Date: November 27, 2025 (Thursday)
2025 ACCE Young Entrepreneur Event – R&D Refunds & Other Magical Things
If you’ve ever built something innovative, fixed a complex technical problem, or just tried something new that might blow up (in a good way)… there’s a decent chance you qualify for SR&ED — Canada’s Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credit program. The problem? Most entrepreneurs either don’t know about it, think they don’t qualify, or tried once and never looked back. That’s where this panel comes in. Join us for an interactive and founder-friendly session designed to demystify the SR&ED program. You’ll hear straight talk and real stories from Karen O’Leary from File & Claim / KSO Grants and startup founders who’ve survived and rewarded with successfully processed claims. Whether you’re just curious or thinking about your next claim or even other funding programs, you’ll walk away with tangible tips and unexpected insights.
Panel Highlights:
- What actually qualifies for SR&ED (it’s more than you think)
- How to avoid the most common pitfalls that kill claims
- Whether to go DIY or bring in a grant whisperer
- How to stack SR&ED with other grants and incentives
- What CRA reviewers really want in your technical narrative
- How to build SR&ED thinking into your startup or development strategy
Presented by the ACCE Young Entrepreneur Group, VELOCITY is a forum that brings together subject matter experts and entrepreneurs of all stripes to spark business collaboration and propel opportunity. Serving equal parts of inspiration and super-charged connecting, join us for an evening that will unleash your inner entrepreneurial warrior.
Date: November 27, 2025 (Thursday)
Time:
6:30pm Registration, Refreshments & Networking
7:15pm Event Starts
Keynote Speaker:
Karen O’ Leary , Partner and SR&ED Consultant at File & Claim, President/Lead Grant Specialist at KSO Grants
Panelist:
Christian Gauvin, Owner of Façoteck
Moderator:
Benjamin Hum, Chair of ACCE Young Entrepreneur Committee
Venue:
National Bank ShowBox, the exchange tower lobby
– 130 King St W, Toronto, ON M5X 2A2
FEES:
$30 per person (HST included) – ACCE Members and Partners
(Members of ACCE and Partners may bring 1 guest for free)
$30 per person (HST included) – Non-members
INQUIRY: Please call (905)479-2802 or email: membership@acce.ca
Organized by: ACCE
Event Sponsor: National Bank of Canada
Service Sponsors: File & Claim Inc., KSO Grants