development
      Government policy impacts
    • Cross-regional, provincial, national, and international collaboration

Call for Award Nominations

Do you champion entrepreneurs and strengthen the entrepreneurship ecosystem through Teaching, Research, Program Delivery, or Mentorship?

This is your opportunity to be recognized for your impact and dedication. Nominate yourself or an outstanding leader for one of Canada’s most prestigious awards in small business and entrepreneurship. Celebrate achievements, inspire others, and highlight the contributions shaping Canada’s entrepreneurial future.

The CCSBE accepts, and encourages, French submissions.

Submission Deadline: September 8th, 2025

Awards Available:

  • CCSBE Award for Outstanding Contributions to Inclusive Venture Creation and Community Engagement

    Purpose: Honours a university, college, community-focused non-profit, or government organization that consistently and creatively supports inclusive venture creation and community engagement, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity and belonging.

  • Mary A. Kilfoil Award for Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation in Entrepreneurship Education

    Purpose: Recognizes an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements in innovative entrepreneurship education through curriculum design, pedagogy, and community integration.

  • CCSBE Emerging Leader Award in Entrepreneurship

    Purpose: Celebrates an early-career individual who is demonstrating exceptional promise in entrepreneurship through innovative research, education, practice, or community engagement.

  • CCSBE Emerging Centre of Excellence in Entrepreneurship

    Purpose: Honours a newly established or rapidly growing entrepreneurship centre, hub, incubator, or program that is showing outstanding potential in fostering entrepreneurial activity and inclusive innovation.

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