Homegrown Ventures 2025 – Regional Business Homegrown Ventures 2025 – Regional Business

Homegrown Ventures 2025

A Greater Sudbury Entrepreneurial Showcase

Highlighting the growth and success of entrepreneurs who have settled their roots in Greater Sudbury.

February 11th, 2025

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

This free, in-person feature event is hosted by the Innovation Quarters, Regional Business Centre, The Foundry, and the Jim Fielding Innovation and Commercialization Space located at Laurentian University.

Regional Business Centre | Centre régional des affaires
The Foundry logo
Jim Fielding Innovation Centre
Laurentian University Logo

Meet Our Speakers

Savy Bhardwaj

Topsteel/TopROPS

Savy Bhardwaj is the visionary owner and leader behind Topsteel/TopROPS corp. , a prominent name in the steel and mining fabrication industry. With years of experience and a sharp entrepreneurial mindset, Savy has played a pivotal role in transforming his company into a trusted provider of high-quality steel products and services.
As the driving force of Topsteel/TopROPS, Savy is known for his commitment to innovation, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction. His expertise spans various domains of the steel industry, from fabrication and manufacturing to project management and welding technology. Under his leadership, TopROPS has garnered a reputation for delivering durable and precise steel products that cater to a diverse range of industries, including construction, automotive, and manufacturing.

In addition to leading Topsteel/TopROPS, Savy plays a key role at the WCTR Northern Training Academy College, where he is actively involved in shaping the future of welding education and workforce development. His passion for the industry extends beyond business; he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of welders and fabricators. Through his involvement with WCTR, Savy supports the training and certification of skilled tradespeople, helping to bridge the gap between industry demands and workforce capabilities and bringing more courses in Trades and Healthcare to our college and expanding through out Northern Ontario.

At the WCTR College, Savy works closely with industry experts and educators to design programs that reflect the latest advancements in welding and fabrication techniques. His hands-on approach ensures that trainees receive not only technical knowledge but also practical skills needed to succeed in the field.

A hands-on leader at TOP Steel/TopROPS and WCTR, Savy emphasizes quality control and innovation. He fosters strong relationships with clients, focusing on delivering tailored solutions that add value to their projects. Additionally, Sahil’s involvement in the training academy demonstrates his dedication to the industry’s future, making him a respected figure in both the steel and education industries.

www.topsteel.ca

www.toprops.com

Steve McNeil

Steve McNeil

Workforce & Unmanned Aerial Services

Steve McNeil

Workforce Inc. & Unmanned Aerial Services Incorporated

Steve McNeil is a serial entrepreneur born and raised in Sudbury, with a proven track record of leadership, innovation, and a deep passion for improving business operations and community initiatives. He is the Owner and General Manager of Workforce Inc., a labor supply company with eight offices across North America, and the Owner and General Manager of UAS Inc., a service company that deploys drones and robotics globally to access the inaccessible in mining operations with offices in both North & South America. Both organizations proudly maintain their Head Office operations in Sudbury, Ontario!

Throughout his career, Steve has successfully founded and led multiple ventures, consistently identifying growth opportunities and driving strategic success. His ability to guide organizations, foster collaboration, and make informed, impactful decisions has earned him respect as a dynamic and results-oriented professional.

Steve’s entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his commitment to creating value and giving back to the community, has positioned him as a forward-thinking leader in his industry. His dedication to excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards, including the Bell Business Excellence Award at Workforce for Best Place to Work, and the Bell Business Excellence Award at Unmanned Aerial Services for Innovation. These accolades underscore his success in creating thriving, innovative workplaces that push the boundaries of industry standards.

Outside of work, he is a proud father of two energetic and bright children, who take after their mother. He actively volunteers at the Board level for both the Copper Cliff Minor Hockey Association and the Sudbury Charities Foundation. Supporting the community, as well as fostering opportunities for the growth and development of its youth, has always been a central focus of both his personal and professional values.

peopleatwork.ca

uasinc.ca

workforce logo
unmanned aerial services

Lizanne Anawati

The Nickel Refillery

Liz Anawati, mom of three and co-founder of The Nickel Refillery in Sudbury’s West End, blends her Public Health background with a commitment to sustainability, building a healthier, more resilient community. Through thoughtfully sourced, Canadian-made food, DIY ingredients, and personal care and lifestyle products—many free of single-use packaging—Liz and her team empower individuals and businesses to reduce waste and embrace eco-friendly practices, providing the tools and guidance needed to make a lasting, positive impact on both people and the planet.

www.thenickelrefillery.ca

Register Today

Homegrown Ventures – A Greater Sudbury Entrepreneurial Showcase is meant to be inspirational and provide motivation for new businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to get their business ideas off the ground or to push their existing businesses to the next level. Featuring three local business owners, this event will include individual presentations and a panel discussion with Q&A. We invite you to also partake in some post-event networking and refreshments.

Location

Jim Fielding Innovation & Commercialization Space

Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation, and Engineering Building, 935 Ramsey Lake Rd. Sudbury, room CF201