About us
TORONTO TECH HANGOUT
CASUAL CONVERSATIONS FOR BUILDERS, MAKERS & TECH PROFESSIONALS
Toronto Tech Hangout is a relaxed, in-person meetup for people working in or curious about technology who enjoy thoughtful conversation without pressure.
This is not a pitch night, recruiting event, or formal networking session.
It’s a place to talk, share ideas, and connect naturally with others in the tech community.
WHAT THIS GROUP IS ABOUT
Toronto Tech Hangout is designed for casual, low-key discussions around topics such as:
- Technology, startups, and product ideas
- Software, data, AI, and emerging tools
- Building, learning, and experimenting
- Career paths, transitions, and side projects
- Lessons learned from real work and real projects
There is no agenda beyond good conversation.
WHAT THIS IS NOT
- Not a sales or recruiting event
- Not a pitch night
- Not a workshop or seminar
- Not forced networking
No one is expected to present, pitch, or promote anything.
WHO THIS GROUP IS FOR
This group is well suited for people who:
- Work in tech or are exploring tech-related paths
- Enjoy conversation more than formal networking
- Prefer small, relaxed meetups over loud events
- Want to meet thoughtful, curious people
- Are comfortable just showing up and talking
You do not need a startup, a project, or a plan to attend.
FORMAT
- Casual, in-person hangouts
- Coffee or informal settings
- Open conversation
- Come and go as you like
Participation is always optional. Listening is welcome.
COMMUNITY NORMS
- No pitching or selling
- No recruiting or job farming
- Be respectful of different backgrounds and experience levels
- Keep conversations open and inclusive
This group is intentionally low-pressure and low-noise.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZER
Toronto Tech Hangout is curated by Amit Kapoor as a simple space for tech-adjacent conversations and relaxed community building.
Some members may also be interested in more structured business or decision-focused discussions through other initiatives, but this group stands on its own.
Questions or concerns: SMS 437-248-7424.
Upcoming events
5
FREE ONLINE: SR&ED Pre-claim Approval Webinar (English)
·OnlineOnlineSR&ED webinars
Webinars for the month of August are now open for registration!
This SR&ED general information webinar will provide an overview of the program. We will guide you through the eligibility criteria, qualifying expenditures, and the free tools and services offered by the CRA.- August 18, 2026, 1 pm to 2:30 pm ET – English session
- August 20, 2026, 1 pm to 2:30 pm ET – French session
The Pre-claim approval webinar will provide a clear and practical overview of the pre-claim approval process. We will guide you through how to apply, who is eligible, what timelines to expect, and how this optional process can help your business plan SR&ED projects with more confidence.
- August 25, 2026, 1 pm to 2 pm ET – English session
- August 27, 2026, 1 pm to 2 pm ET – French session
I would suggest if you own a business and want to receive government funding for your project, thinking of starting a business to learn how you can form your business for maximum benefit, or wish to provide grant writing services to your clients.
There is no charge to attend. Registration is required, as space is limited.
To register: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-support-services/sred-webinars.html
If you are a member of Toronto Tech Hangout, you will receive a detailed package with samples and a detailed guide at no cost. Click on attend.
Some tools to help members:
- Pre-claim consultations that allow eligible claimants to work with an SR&ED specialist to determine if their project contains SR&ED work before they submit a claim;
- The SR&ED outreach program, which offers targeted sector-specific presentations and one-on-one presentations to businesses, in addition to hosting general information webinars.
We also provide accessible digital resources to help businesses determine their eligibility, calculate expenditures and prepare their claim. These tools include:
- The Self-Assessment and Learning Tool, which helps claimants find out if their work is likely to qualify for SR&ED tax incentives and estimate their potential claim amount in about 30 minutes or less;
- The SR&ED Client Portal, available within My Business Account, which is a secure, one-stop workspace designed to support claimants throughout the claim process.
## Learn about the program
- Register for an upcoming SR&ED webinar
- Contact us to book a tailored one-on-one outreach session
- Refer to our annual program statistics web page for updated program information
- Visit our multimedia gallery for infographics, videos, and a podcast feature
## Find out if your work may be eligible
- Refer to our eligibility of work guidelines
- Use our quick and easy Self-Assessment and Learning Tool
- Request a pre-claim consultation for a project that is either in-progress or completed
## Prepare your claim
- Follow our step-by-step guide: how to prepare your claim
- Use the SR&ED Client Portal within My Business Account to start building your claim
- Contact us to speak to an SR&ED specialist
The link will be emailed to all accepted registered participants by SR&ED office of Revenue Canada directly.
Questions or Concerns?
Need support with your LeaderSHIFT Meetup experience? Submit a support request.1 attendeeFREE ONLINE: SR&ED Pre-claim Approval Webinar (French)
·OnlineOnlineSR&ED webinars
Webinars for the month of August are now open for registration!
This SR&ED general information webinar will provide an overview of the program. We will guide you through the eligibility criteria, qualifying expenditures, and the free tools and services offered by the CRA.- August 18, 2026, 1 pm to 2:30 pm ET – English session
- August 20, 2026, 1 pm to 2:30 pm ET – French session
The Pre-claim approval webinar will provide a clear and practical overview of the pre-claim approval process. We will guide you through how to apply, who is eligible, what timelines to expect, and how this optional process can help your business plan SR&ED projects with more confidence.
- August 25, 2026, 1 pm to 2 pm ET – English session
- August 27, 2026, 1 pm to 2 pm ET – French session
I would suggest if you own a business and want to receive government funding for your project, thinking of starting a business to learn how you can form your business for maximum benefit, or wish to provide grant writing services to your clients.
There is no charge to attend. Registration is required, as space is limited.
To register: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/scientific-research-experimental-development-tax-incentive-program/sred-support-services/sred-webinars.html
If you are a member of Toronto Tech Hangout, you will receive a detailed package with samples and a detailed guide at no cost. Click on attend.
Some tools to help members:
- Pre-claim consultations that allow eligible claimants to work with an SR&ED specialist to determine if their project contains SR&ED work before they submit a claim;
- The SR&ED outreach program, which offers targeted sector-specific presentations and one-on-one presentations to businesses, in addition to hosting general information webinars.
We also provide accessible digital resources to help businesses determine their eligibility, calculate expenditures and prepare their claim. These tools include:
- The Self-Assessment and Learning Tool, which helps claimants find out if their work is likely to qualify for SR&ED tax incentives and estimate their potential claim amount in about 30 minutes or less;
- The SR&ED Client Portal, available within My Business Account, which is a secure, one-stop workspace designed to support claimants throughout the claim process.
## Learn about the program
- Register for an upcoming SR&ED webinar
- Contact us to book a tailored one-on-one outreach session
- Refer to our annual program statistics web page for updated program information
- Visit our multimedia gallery for infographics, videos, and a podcast feature
## Find out if your work may be eligible
- Refer to our eligibility of work guidelines
- Use our quick and easy Self-Assessment and Learning Tool
- Request a pre-claim consultation for a project that is either in-progress or completed
## Prepare your claim
- Follow our step-by-step guide: how to prepare your claim
- Use the SR&ED Client Portal within My Business Account to start building your claim
- Contact us to speak to an SR&ED specialist
The link will be emailed to all accepted registered participants by SR&ED office of Revenue Canada directly.
Questions or Concerns?
Need support with your LeaderSHIFT Meetup experience? Submit a support request.1 attendee
Franchise Canada Show Toronto — Fall 2026 (Saturday)
Toronto Congress Centre, 650 Dixon Road, Toronto, ON, CAReady to become your own boss—but don’t want to build a business entirely on your own?
Join fellow entrepreneurs, business builders, and opportunity seekers at the Franchise Canada Show Toronto — Fall 2026, Canada’s premier franchise exhibition. This free event brings leading franchise brands, experienced operators, and industry experts together under one roof at the Toronto Congress Centre.
Whether you’re actively exploring business ownership or simply curious about franchising, this is an opportunity to discover proven business models, compare investment options, and get practical guidance directly from the people who know the industry best.## What you’ll discover
Explore franchise opportunities across 60+ sectors
Meet representatives from established brands and emerging concepts in food, technology, beauty, construction, professional services, retail, and more. Explore opportunities at a wide range of investment levels and find options that match your experience, ambitions, and budget.
Speak directly with industry experts
Connect face-to-face with franchisors, successful franchisees, and experienced professionals. Ask candid questions, understand the realities of ownership, and gain insights that can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Attend free educational seminars
Learn about financing, legal considerations, marketing, operations, franchise selection, and other essential aspects of building a successful franchise business. Hear practical strategies and real-world lessons from people who have already made the journey.## Why attend?
Since 1996, the Canadian Franchise Association has helped thousands of Canadians explore business ownership through credible franchise systems. The Franchise Canada Show is the CFA’s official exhibition and one of the best places to begin—or accelerate—your search.
Come prepared to learn, make valuable connections, and discover what your next chapter could look like.
Get into business for yourself—but not by yourself.
Attendance is free, but advance registration is encouraged. Reserve your place through the official Eventbrite listing:
Register for the Franchise Canada Show Toronto
Location: Toronto Congress Centre, Hall F, Toronto, Ontario
Official organizer: Canadian Franchise Association / Franchise Canada Show
Please note: LeaderSHIFT and Toronto Tech Hangout are sharing this opportunity with their communities and are not the official event organizers.
Questions or Concerns?
Need support with your LeaderSHIFT Meetup experience? Submit a support request.2 attendees
Past events
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