Events and Webinars
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Upcoming Events, Training, Webinars, and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Unless otherwise marked, the following are free of charge.
SBCO Business Basics
Have a great idea and want to start your own business? Do you understand what it takes to be successful?
If you’re unsure of what it takes to start and run a business, you are in the right place! This series of 10 free online learning sessions will help you decide if starting your own business is the right path for you, then guide you through the steps involved in getting started.
Sessions include:
- Are You Ready to Be in Business?
- Researching Your Idea
- Business Structure
- What Are Government Regulations?
- What Is a Business Plan?
- How Do You Finance a Small Business?
- Why Do Market Research?
- Sales and Marketing
- Do You Need Insurance?
- How To Register Your Business
- Non-Profits 101
SBCO Start-Up Sessions
Are you ready to launch? Do you know how to build a solid foundation for your start-up?
You’ve done the research, tested your idea, and are ready to launch! This is an exciting time, but there are things you need to ensure your business's success. This series of 10 free online learning sessions will set you up with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully launch your new business.
Sessions include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Model Canvas
- Market Research
- Marketing
- Branding
- Pricing
- Sales
- Record Keeping
- Social Media
- Intellectual Property
SBCO Growth Sessions
Is your small business ready for growth? Are you prepared for the challenges of growing a business and how to meet them?
Are you an entrepreneur ready to take your small business to the next level? These 10 free online learning sessions will equip you with skills and knowledge to successfully position your business for growth.
Sessions include:
- Key Business Practices
- Time Management
- Building Teams and Organizational Culture
- Sustainable Operations
- Content Management
- Contracts and Leases
- Hiring Employees vs Self Employed Contractors
- Building an Investor Pitch Deck
- Understanding Financial Statements
- Expanding Markets
How to Make Money in Your Service Business
In this session, participants will explore how their bottom line can be impacted by not understanding their processes, costing & pricing. The training will provide a direct example of a service-based business. Presented by Ramona Gallagher of Business Basics.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Business Plan Development
What is a business plan and why do you need one? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an in depth look at the basics of developing your business plan.
Thursday, August 15, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Workplace Safety Essentials: A Practical Guide
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just starting out, workplace safety is crucial. Join for an enlightening session and explore fundamental safety practices applicable to everyone. From identifying hazards to understanding roles, this webinar equips you with actionable insights to create a safer work environment. Essential information for all employers! Presented by Stella Nicastro-Greenough of Workplace Safety & Prevention Services.
Monday, August 19, 2024 from 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Marketing Channels
What marketing channels are right for your business? Understanding how different channels reach different customers helps you build an effective marketing plan. This session will cover a variety of different marketing channels and how each can be used most effectively. Presented by Sara Norton of REPLY-ALL.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Cash Flow Forecasting
What is a cash flow, why do you need it, and how do you create one? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an in depth look at the basics of developing your financial forecast.
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Introduction to Market Research
Set the direction of your business and get all of your ideas on paper. Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for look at understanding who is your best customer and how to reach them.
Thursday, August 29, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Business Plan Development
What is a business plan and why do you need one? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an in depth look at the basics of developing your business plan.
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Cash Flow Forecasting
What is a cash flow, why do you need it, and how do you create one? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an in depth look at the basics of developing your financial forecast.
Friday, September 6, 2024 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Market Intelligence: What is It & How to Use It
Market intelligence is vital to the success of any organization, being the foundation on which all marketing is based. Effective use of market intelligence involves the collection of data, analysis, and end use of the information. Presented by Carey McMaster of TRAICON.
Monday, September 9, 2024 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Risk Management for Small Business
In this session, participants will explore the different types of risks associated with running a business and examples of how to manage, minimize, or mitigate them. The training will provide examples of a variety of potential business risks, with emphasis on how to plan for and manage a risk occurrence. Presented by Ramona Gallagher of Business Basics.
Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Bring Your Creations to Life: Learn Why Intellectual Property Matters
Join the us as the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) presents an introduction to intellectual property. This session will cover types of intellectual property, tips and tricks, resources, and intellectual property strategy. Whether you are looking at trademarks, patents, or copyrights, this session is for you! Presented by CIPO.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
What to Consider When Choosing a Location for Your Business
Signing a lease or purchasing a location is one of the biggest investments for small business owners. Join the St. Catharines Economic Development team as they discuss common issues that small business owners encounter and what to consider to help you avoid them. Topics include: what you need before you start looking, permits and zoning, who to contact for questions, and more!
Friday, September 20, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Navigating Human Resource Compliance and Creating a Solid HR Foundation for Success
Join us for an information packed session about human resources. Explore how to construct a solid foundation for success, discuss the basic HR needs, importance of establishing contracts, HR policies, procedures, and documentation. The session will also provide an overview of key HR laws, regulations, and new legislation on the radar in 2024. Presented by S&G HR Consulting.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Traditional and Online Marketing Strategies
An in depth break down of common strategies and tactics small businesses use to generate more leads, sales, and brand awareness. This training opportunity will allow you to learn from an industry professional with years of experience who has experienced the challenges of opening and operating a small business. Presented by Larry Chartier of Pixel Perfect.
Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Creating and Communicating Your Value Proposition
A good value proposition can give businesses an advantage over their competitors and is often what prospects use to evaluate your business. For many consumers, your value proposition is the first thing they encounter when exploring your brand. Having a clear, concise value proposition is more important than ever. Presented by Carey McMaster of TRAICON.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
How to Make Money in Your Products Business
In this session, participants will explore how their bottom line can be impacted by not understanding their processes, costing & pricing. The training will provide a direct example of a product-based business. Presented by Ramona Gallagher of Business Basics.
Friday, October 4, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
Using a Sales Funnel to Generate Leads and Increase Sales
The sales funnel is an indispensable concept in business growth. As you learn to identify each customer’s level in the funnel, you will begin to become a master in lead generation and generating more sales for your exciting entrepreneurial venture. Lead generation can be useful for any type or size of business, for both B2C and B2B spaces. Presented by Carey McMaster of TRAICON.
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.
Workers Health & Safety: Onboarding and Workplace Postings
The law specifies certain minimum health and safety information that you must post in the workplace and make available to all employees. Get access to the full list of documents (including legislation, posters, policies, procedures, contact information and more) that you must include to meet your posting requirements, training, and injury reporting requirements with strategies to aid workers in returning to safe and suitable work.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Session Complete
Hosted by London: https://sbcentre.ca/
Elevate Your Social Media with Short-Form Video Content
In today's digital age, video marketing has become one of the most effective tools for businesses to connect and engage with their audience on social media. Video content has become more essential than ever in marketing your business. Join this workshop where you will learn how to elevate the power of video marketing to grow your brand and attract your ideal prospects. Get ready to take your social media to the next level with successful video marketing that attracts, connects and engages your audience!
Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Hosted by Durham: https://www.bacd.ca/
Business Model Canvas: How to Use The 1-Page Business Plan
Using the Business Model Canvas (aka, 1-page business plan) can help simplify your business planning in a highly visual way while also saving you valuable time. Whether you're new to entrepreneurship or an existing multinational corporation looking to change your existing model, it’s critical that you have a well-documented plan in place.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from Noon - 12:30 p.m.
Hosted by Hamilton: https://investinhamilton.ca/hamilton-business-centre/
Legal 101: Structuring Solutions + Incorporation FAQs
When starting or growing your business as a woman entrepreneur, you face many decisions. Two key decisions: choosing the business structure that’s right for you and when you’re ready to incorporate, how to tackle that task. When’s the right time to incorporate? Do you need a shareholders’ agreement? How do you deal with share structure? To help you make these decisions, join McInnes Cooper Corporate Lawyers Julie Robinson and Haley MacIsaac.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Hosted by Windsor-Essex: https://www.webusinesscentre.com/
Introduction to Barcodes / Product Identification
Barcodes are everywhere - from the food we buy, to the clothes we wear. This session will demystify barcodes by explaining why unique product identification is key when selling your product on a website, through a retailer or an online marketplace. Having an authentic barcode and necessary resources will help you navigate regulatory and trading requirements while ensuring you are in conformity with trading partners.
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 from 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Hosted by Markham: https://markhambusiness.ca/helping-businesses/small-business-services
Get Your Local Business on Google Search and Maps
Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish.
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Hosted by Durham: https://www.bacd.ca/
SEO and Analytics for Small Business
In the digital age, harnessing the potential of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Analytics is crucial for small businesses aiming to thrive online. Whether you're new to SEO or looking to refine your digital strategy, join us to discover practical insights and actionable steps tailored for small business success in today's competitive landscape.
Thursday, August 22, 2024 from Noon - 1:00 p.m.
Hosted by Sudbury: https://regionalbusiness.ca/
Introduction to Exporting and Importing
The Halton Global Business Centre will introduce you to the basics of importing and exporting. This includes: different types of exporting, market research, how to take payments, cultural acceptance, risks associated with going global and more.
Thursday, September 5, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. - Noon
Hosted by Halton: https://www.halton.ca/For-Business/Halton-Region-Small-Business-Centre
Service Canada: Overview of Employment Insurance
Learn how to access Service Canada programs and services as an employer or a business. This session will include: different types of Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, record of employment (ROE) and ROE Web, employment insurance for self-employed, and more.
Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. - Noon.
Hosted by Toronto: https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/new-businesses-startups/
More coming soon...
The Food and Beverage manufacturing sector of Ontario is the 3rd largest in North America and is vitally important to our local and regional economy. For over 30 years, Ontario Small Business Enterprise Centres have been committed to guiding people through the start-up and early growth stages of small business.
Foodpreneur Advantage is a regional collaboration of Small Business Enterprise Centres.
Whether you are starting your food venture, or ready to expand and scale your operation, this is the place to start. This webinar series is designed to guide you through the different areas of starting your food or food manufacturing business.
The series is offered on a few times per year on an ongoing basis. You can register for any or all of the sessions individually.
Foodpreneur start-up webinar series includes the following sessions:
- Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
- How to Sell Your Food Product
- Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
- Marketing & Branding your Food Product
- Labelling & Packaging your Food Product
- Selling to Food Retailers
Pitch-Black Niagara
Are you a Black-led business looking for a platform to showcase your ideas and gain invaluable feedback? Or maybe you’re not quite ready to pitch, but want networking opportunities? Come to Pitch-Black Niagara Night!
This informal pitch night, in partnership with the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce (CBCC), Meridian Credit Union, and The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre, offers Black entrepreneurs in the Niagara region a unique chance to practice pitching their business, receive expert feedback, and connect with potential investors.Event Details:
Date: July 25, 2024
Time: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Innovate Niagara's Offices, 386 St Paul St, St. Catharines
Cost: $10
Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce Presents Business After 5
Join the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) for an evening of food, fun, networking, and prizes! Business After 5 is a monthly networking event hosted at local businesses or community spaces throughout Niagara.
Tickets are complimentary for GNCC members. Non-members are welcome to attend two Business After 5 events complimentary before coming on board as a GNCC member.
While admission is free, registration is required!
Upcoming Dates:
Tuesday August 13, 2024
Host: Chapel Heights
7373 Niagara Square Dr.
Niagara Falls, ON L2H 1J2
Tuesday September 3, 2024
Host: Kraun Electric
45 Wright St.
St. Catharines, ON L2P 3J5
Discover Why St. Catharines Is Your Business Advantage
Contact our team of experts for a consultation today.