Some big names in business will be joining the Goodman School of Business on March 22.

The public is invited to attend Innovation Matters, a panel discussion featuring Jim Treliving, one of five judges on CBC’s Dragons’ Den and chairman and owner of Boston Pizza International Inc., Bruce Croxon, co-host of BNN’s The Disruptors and CEO of Round 13, Deborah Rosati, corporate director and co-founder of Women Get On Board, and Jason Sparaga, co-founder and co-CEO of Spark Power Corp. and founder of Spara Capital Partners.

The four business experts know a thing or two about entrepreneurship, all having successfully started at least one business over the course of their careers, and are passionate about sharing their expertise with future leaders.

They will talk openly about the issues and opportunities present in today’s ever-changing business world.

Barry Wright, Interim Dean of the Goodman School of Business, describes the panel as a candid look at the business of innovation.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship matter to the world of business, perhaps more than ever before,” says Wright, who will moderate the panel.

Second in a series of annual presentations offered by the Goodman School of Business, this event promises to be both engaging and enlightening.

The event is open to the public and will be held on Tuesday, March 22 from 11 a.m. to noon at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre’s Robertson Hall.

Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online through the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Box Office. All proceeds will be donated to Junior Achievement, a non-profit organization that supports youth business education. 

This event is followed by Monster Pitch, a closed-door, invitation-only student event where shortlisted student entrepreneurs will pitch their business ideas before a panel of judges for a chance to win a funding and startup services package. Monster Pitch is hosted by the Brock Innovation Group in partnership with the Goodman School of Business and sponsored by Spara Capital Partners.