HOMEGROWN 2026
for women building businesses and big lives in small places
June 11, 2026 ✿ Grassroots Farm, Lucknow
why attend homegrown
Running a business in a rural community comes with its own rhythm.
You’re not just building a business — you’re serving neighbours, showing up in your community, building relationships, and trying to keep things moving without the accessible support, visibility, or resources that can be easier to find in larger centres.
For many women, that means making a thousand decisions on your own, wearing more hats than anyone sees, and holding a lot of responsibility in places where everyone knows you, but not everyone understands what it takes to do what you do.
Homegrown allows you to step out of the day-to-day, be in a room with women who understand the context you’re building in, and return to your business with more clarity, connection, and energy than you arrived with.
Feedback from Past Homegrown Attendees
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![Three women standing together in a rustic indoor setting, smiling at the camera. The woman on the left is wearing a pink dress, the woman in the middle is wearing a checked blazer and black pants, and the woman on the right is wearing a dark gray top and white pants.]()
“I used to go to Kitchener-Waterloo or the GTA for networking events. I loved meeting and connecting with local entrepreneurs, and finding diversity right in my backyard.”
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![Three women sitting on chairs in a rustic indoor setting, holding microphones, laughing, and engaging in conversation.]()
“Business ownership can be lonely and community is wildly inspiring. I'll never get enough of this event!”
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![A woman with blonde hair and red nail polish is sitting at a table, clasping her hands and looking thoughtfully. She is wearing a denim shirt and appears to be in a casual setting, possibly a café.]()
“I feel refreshed, inspired & empowered! Thank you for this event!”
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![Two women are engaged in a conversation at an outdoor event, with a rustic wooden building in the background. One woman wears a sleeveless denim vest with a large blue tote bag, and the other wears a black dress with gray hair and glasses. There are tables with pamphlets and pens nearby.]()
“I felt support to think about how I can evolve my business model”
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![Two smiling women sitting at a wooden table in a crowded indoor setting, with one woman having dark hair and the other having blonde hair, surrounded by drinks, papers, and a phone.]()
“I feel inspired to grow in different ways than I thought possible.”
venue and location
grassroots farm, 760 Bruce Rd 86, Lucknow, ON (Directions)
We’re thrilled to return to Grassroots Farm brand new venue, near Lucknow, home of Grassroots Woodfired Pizza.
The Morrison family’s beautiful farm, rural setting and homegrown food provide the perfect atmosphere for Homegrown.
schedule
Homegrown Gathering takes place on Thursday, June 11, from 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
9:00 am • Doors Open! Grab your coffee and a snack from Cait’s Café (Goderich), smile (or not!) for your complimentary headshot, make a new friend, and find a seat.
9:30 am • Welcome Announcements
9:45 am • Morning Meditation & Intention Setting (led by Heather Reeves, Mind/Body Mentor
10:00 am • Panel Discussion - Planting Seeds
11:00 am • Morning Group Chats
12:00 pm • Pizza & Salad Buffet Lunch from Grassroots Woodfired Pizza; Dessert from Salt Mine Creamery
12:45 pm • Panel Discussion - Keep It Growing
1:30 pm • Dance Break!
1:45 pm • Afternoon Group Chats
2:45 pm • Closing Remarks
3:30 pm • End of Programming
ticket information
Homegrown is a day to pause, connect, and come back to what matters. Whether you come on your own or with a few good friends, you’ll leave with fresh perspective, new connections, and maybe even a few ideas ready to take root.
Stepping away from the day-to-day to invest in yourself isn’t easy—but it’s always worth it. We’ve created the space. You just have to show up.
SOLD OUT!
early bird tickets
APRIL 13 - 19
Includes full event program, light breakfast and buffet lunch, complimentary headshot, and swag.
$125 + HST
SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT!
regular tickets
APRIL 20 - june 4
Includes full event program, light breakfast and buffet lunch, complimentary headshot, and swag.
$149 + HST
panelists
Morning Panel
Planting Seeds (Businesses operating for 1-5 years)
afternoon Panel
Keep It Growing (Businesses operating for more than 5 years)
group chats (but IRL)
If you don’t have a handful of business besties you can chat with on the regular, these group chats will be just what you need to start building your community! Led by local business owners, these hour-long chats are designed for free-flowing, informal conversations on topics relevant to the experience of owning a rural business.
Sign up for two group chats when you purchase your ticket!
regional business support agencies
Chat with these reps about accessing training, mentorship and funding through your regional small business centre
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![Smiling aucasian woman with short greying hair and glasses]()
Tricia Denomme
Business Advisor, Huron Business Centre
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![Smiling Indian women with long dark hair on a grey backdrop]()
Manpreet Kaur Kangha
Economic Development Officer, Business to Bruce
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![Smiling Caucasian woman with short red hair on a grey backdrop]()
Kristel Manes
Executive Director, Business Centre Guelph-Wellington
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![Smiling Caucasian woman with long dark hair in a ponytail and silver hoop earrings]()
Courtney Miller
event partners
Like every garden, Homegrown wouldn't be possible without a lot of care, investment, and enthusiasm. The event is coming to fruition because of the collaboration of many partners and sponsors.
Sponsorships are still available. Learn more here!
FAQs
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Homegrown has been purposefully designed for female and non-binary business owners who live in rural communities (and the country roads in between) across midwestern Ontario to connect, learn from each other, and access local business support agencies. If you own a small town, small business outside of this area and just want to see what Homegrown is all about, you are also welcome to attend.
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If you’ve been in rooms that looked lovely, but offered very little substance, that hesitation makes sense.
Homegrown is intentionally warm, thoughtful, and grounded in real rural life. It’s designed to make space for honest conversation, useful perspective, and connection that feels genuine.
It’s high vibe yet relaxed, inspiring yet introspective. Past attendees have told us they didn’t know how much they need Homegrown. -
If you have ever spent money on an event and left wondering what, exactly, you were supposed to take from it, high five friend!
Homegrown is designed to offer more than a moment of motivation.
It offers meaningful conversation, local perspective, and the kind of connection that stays with you long after the day is over.
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We get it, and that’s often the hardest part about saying yes.
When life is full, stepping away can feel counterintuitive — and also deeply worthwhile.
Homegrown is built to give your something back: energy, perspective, connection, and a reminder that you aren’t doing this alone.
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Come as you are – ready to listen and learn, connect and contribute. We send details and reminders in the weeks leading up to the event.
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Grassroots Farm has ample parking available – but keep in mind that Grassroots is a working farm and parking is in an empty field. You will need to walk a short distance to the main venue building.
If you have specific accessibility requirements, please reach out so we can ensure barrier-free access.
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Dress like you might meet your next business investor. Dress like you’re heading to an epic girl’s night (in the day). Dress like you might drop pizza on your shirt. Dress like you’re spending the day at a farm (cute and comfy shoes are a good idea so you can roam around the farm). Dress for the weather (we’ll be in a covered, open air, converted barn). Dress however the heck you want – we love you just the way you are. ♡
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You’ll be able to list any dietary needs during ticket purchase, and our event team will follow up to confirm.
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You can never tell what a harvest holds, but we anticipate exciting connections, collaborations and other opportunities to continue to spring up. You can stay in the loop by following Homegrown on Instagram (@homegrowngathering.ca).
