The Northern Ontario Black Economic Empowerment Program (NOBEEP) / Programme d’Appui aux Entrepreneurs Noirs du Nord de l’Ontario (PAENNO) is pleased to announce the inaugural Side Hustle Summit: Turning Passion Into Profit, taking place Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at The Foundry – Laurentian University, 935 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury.
“Side hustles are more than weekend projects—they are the spark that grows into the small businesses, employers, and community builders of tomorrow. When we empower people in Northern Ontario to turn their passion into profit, we strengthen not only families but the entire economic fabric of Canada,” said Charles Chamirai Nyabeze CEO of NOBEEP
This free, bilingual (English/French) full-day summit is designed to empower emerging entrepreneurs, students, professionals, and side-hustlers from across Northern Ontario. Participants will benefit from practical workshops, bilingual discussions, a vendor showcase, and a pitch competition. The summit offers a unique blend of inspiration, business education, and community connection for individuals ready to take the next step in their entrepreneurial journey.
A Full Day of Learning, Inspiration, and Networking
The program includes:
- Opening remarks from NOBEEP leadership
- A video greeting from MP Viviane Lapointe
- A keynote address by Chamirai Charles Nyabeze, NOBEEP CEO
- A bilingual panel discussion featuring NOBEEP entrepreneurs
- Four practical workshops in English and French
- A vendor marketplace
- A bilingual pitch competition with cash prizes
Workshops
English Workshops
- Branding & Social Media (Facilitator: Ivan Diro)
- Legal, Invoicing, Taxes & Registering Your Business
Facilitated by Bayode Gegeoju, Entrepreneur and Co-Founder of Afrofest Sudbury
French Workshops
- Image de Marque et Médias Sociaux (Animatrice: Fatou Condé)
- Légal, Facturation, Taxes et Enregistrement d’Entreprise
Facilitated by Joel Bikakala, Owner of BK Hair Salon
Pitch Competition and Sponsorship
Ten entrepreneurs will compete in a bilingual pitch contest judged by the following panels:
French Judges
- Desjardins
- Maimouna Sangare SEO
- Joel Bikakala, Owner BK Saloon
English Judges
- Chamirai Charles Nyabeze, CEO NOBEEP
- Desjardins
- Olasebikan Eletu, Naija Taste Canada
Cash prizes totalling $1,000 are sponsored by:
- Desjardins (Primary Prize Sponsor) $850
- Strokes Incorporated, contributing an additional $150 toward the prize pool
Prize structure:
- First Place: $500
- Second Place: $300
Third Place: $200
Livestream Support
NOBEEP is pleased to confirm that Stunning Pictures will livestream the Summit.
Although full livestream production was beyond the program’s budget this year, Stunning Pictures has generously agreed to sponsor part of the livestream cost, ensuring that entrepreneurs and community partners across Northern Ontario can still participate virtually and access the event in real time.
