Small Business Enterprise Centre

Stepping into Business – Evening Virtual Course- Winter 2026
2026-02-24 18:00 - 20:00, 2026-03-03 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
Your first steps into starting a new business or refining your existing small business

Business Workshop for Contractors & Trade Business Owners
2026-02-25 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | 105 James Street, Parry Sound, 105 James St, Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada
Parry Sound Area Contractors and Tradespeople — Join us for a two hour, in-person business workshop designed to help you:
? Reclaim your time and energy
? Price jobs for real profit
? Simplify estimating and billing
When: Feb 25, 9:30 am–11:30 am
Where: DiSalvo’s (105 James St), Parry Sound, ON
Speakers: Rick Harris, Work Boot Consulting
Brought to you by: Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce, Parry Sound Area CB&DC Community Futures, and The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound.
This event costs only $10 attend + lunch is included, courtesy of Parry Sound Area CB&DC Community Futures.
Secure your spot today as spots are limited.
Visit here to register: https://psachamber.ca/events/#!event/2026/2/25/contractors-trade-business-owners-workshop

(Webinar) RISE Business Loan Program for Entrepreneurs
2026-02-25 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Rise lending and training programs can help you learn the skills and access the resources to build a successful small business.

ZOOM Information will be e-mailed out 2 days prior to those registered

Have a business that you want to build?
Rise can help!

Rise lending and training programs can help you learn the skills and access the resources to build a successful small business.
Rise empowers individuals with mental health and addiction challenges across Canada
to take control of their personal and financial well-being through entrepreneurship.
Whether you’ve started a business and need help taking it to the next level or are
exploring ideas for a new side hustle, Rise offers FREE programs where you can:
• Develop a business plan and learn the skills to implement it
• Access flexible loans
• Be guided by experienced mentors
• Build your confidence and your network
• Define success on your own terms

Small Business Lending Program
The Rise Small Business Lending Program provides entrepreneurs unable to secure
traditional financing with an opportunity to access low-interest loans (up to $10k),
mentorship and other supports to help them build a small business.
From the start of the application process, you will be connected with a Rise Business
Advisor for personalized support to complete your loan application. If approved, Rise
will match you with a mentor for a year of one-on-one guidance and support.

Peer Supported Startup Program
The Peer Supported Startup Program (PSSP) provides entrepreneurs aged 30+ with
access to skills training, business guidance and the support of a peer network. In
addition to virtual classroom sessions, you will work in small groups with a volunteer
mentor to develop your business plan.
As a graduate of this 8-week program, you will receive a $300 start-up grant.

Youth Small Business Program
The Youth Small Business Program (YSBP) helps youth aged 16-29 develop the skills
to build a business, step by step. Whether you have a side hustle or plans for a fulltime
enterprise, YSBP is a supportive, flexible and mindful digital space where you will actively contribute to facilitator-led lessons, group mentorship sessions and peer coworking to build confidence and up-skill as an entrepreneur.
Graduates of this 8- to 10-week program receive a $500 start-up grant.

Women+ Entrepreneurship Program
The Women+ Entrepreneurship Program (Women+) empowers diverse women,
including trans women and non-binary individuals, with the skills and confidence
to pursue self-employment. Built on inclusive, decolonized and accessible feminist
philosophy, Women+ is a safe space where you will work closely with your peers,
facilitators and experienced mentors to learn business fundamentals, develop a
business plan and chart a course for success as you define it.
Women+ is an 8- to 10-week program offered in English and French.

EnterpRISEing You
EnterpRISEing You is a go-at-your-own-pace online course for aspiring entrepreneurs of
all ages. You will complete 15 virtual modules to learn essential business skills, build
confidence and begin developing a business plan. Once complete, you’ll be connected
with a Rise Business Advisor for a personal consultation and support with the next
steps. Visit enterpriseingyou.ca to begin today.

Complete the Rise Navigator questionnaire to discover which program is the best fit for you!

risehelps.ca/how-we-help-our-programs

Rise provides business start-up support services for people who have experienced barriers to employment from mental health or addiction challenges.

Apply today at risehelps.ca or call 1-647-232-RISE (7473) | email them at info@risehelps.ca

Small Business Tax Tips from the CRA
2026-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
An info session on dos and don’ts for small business owners when filing taxes

Make the most of your money!
Join the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre and a CRA liaison officer to learn tips on filing your 2025 taxes for your small business. You can even join to prepare your finances this year for smooth filing next year! They’ll share common mistakes and missed opportunities that you don’t want to overlook.
Who should attend:

If you are thinking about starting a business
If you are operating your business in the early stages
If you are an established business that would rather not think about taxes!

Topics:

Business tax deductions
Common tax errors
Helpful tools and services offered by the CRA

Date: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Time: 10 AM – 12 PM
Where: Microsoft Teams
Cost: Free

Tax Tips from the CRA
2026-02-25 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Make the most of your money!
Join the Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre and a CRA liaison officer to learn tips on filing your 2025 taxes for your small business. You can even join to prepare your finances this year for smooth filing next year! They’ll share common mistakes and missed opportunities that you don’t want to overlook.
Who should attend:

If you are thinking about starting a business
If you are operating your business in the early stages
If you are an established business that would rather not think about taxes!

Topics:

Business tax deductions
Common tax errors
Helpful tools and services offered by the CRA

Social Media 101 – A Complete Guide for Small Businesses – 4 Part Series
2026-02-25 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Unlock the Power of Social Media to Grow Your Business.

Close More Deals, Faster, With Less Friction: 3 Proven Frameworks to Align Culture and Revenue to Win More Often
2026-02-25 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | SDG Idea Factory – 2 King Street W. Kitchener, 2 King Street W., Kitchener, Ontario, N2G 1A3, Canada
Presented by Andrew Leith – Founder & President, Octant Executive Advisory Group
For small businesses, sales professionals and revenue leaders who suspect deals are slipping but can’t isolate what’s causing it. In this session we will uncover the 3 P’s of organizational culture (People, Process & Product), understanding how hidden revenue leakage occurs when they aren’t aligned… and how to fix it fast!
—
About Andrew Leith
Andrew Leith, President and Founder of Octant, brings a unique blend of over 20 years of executive expertise, unmatched creativity, and over-the-top engagement to every stage he graces. As a former revenue executive turned certified executive coach, Andrew’s experience creating rapidly-scalable revenue strategies in the SaaS software space has been a valuable asset for his clients and audiences alike. His passion for championing individualized leadership shines through in his dynamic presentations, providing a new perspective on leading with inspiration and purpose. His sessions seek to remind audiences that play and creativity should be welcome additions to their boardrooms. As an accomplished professional musician and Lego Serious Play facilitator, his ability to merge business strategy with creativity brings a refreshing sense of amusement to the stage, proving that innovation and fun can coexist.
With an almost perfect audience satisfaction rating and over 90% of those rating him as exceeding expectations, Andrew doesn’t just deliver a talk; he creates an unforgettable experience. Whether exploring the psychology of sales, empowering teams through effective communication, or unlocking the untapped potential of diverse thinkers, Andrew’s presentations captivate and educate in equal measure.
—
Work(shop) with us Wednesdays: Join us to co-work and learn by taking advantage of our free hot desks at the SDG Idea Factory every Wednesday.
Register for your free hot desk here.

She Means Business – Identity, Mindset & Style: Building the Future You
2026-02-25 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Town Brewery, 1632 Charles St., Whitby, ON, L1N 1B9, Canada
Enjoy an evening women’s networking event with like minded entrepreneurs.

Calling all female ENTREPRENEURS & BUSINESS OWNERS! Join us at Town Brewery in Whitby for a Women’s Networking Event.
We all know running a business changes you. You grow, you stretch, you figure things out as you go — and somewhere along the way, you realize your mindset and the way you show up matter just as much as your strategy.
This She Means Business session brings those two powerful pieces together: how you see yourself on the inside, and how you present yourself on the outside.
You’ll mix, mingle, grab something to eat and then settle in for a combined 30–45 minutes of mindset and style insight designed just for women entrepreneurs.
Part 1: Becoming the Future You (with Mindset Coach Liz Jakoi)
Liz opens the evening with a conversation around identity and mindset — the kind of honest, practical talk that helps you see where you’re heading and what needs to shift to support that growth.It’s about clarity, confidence and building the internal foundation for the life and business you want.
Part 2: Branding You: Where Style Meets Strategy (with Stylist Leah Gust)
Leah follows with a down?to?earth look at how your personal style can reinforce the identity you’re building.She’ll share how small, intentional choices with your wardrobe can strengthen your presence, your confidence and the way people experience your brand. She’s bringing a mannequin, a curated rack and examples to make it fun and practical.We look forward to seeing you there!
Appetizers will be provided
Alcohol is not included.

Live Demo: Using AI to Draft Better Business Agreements (Virtual)
2026-02-26 13:00 - 14:15 (America/Toronto)
Providing a walk-through with real-time commentary and guidance.

About this workshop:
Many founders and small business leaders find themselves drafting and signing contracts on their own – often without the benefit of timely legal advice.
In this practical, one-hour webinar, we’ll walk through a live demonstration of how AI can be used to draft a common business agreement, with experienced lawyers providing real-time commentary and guidance.
You’ll walk away with actionable tips on how to use AI to speed up deal-making, ask better questions, and avoid the hidden legal pitfalls that can create costly problems down the road.
About the speakers:
Naomi Morisawa De Koven is the managing lawyer of Navio Law. She and her co-presenter Evan Young regularly advise entrepreneurs and knowledge-based businesses on legal issues relating to corporate, commercial, employment, financing and M&A transactions.

*Please note that you will receive an email with the link to join this webinar upon registering and before the session. If you do not receive it, please check your junk mailbox.

Financial Forecasting
2026-02-26 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | 22 Ontario St, 22 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7M3, Canada
Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre to learn how to develop your financial forecast.

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. Topics include financial terminology, best practices, and a live demonstration.

AI Tools for Small & Medium Businesses
2026-03-03 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Toronto) | Zoom
Hosted by: Small Business Advisory Centre (Smiths Falls/Lanark County/north Leeds Grenville)
Speaker: Adam Gibeau – Digital Dorsal
Date/Time: March 3rd, 2026 – 9:00 am to 10:30 am
Free Webinar
This practical webinar introduces small and medium businesses to AI tools that can make a real impact.
Learn how platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Canva Magic can support marketing, content creation, customer communication, and everyday business efficiency. We will also highlight additional AI apps and tools that save time, reduce costs, and help businesses work smarter!
No technical background required.
To register for free CLICK HERE

Beyond the Logo: Building an Authentic Brand as a Woman Founder
2026-03-03 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us online to learn how to create a real, powerful brand that’s more than just a logo, made for women founders!

Beyond the Logo: Building an Authentic Brand as a Woman Founder
Are you a woman entrepreneur feeling overwhelmed by the endless “to-do” lists of marketing? Do you have a brilliant business idea but struggle to explain what makes you different?
Many founders think a brand is just a logo and a colour palette, but true branding is the heart and soul of your business. It is the bridge between your vision and the community you serve.
Join Radhika Kapoor for an empowering webinar specifically designed to support women-led startups and small businesses. In this session, we will demystify the world of branding and give you the strategic tools to lead with confidence.
What we will explore together:

Branding vs. Marketing: Why your brand strategy must come first to make your marketing work.
The Power of Purpose: How to define your “Why” and use it as a North Star for your business.
Creating a Standout Identity: How to differentiate yourself in a crowded market and attract the right customers.
Authentic Voice: Defining a brand voice and visual style that reflects your unique leadership.

This webinar is for you if:

You are a woman entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level.
You feel “stuck” or overwhelmed when it comes to talking about your business.
You want to build a business that is not only profitable but also reflects your values and purpose.

Leave this session with a solid foundation for growth and the confidence to represent your brand effectively.
Reserve your spot today and start your journey toward branding magic!

Intro to BDC – Funding/Financing For Your Small Businesses
2026-03-03 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
Running a small business doesn’t have to mean feeling overwhelmed by finances. Join us for this intro into BDC!

The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) stands apart as Canada’s only financial institution exclusively dedicated to entrepreneurs, offering flexible financing, expert advisory services, and industry?leading venture capital to businesses at every stage.
BDC is a financially sustainable Crown corporation, focusing on long?term economic impact and support for Canadian entrepreneurs.
Through its financing, tailored advisory expertise, and inclusive national mandate, BDC plays a uniquely powerful role in helping Canadian entrepreneurs grow resilient, innovative, and future?ready businesses.
Join Sean Tremblay, in a deep dive into BDC’s local support for entrepreneurs in the Guelph and surrounding area.

Presenter Sean Tremblay – Senior Account Manager

Google Advertising: The Business Owner’s Starter Guide (Virtual)
2026-03-03 13:00 - 14:15 (America/Toronto)
For business owners who want to learn more about how Google Ads work, and more importantly, how well it could work for them.

About the workshop
You’ve probably heard different things about Google Advertising, some good, some not-so-good. In this free webinar, we will unveil the facts about this often misunderstood form of online promotion, and lay out a framework that will help you decide if it’s right for your business.
Google Advertising can be very powerful, but only if it’s done properly. This webinar is designed specifically for business owners who want to learn more about how Google Ads work, and more importantly, how well it could work for them.
By the end of this webinar, you will have a solid understanding of how Google Ads are priced, how to set a realistic budget, and how to identify your return on investment.
If you’ve ever been curious about Google Advertising, you won’t want to miss this session!
Who should attend:

New business owners entering the market and aiming to get the word out quickly
Entrepreneurs and consultants wanting to brush up on their knowledge
Marketing coordinators and business owners looking to explore new promotional tools and expand their digital strategy

What you will learn:

Why Google Advertising is so powerful
Keyword match types and your money
Smart Mode versus Expert Mode
How to set a realistic budget

About the Presenter
This workshop is presented by David Bird, a recognized digital advertising and promotion expert and the Founder and Principal of Bird’s Eye Marketing, an Ottawa-based firm that specializes in helping businesses get found on Google.
David has been managing Google Ads (formerly AdWords) accounts since 2012, helping as many businesses as possible along the way. He specifically enjoys working with small businesses and has made ad spending optimization his specialty in order to make Google Ads accessible while still ensuring quality results no matter the size of the business or its advertising budget.
David offers a full series of seminars relating to Google solutions that get your business found online, including:

Google Ads
Google Business Profile & SEO (search engine optimization)
Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

Mapping the Moments That Matter: A Practical Guide to the Customer Journey
2026-03-04 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | Durham Region HQ Clarington Room, 605 Rossland road East, Whitby, ON, L1N6A3, Canada
Your customers don’t experience your business in one moment—they experience it as a journey.

Mapping the Moments That Matter: A Practical Guide to the Customer Journey
Your customers don’t experience your business in one moment—they experience it as a journey.
And every interaction either builds trust… or breaks it.
In this interactive session, we’ll break down the customer journey from start to finish and show you how to intentionally design experiences that convert, retain, and delight your customers. You’ll learn how to map what you’re currently doing, uncover gaps and pain points, and apply creative marketing tactics that strengthen each stage of the journey.
We’ll also explore how to adapt your customer journey annually using STEEP factors, how to measure success at every touchpoint, and how to leverage AI as a support tool—without losing the human connection that truly drives loyalty.
Whether you’re a solopreneur, small business owner, or growing organization, this session will help you turn everyday interactions into creative solutions and meaningful connections.
Session Summary Outline
What We’ll Cover:

What the Customer Journey Is (and isn’t)
Understanding the full lifecycle—from awareness to advocacy—and why it’s more than just a funnel.
The Key Stages of the Customer Journey
Awareness, Consideration, Conversion, Experience, Retention, and Advocacy—what customers need at each stage.
Mapping Your Current Journey
How to assess what you’re already doing, identify gaps, friction points, and missed opportunities.
Marketing Tactics That Enhance Each Stage
Practical examples across social, digital, traditional, experiential, and relationship marketing channels.
Why Mapping the Customer Journey Matters
Benefits include better alignment, stronger relationships, improved conversions, and more intentional marketing spend.
Adjusting Your Journey Annually Using STEEP
How social, technological, economic, environmental, and political factors impact customer behavior—and how to adapt.
Measuring Success at Each Stage
What to track, how to track it, and which metrics actually matter.
Using AI to Support Your Customer Journey
Where AI can help and where it cannot replace human connection, strategy, or empathy

Session Outcome (What Attendees Will Walk Away With)
By the end of this session, participants will:

Have a clear understanding of the full customer journey
Identify what’s working and what needs improvement in their current marketing
Learn practical tactics to enhance each stage of the journey
Understand how to measure and adjust their journey year over year
Know how to use AI responsibly and effectively—without losing authenticity
Leave with a framework they can immediately apply to create stronger connections and better results

Presenter Bio: Chantel Escoffery, CE Marketing Solutions
A proud marketing generalist, Chantel has over 22 years of diverse marketing experience and skills giving her the ability to see connections and correlations between data. She is a strong marketer with success in all aspects of marketing, including strategic planning, integrated omnichannel marketing, loyalty programs, research, analytics and event planning, with execution across a variety of channels.
Chantel has worked in a variety of industries and sectors with some well-loved brands and has built a strong network of talented individuals she can tap into if needed.ess owners step confidently into the spotlight they deserve..

Hustle to High Growth: The 3 Pillars of Client & Cash Flow
2026-03-04 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Boost your business growth by mastering client wins, cash flow hacks, and scaling strategies.

This 60-minute interactive session is designed for women entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their service-based businesses more intentionally. We’ll focus on helping them clarify what’s keeping them stuck, define who their best-fit clients are, and learn how to use the three essential pillars, positioning, systems, and offers, to grow revenue in a way that feels focused, strategic, and sustainable. The session will be practical and motivating, with real-time reflection, group engagement, and a workbook to guide the experience.
By the end of the workshop, participants will:

Understand where their current growth bottlenecks are
Walk away with 1 to 2 concrete actions they can implement right away

They’ll also receive a downloadable workbook, space to reflect and share, and tools they can use to reduce the chaos in their business and scale with confidence.
Nicole Troster is a seasoned startup advisor and growth strategist who helps entrepreneurs build scalable businesses with clarity and confidence. Drawing from her experience as founder of an award-winning accelerator that has supported over 450 founders, Nicole now leverages her proven frameworks to empower individual clients in streamlining their businesses, optimizing their offerings, and implementing repeatable systems that drive consistent, sustainable growth.

Entrepreneurship 101: Spark Tank – Brainstorm to Breakthrough
2026-03-04 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | VentureNorth, Lower Level Board Room, 270 George Street North, Peterborough, ON, K9J 3H1, Canada
Spark ideas, test their potential, and take your first steps into entrepreneurship in this fun, hands-on ideation workshop!

Entrepreneurship 101: Spark Tank – Brainstorm to BreakthroughDescription: Every business starts with an idea, but not all ideas are created equal. In this interactive and inspiring workshop, aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners will explore how to generate, evaluate, and move forward with business ideas that align with their goals, interests, and market opportunities.
Key takeaways include:

Discovering your entrepreneurial “why” and how it guides idea development.
Using simple tools to spark creativity and uncover viable business ideas.
Learning how to validate ideas before investing time or money.
Identifying problems worth solving and customers worth serving.
Gaining confidence to take the first steps toward launching your business.

With guided exercises and real-world examples, this session will help you clarify your direction and walk away with at least one actionable idea. Perfect for anyone at the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey or those ready for a fresh start.

Introduction to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs)
2026-03-04 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
Free webinar helping Toronto businesses understand FTAs, reduce tariffs, and use trade agreements to access global markets.

(Webinar) Doing Business with the City of Brampton
2026-03-04 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
This 60-minute webinar will be covering topics on various procurement methods for Brampton.

This 60-minute webinar will be covering topics on various procurement methods the City conducts, where to register to be on the vendor list and the invitational procurement process.

Presented by: The City of Brampton Purchasing Department & Brampton Entrepreneur Centre

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend City of Brampton events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact bec@brampton.ca at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Summer Company Info Session: Launch Your Business & Get Up to $3K
2026-03-04 16:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Students 15-29: Launch your summer business! Get up to $3K funding, mentorship & tools. Learn about Summer Company at this free info session

Summer Company Info Session: Launch Your Business & Get Up to $3K in Funding
Are you a student aged 15-29 looking to start a business this summer? Join us for a free virtual information session about Summer Company, a program that helps young entrepreneurs launch and operate full-time businesses over the summer months.
The program provides:

Up to $3,000 in provincial grant funding
Mentorship from Brampton’s business community
Access to tools, services, and workshops
Support to develop your business plan and skills

What We’ll Cover In the Info Session:

Program requirements and eligibility
Application process and timeline
How to write an effective business plan
Available resources and support

Space is limited for this program, so learn how to make your application stand out!
Hosted by the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre
Questions? Contact us at bec@brampton.ca

We Mean Business – Networking Breakfast
2026-03-06 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House, 3050 Garden Street, #unit 121, #unit 121, #unit 121, Whitby, ON, L1R 2G7, Canada
Join us at Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House in Whitby for a Networking Breakfast

Join us at Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House in Whitby for a Networking Breakfast
Looking to connect with fellow business owners in Durham Region? Join us for a laid-back networking Breakfast at Stacked Pancake & Breakfast House in Whitby.
This isn’t your typical networking event. “We Mean Business” is all about good food, great conversations, and meeting people who get what it’s like to run a business. Whether you’re new to the scene or a seasoned pro, this is your chance to share ideas, swap stories, and build real connections.
Here’s the scoop: Cost: $10 to reserve your spot. We’ll have a giftcard draw for those who join us. Food: Your meal is up to you. Grab your seat, bring your business cards, and come ready to chat.
We hope to see you there.

Panel Discussion: How Women Entrepreneurs can sell to Government
2026-03-06 10:00 - 23:00 (America/Toronto)
Join to learn how women entrepreneurs can engage Government as a potential client for your business.

Procurement Assistance Canada, Supply Ontario, Women Business Enterprise Canada Council, and the City of Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre are partnering to deliver an informative virtual session focused on helping women entrepreneurs engage government and navigate public procurement processes.
This session provides a valuable opportunity for women?owned businesses to explore how government purchasing works and to gain practical guidance on entering the government marketplace. All women entrepreneurs interested in supplying goods or services to government are encouraged to join.
Participants will hear from procurement experts who will share insights, best practices, and the supports available to help businesses build confidence and capacity in the procurement space.
Attendees will learn:
• how to identify and pursue relevant procurement opportunities• what government buyers consider when evaluating suppliers• common barriers faced by women entrepreneurs and strategies to overcome them• certifications, resources, and programs that support women?owned businesses
This virtual session offers actionable knowledge, direct access to experienced procurement professionals, and a supportive environment to help women entrepreneurs move forward in securing government contracts.

Exporting via E-Commerce: Logistics, Customs & Regulations (Virtual)
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
Your essential roadmap to exporting e-commerce products efficiently and compliantly.

Note: This event page is for the virtual option of our hybrid model. Click here to go to the in-person event page.
About this workshop:
Join us for a comprehensive workshop designed to guide you through the essential elements of exporting goods overseas. Whether you’re new to international trade or looking to refine your current operations, this session will provide valuable insights into the key documentation and compliance requirements every exporter needs to understand.
We’ll be covering the foundational export documents necessary to ship products abroad, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and other critical paperwork required for smooth Customs clearance. From there, we’ll explore the main components of Customs compliance, helping you understand how to avoid delays, fines, and legal complications by adhering to international trade regulations.
The workshop will also dive into the logistics of international freight management, including how to calculate and manage duties and taxes across different countries. We’ll examine best practices for export packaging and labelling to ensure your products arrive safely and meet destination country standards.
In addition, you’ll gain insights into various modes of transport—air, sea, road, and rail—and how to choose the most suitable carrier based on cost, speed, and destination. We’ll discuss strategies for handling international returns, and how to streamline your global operations through online marketplaces, fulfillment centers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of the full export process and the tools needed to optimize your international shipping operations.
About the speaker:
Following a + 30-year international logistics career, Christian Sivière started a Montréal-based import-export consultancy in 2010, Solimpex, active in two areas:

consulting to help SMEs grow internationally; and
training on the regulatory, customs and logistics aspects of Importing and Exporting, Free Trade Agreements and Supply Chain Optimization.

Christian is a subject-matter expert and lectures for the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association in Toronto, gives seminars and webinars for various trade organizations like the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, Export Québec, Invest Ottawa, Supply Chain Canada and similar, and personalized training for importers and exporters. He publishes articles in Inside Logistics and Supply Professional.

*Please note that you will receive an email with the link to join this webinar upon registering and before the session. If you do not receive it, please check your junk mailbox.

Exporting via E-Commerce: Logistics, Customs & Regulations (In Person)
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2C5, Canada
Your essential roadmap to exporting e-commerce products efficiently and compliantly.

Note: This event page is for the in-person option of our hybrid model. Click here to go to the virtual event page.
About this workshop:
Join us for a comprehensive workshop designed to guide you through the essential elements of exporting goods overseas. Whether you’re new to international trade or looking to refine your current operations, this session will provide valuable insights into the key documentation and compliance requirements every exporter needs to understand.
We’ll be covering the foundational export documents necessary to ship products abroad, including commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and other critical paperwork required for smooth Customs clearance. From there, we’ll explore the main components of Customs compliance, helping you understand how to avoid delays, fines, and legal complications by adhering to international trade regulations.
The workshop will also dive into the logistics of international freight management, including how to calculate and manage duties and taxes across different countries. We’ll examine best practices for export packaging and labelling to ensure your products arrive safely and meet destination country standards.
In addition, you’ll gain insights into various modes of transport—air, sea, road, and rail—and how to choose the most suitable carrier based on cost, speed, and destination. We’ll discuss strategies for handling international returns, and how to streamline your global operations through online marketplaces, fulfillment centers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs).
By the end of this session, you will have a clearer understanding of the full export process and the tools needed to optimize your international shipping operations.
About the speaker:
Following a + 30-year international logistics career, Christian Sivière started a Montréal-based import-export consultancy in 2010, Solimpex, active in two areas:

consulting to help SMEs grow internationally; and
training on the regulatory, customs and logistics aspects of Importing and Exporting, Free Trade Agreements and Supply Chain Optimization.

Christian is a subject-matter expert and lectures for the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association in Toronto, gives seminars and webinars for various trade organizations like the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, Export Québec, Invest Ottawa, Supply Chain Canada and similar, and personalized training for importers and exporters. He publishes articles in Inside Logistics and Supply Professional.

Petit-déjeuner réseautage des entreprises francophones
2026-03-10 08:30 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Centre culturel francophone de Pembroke, 303 rue James, Pembroke, Ontario, K8A 4V1, Canada
Joignez-vous à la communauté d’affaires francophone du comté de Renfrew pour une matinée de réseautage, d’ateliers pratiques et de célébration du Prix de l’entrepreneur·e francophone.
Au programme :

Bernard Charlebois (Boum Strategies) – Redécouvrir le marketing qui fonctionne
FGA – Solutions de financement pour accélérer la croissance de votre entreprise
Réseautage et célébration de l’entrepreneuriat francophone

(Webinar) Smart Hiring for Start-ups: The Co-op Model
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us in this 60-minute webinar on hiring students through University of Guelph-Humber.

** ZOOM LOGIN INFO WILL BE E-MAILED 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THOSE WHO REGISTERED**

Are you a business looking to hire fresh talent in your company without breaking your bank account? Did you know there is a support service that can help you prepare your job posting and get you hiring the right individual faster, quicker, and more efficiently? Going through the co-op route, you can test the waters with some of the brightest students and bring them on for a short duration without a long term commitment.

Welcome to the Smart Hiring for Start-up Series, where you will hear from an employment specialist from the most reputable Colleges and Universities in the Greater Toronto Area. Come learn about government subsidies, program offerings, and unpaid project based opportunities available to your business. Don’t miss out on this great chance to meet with the right contact that can connect you to the right students to help your business scale and grow.
Join us today!
Career & Placement Services | University of Guelph-Humber

Understanding Consumer Protection Requirements
2026-03-10 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Come and learn about Consumer Protection Requirements from the CPO.

In collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre Durham, Consumer Protection Ontario is offering a free webinar to help business owners and operators learn more about their obligations under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002.
This free one-hour webinar:

uses an interactive online format with opportunities to participate and ask questions
features presenters including ministry officials and subject matter experts

Please register to attend if you are a business owner/operator interested in joining this webinar. All businesses are welcome.
Presented by: Consumer Protection Ontario

First Steps in Exporting 101
2026-03-10 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Learn export basics, market selection, compliance, and supports to help your business start selling globally.

Hiring and Terminating Employees – Legal Essentials for Employers and SMBs
2026-03-11 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Hiring and firing employees isn’t just about making the right business decisions—it’s about doing it legally and protecting your company.

Hiring and firing employees isn’t just about making the right business decisions—it’s about doing it legally and protecting your company. Join employment lawyer Steven King from King Law for a practical session designed for small business owners and employers.
In this free workshop, you’ll learn:

How to avoid costly mistakes when hiring contractors and employees
Worker misclassification risks and what they mean for your business
How to draft strong employment and contractor agreements
Termination best practices and legal requirements every employer must know

Who should attend?
Small business owners, managers, and anyone responsible for hiring or managing staff.
Plus: Bring your questions! Steven will host a live Q&A to address your specific concerns.
