Evolve Forum Logo: Bold dark grey text is accented by a swirling sphere of orange, blue, and green that has replaced Evolve's "O."

Evolve: The National Forum for Veteran Entrepreneurship

Evolve is a celebration of Veteran entrepreneurship in Canada. Rather than a sidestep, a change, or a transformation, retirement from the military is an evolution, as Veterans channel their hard-earned skills, experience, and work ethic into the next stage of their careers.

Featuring speakers from across Canada, Evolve is a space for Veteran business owners and their supporters to share experience and resources.

Evolve is Advancement

To advance is to take a step forward into uncharted territory. Using everything at our disposal, we line new paths for ourselves and light the way for others.

Evolve is
Refinement

To reforge oneself means exposure to heat and pressure. By exposing our vulnerabilities, and learning from our own mistakes and others, we hammer ourselves into something stronger.

Evolve is Metamorphosis

Through transformation we blossom brighter and fly higher. We reflect on ourselves and innovate, and through focus and determination we create new identities and build communities.


When & Where?

Date & Time: Wednesday, November 25, 2026

Location: The Evolve Forum is a virtual presentation hosted on Zoom.

Accessibility at this Event: The 2026 Evolve Forum includes live-generated Closed Captions and ASL interpretation for spoken English supplied by Maple Communications, an IWSCC Certified Business.


2026 Agenda (ET)

The 2026 Agenda is still being planned. Check back with us in November to learn more about this year’s speakers, or learn more about past Evolve Forums below.


The Evolve Forum Awards

IWSCC recognizes members of our Veteran-Owned business community with 3 awards: Certified Supplier of the Year, Corporate Member of the Year, and Community Impact Award.

2026 Winners will be announced live at the Forum, and receive a physical trophy supplied and engraved in Canada by Crow Works Engraving & Signs, an IWSCC Certified Supplier.

Certified Supplier of the Year

An award ribbon with a briefcase icon at its centre.

The Certified Supplier of the Year Award recognizes an IWSCC Certified Veteran-Owned business that has achieved success for themselves, shared that success with their community, and contributed to the positive perception of Veteran-Owned businesses in Canada.

Corporate Member of the Year

An award ribbon with three upward arrows at its centre.

The Corporate Member of the Year Award recognizes an organization in our community that has gone beyond expectations by building relationships, creating opportunities, and inspiring their peers to work with Canadian Veteran-Owned businesses.

Community Impact Award

An award ribbon with three figures under a star at its centre.

The Community Impact Award recognizes an individual or organization that has provided support, resources, or funding to help Veterans reach success in business ownership and self-employment.


Past Forums

Evolve Forum 2025

Learn More about the 2025 Evolve Forum

2025 Speakers

Photo: Justin Yassoub

Keynote Speaker:
Justin Yaassoub
All Around Performance

Logo: Stone Procurement Inc.

Community Speaker:
Igli Xhango

Neurodiversity Consultant & Educator

Photo: Andrew Kirsch

Community Speaker:
Andrew Kirsch
Kirsch Consulting Group

Logo: Canadian Legacy Project

Resource Partner:
Canadian Legacy Project

Logo: Canadian CFMWS, representing the HERCS program.

Resource Partner:
HERCS

2025 Award Winners

Logo: Fast Rescue

2025 Certified Supplier of the Year:
F.A.S.T. Rescue

Logo: Banko of Montreal / BMO

2025 Corporate Member of the Year:
BMO

Logo: Canadian Veteran Marketplace

2025 Community Impact Award Winner:
The Canadian Veteran Marketplace

Evolve Forum 2024

Learn More about the 2024 Evolve Forum

2024 Speakers

Photo: Giselle Drew Walsh. Giselle is a White woman with long brown hair wearing a black turtleneck sweater. Her smile projects confidence and professionalism.

Keynote Speaker:
Giselle Drew Walsh

Photo: Nicholas Stroesser. Nicholas is a White man wearing a Corporal 4 Life ball cap (his business) and has light stubble. His expression is stern and thoughtful.

Community Speaker:
Nicholas Stroesser

Corporal4Life Apparel

Photo: Dean Turner. Dean is a Black man with a salt-and-pepper beard. He wears his red military beret, blue collared shirt, and a dark grey blazer pinned with service medals. His demeanor is relaxed and open-minded.

Community Speaker:
Dean Turner
F.A.S.T. Rescue

Photo: Caleb Walker. Caleb is a white man with short brown hair and a salt-and-pepper beard. He wears a white collared shirt and light blue blazer and smiles brightly.

Community Speaker:

Caleb Walker

123 Cyber

Photo: Garrick Apollon. Garrick is a black man with a clean shaven head and face. He wears a grey suit with black button-down shirt. The library shelves of his academic profession line the background.

Garrick Apollon
Mission Entrepreneur

Photo: Francis Bleeker. Francis is a White man with short, dark hair with grey streaks and a clean-shaven face. He wears a white collared shirt, red and gold striped tie, and dark blazer. His expression is stern but welcoming.

Francis Bleeker

Treble Victor Group

Evolve Forum 2023