The Elgin County Railway Museum will once again come alive with local flavour and entrepreneurial spirit as the Bridges to Better Business event returns on Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Hosted by the Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC), the annual celebration honours the small businesses that help power St. Thomas and Elgin County.
It also marks the return of the Local Food Showcase, a wildly popular feature that brings together over 20 food-based businesses offering samples of their signature flavours.
This year’s participating vendors include Abby Mae’s Gluten Free, Kosuma Foods, Evelyn’s Sausage Kitchen, Streamliners Espresso Bar, Opa’s Pretzels, Yashka’s Pierogies, Seed Confections, Decent Ice Cream, Lotus Thai, From the Vines, Taco House Co. The Clay Oven, The Union General Coffee Co., Miss Macaron, Umkulu Kitchen, and Potato Express, with more to be confirmed. A cash bar featuring local beverages will also be available.
In addition to celebrating more than a dozen local businesses during the awards ceremony, guests will be treated to a special live performance by acclaimed Canadian crooner Matt Dusk. Known for his smooth, Sinatra-inspired vocals, Dusk has earned multiple Gold and Platinum albums, and promises to close out the evening with a show to remember.
Tickets are available now at sbecinnovation.ca, with the event open to everyone—not just the small business community.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
