Rooted in Collaboration: Homegrown 2025 Impact Highlights
In June 2025, more than 100 rural women from across Bruce, Huron, Grey, Perth, and Wellington Counties gathered in Lucknow for the second annual Homegrown Gathering — part pep rally, part summer camp, part business conference.
What began as an idea to connect rural women entrepreneurs has transformed into a growing network rooted in shared experience, honest conversation, and a deep love for rural life.
Homegrown’s Impact
100% of attendees said:
Homegrown helped them connect with other rural business owners
They would recommend Homegrown to others
The event provided good value for the cost
More than half of attendees were in their first five years of business, while one in four had been in business for over a decade. This is proof that Homegrown continues to bridge generations of entrepreneurs and cultivate mentorship that feels natural, not forced.
What We Cultivated in 2025
This year’s program was designed to celebrate growth in all its forms, from the early-stage ideas just beginning to sprout, to established businesses that continue to evolve and adapt.
Our ‘Planting Seeds” and ‘Keep It Growing’ panels invited attendees to learn from each other’s stories, while breakout sessions offered personalized advice from local experts in finance, marketing, HR, operations and more.
The day moved at a steady, intentional rhythm, blending learning with laughter, reflection, and connection. It was a space to exhale, recalibrate, and remember why we started our businesses in the first place.
Partners in Growth
Homegrown wouldn’t bloom without the generous support of our sponsors and partners — organizations that believe in the power of rural women entrepreneurs to drive community growth.
This year, we were proud to partner with:
Venue Sponsors: Bruce County + Township of Huron-Kinloss
Breakfast Sponsor: Community Futures Huron
Lunch Sponsors: Bruce CFDC, Waterloo-Wellington CFDC, and Saugeen Economic Development Corporation
Photography Sponsors: Grey County, Huron County, Wellington County
Roots of Community Sponsor: Saugeen Connects
Roots of Community Sponsor: Libro Credit Union
Each partner helped cultivate a space where rural women could connect, collaborate, and grow.
The Ripple Effect
Homegrown participants leave with new collaborations, renewed confidence, and a network that keeps growing long after the event.
This year, the theme of intergenerational learning stood out. New business owners gained perspective from long-time entrepreneurs, while established founders found inspiration in the energy and creativity of up-and-coming business owners.
Homegrown is more than a gathering — it’s a reminder that growth happens best in good company.
Looking Ahead
Homegrown will return in June 2026, continuing to celebrate the creativity, resilience, and spirit of rural entrepreneurship.
For partners: Interested in sponsoring or collaborating for next year’s event? Get in touch →
For attendees: Want to be first to know when tickets go on sale? Join our mailing list →
For everyone: Relive the 2025 magic — explore our photo gallery →
Bloom in Good Company
Rural entrepreneurs are rewriting the story of what’s possible beyond the city limits. Homegrown exists to remind us that we don’t have to do it alone — we just have to do it together.
