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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.  


    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

    View On Demand Here

    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

    View On Demand Here

    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

    View On Demand Here

    Exploring Entrepreneurship - Is Starting a Business Right For You?

    Do you have dreams of becoming an entrepreneur? Join us as we host the City of St Catharines Small Business Enterprise Centre for an informative session all about what it takes to successfully start a business. In this session you will learn about developing your idea, business supports and tools, and the keys to success.

    In Person Session: St. Catharines Public Library - Dr. Huq Family Library Branch

    Wednesday, December 4, 2024: from 1:00 - 2:30 pm

    Register Here

    Canada Summer Jobs 2025 Information Session

    Looking to hire an employee for the summer? The application period for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program closes on December 19, 2024. Join this information session to learn how this program can help you hire. 

    Hosted by MP for Niagara Centre, Vance Bradaway 

    Tuesday, December 10, 2024: from 1:00 - 2:00 pm

    View Session Here

    Driving Digital Success: Strategies for Small Businesses to Succeed Online

    In this webinar, delivered by Digital Main Street, you will explore essential digital strategies for attracting more customers and driving growth for your small business. You will gain insights into key themes and trends crucial for building your online presence. 

    Hosted by Digital Main Street

    Thursday, December 12, 2024: from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

    Register Here

    Business Fundamentals: Financials & Operations

    This session will discuss Financials and Operations. By understanding the accounting and financial basics and developing these operational strategies, you can create effective and efficient systems for running your business.

    Hosted by Business Advisory Centre Durham

    Tuesday, December 17, 2024: from 2:00 - 4:00 pm

    Register Here

    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. 

    https://foodpreneuradvantage.ca/ 

    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

    Register Here

    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!

    Register Here

    Upcoming Dates: 

    Tuesday, December 3, 2024: Host: Critelli Furniture, 126 King Street, St. Catharines

    Tuesday, January 7, 2025: Host: Holiday Inn & Suites, 327 Ontario St., St. Catharines

    Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Host: Brock LINC, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines 

Discover Why St. Catharines Is Your Business Advantage

Contact our team of experts for a consultation today.

Get Started

(905) 688-5601