Small Business Enterprise Centre

Business Planning Launchpad Series (4 of 4): Financials
2026-04-30 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | ON
Business Planning Launchpad Series – Financials: learn how to successfully budget, manage cash flow and finances

How to Write a Business Plan
2026-04-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Part of our Beginner’s Webinar Series, this session teaches new entrepreneurs how to turn their idea into a clear, actionable roadmap. Learn the key components of a strong business plan and how to use it to guide decisions and attract support for your business.

(Webinar) Building a Successful Side Hustle
2026-04-30 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | ON
Join Futurpreneur for a free, online interactive workshop.

Please join us as we explore turning passion projects into side businesses!
Thinking about starting a side hustle business but not sure where to begin?

Join Futurpreneur for a free, online interactive workshop designed to help you explore your ideas and create a roadmap to launching your next side hustle business.
A side hustle can be a great way to pursue a passion project. With 28% of Canadians already running a part-time business, many others are looking to do the same but aren’t sure where to start.

Our Workshop
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:

Spot opportunities for your side hustle
Avoid common pitfalls that new entrepreneurs face
Create a simple roadmap to move from idea to action

The workshop will be led by a senior staff member from Futurpreneur, who has helped hundreds of young entrepreneurs across Canada.

Event Details:? Thursday, April 30th | ? 11AM–12:30 PM?Virtual event
? Secure your spot today and take the next step toward your side hustle!
* By registering for this event, you agree that your contact information will be shared with our event co-partner for follow-up purposes related to the event.

Importing and Exporting: A Toolkit About Logistics and Customs Clearance
2026-04-30 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
In this engaging session, you will be given key tools to use in navigating through the various import, export and customs procedures.

The importing and exporting process in Canada can be complicated. In this engaging session, you will be given key tools to use in navigating through the various import, export and customs procedures and will cover the “who, what, where, when and why” of these processes. Ample time will be given to answering your specific questions about any topic related to these activities. The speaker, Perry Lo, is a licensed customs broker and a professional logistician who has over 15 years of experience in Canada.
A link to the webinar will be shared a couple of days in advance. Please note this webinar is most helpful for businesses in Ontario, Canada.

Foodpreneur Advantage - Costing and Pricing to Make Profits
2026-04-30 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
This session is for you if you want to know how to price your food or beverage product appropriately.
In this free 60-minute online seminar learn about:

Understanding your COGS
Cash Flow Management
Planning for Profits

If you want to run a successful business it’s important for you to know the ‘numbers’. Learn how to cost and price your products and services for profitability and how the decisions you make about your operations and production processes affect your bottom line. Understand how to budget and spend money so you can pay all your bills and still have money left in your pocket at the end of the year.
Each participant will receive an Excel Financial Forecasting spreadsheet (blank) and completed examples for both a product and service business to assist you through the process. Use the spreadsheet to develop your individual timeline, operating and capital costs, and pricing calculator to create a cashflow projection and income statement for your business.
You will leave with a better understanding of how to properly cost and price your product to make a profit in the food and beverage industry!
Next Session: Thursday, April 30th, 2026, at 10:00 am (This session is offered 4 times per year.)
Duration: 1 hour

Entrepreneurship 101: Money Map – Cash Flow Forecasting
2026-04-29 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | VentureNorth, Lower Level Board Room, 270 George Street North, Peterborough, ON, K9J 3H1, Canada
Understand how to effectively manage your cash flow for financial stability and growth in Entrepreneurship 101: Money Map

Entrepreneurship 101: Money Map
Description:Cash flow is the lifeblood of any business. In this practical and insightful workshop, entrepreneurs and small business owners will learn how to effectively manage and forecast cash flow to ensure financial stability and growth.
Key takeaways include:

Understanding the importance of cash flow management.
Learning how to create accurate cash flow forecasts.
Identifying potential cash flow challenges and solutions.
Gaining tools to monitor, analyze, and improve cash flow.
Strategizing for seasonal fluctuations and unexpected expenses.

With hands-on exercises and real-world examples, this workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence to anticipate your business’s financial needs and make informed decisions that drive success. Perfect for those looking to optimize operations, secure funding, or plan for future growth.

What Lenders Are Looking For
2026-04-29 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | St. Catharines City Hall, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7C2, Canada
Learn how financial institutions assess small business loans

The “What Lenders Are Looking For” workshop covers important information about how Canadian financial institutions assess the credit worthiness of startups and existing small businesses. It helps participants to understand their financial institutions.
Presented by Volker Loetfering of Venture Niagara.

**Please complete all sections of the registration, including additional questions. Incomplete registrations or registrations with invalid answers may be cancelled.

Location Details:

50 Church St., St. Catharines – City Hall

Burgoyne Woods Roon

3rd Floor

Validating Your Business Concept: Cash Flow Meets Startup Canvas (Virtual)
2026-04-28 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
This session is targeted at entrepreneurs who are at the idea stage of starting a business.

About this workshop:
Do you have a great idea, but aren’t sure if it could become a great business?
This interactive 1.5-hour session is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to explore whether their idea has the potential to become a successful venture. Whether you’re at the very beginning of your entrepreneurial journey or re-evaluating an existing concept, this webinar will help you take a critical first step.
What You’ll Learn:

Assessing Your Business Idea: Learn how to evaluate your idea through key questions that entrepreneurs should ask before launching. We’ll discuss factors such as customer needs, value proposition, market fit, and feasibility.
Introduction to the Lean Startup Canvas: You’ll be introduced to the Lean Startup Canvas – a powerful, one-page tool designed to help you visually map out the key components of your business model. We’ll guide you through each section, helping you start validating your idea right away.
Understanding Basic Cash Flow: Finances are critical, especially in the early stages of a business. We’ll walk you through a simple cash flow projection tool to help you understand your potential income, expenses, and financial runway. cash flow template will be provided to all attendees for ongoing use.

Who Should Attend:

Individuals with a new business idea they’d like to explore
Early-stage entrepreneurs seeking validation tools
Anyone considering self-employment or launching a small business

What You’ll Leave With:

A solid understanding of what makes an idea viable
A draft version of your Lean Startup Canvas
A cash flow worksheet tailored to small businesses
Greater confidence in deciding whether to move forward

Note: All attendees will be receiving a copy of the lean startup canvas & cash flow worksheet (with formulas pre-saved) live through chat during the session.

About the speaker:
Paula Hopkins is a passionate entrepreneurship advocate. She is the Director of the Entrepreneurship Team, and has worked with Invest Ottawa for over 10 years to help people start and grow their businesses.

*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.

Legal Bootcamp with Ownr
2026-04-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Understanding Legal Business Structures in Canada. Having a business idea is the first step in your journey as an entrepreneur. Now it’s time to determine which business structure is the right fit for you. What are the differences between sole proprietorships and incorporations? Is one better suited to your goals
Join Eloise Flesh, Growth Manager at Ownr, as she walks through the key differences between business structures and helps you gain clarity on the best path forward for your business.

Starting a Business in Ottawa: Rules, Resources & Roadmaps (Virtual)
2026-04-27 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Start smart – learn the rules, find support, launch with confidence.

About this workshop:
Have a business idea but aren’t sure how to take the first step? This engaging and informative webinar is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of exploring business ownership. Whether you’re considering a side hustle, launching a startup, or turning a passion into a full-time venture, this session will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to get started confidently and compliantly.
Led by experts from Invest Ottawa, this beginner-level seminar will introduce you to the key regulatory requirements and business considerations at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. You’ll learn about:

Municipal Requirements: Understand business licensing requirements and zoning considerations in Ottawa.
Provincial Regulations: Explore different business structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation), how to register your business in Ontario, and what structure might be best for you.
Federal Obligations: Get an overview of federal requirements including HST registration and obtaining a Business Number (BN).

In addition to regulatory basics, the webinar will highlight valuable resources available to entrepreneurs, including:

Support Services & Community Resources: Discover how Invest Ottawa and its partners can support your entrepreneurial journey through mentorship, networking, training, and more.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the path to launching your business and where to find the support you need every step of the way.
Who Should Attend:

First-time entrepreneurs
Individuals with a business idea but no prior experience
Anyone looking to understand the business startup landscape in Ottawa and Ontario

About the speaker:
Paula Hopkins is a passionate entrepreneurship advocate. She is the Director of the Entrepreneurship Team, and has worked with Invest Ottawa for over 10 years to help people start and grow their businesses.

*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.

Entrepreneur Essentials: Business Plan Writing Tips
2026-04-27 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Join the VBEC team for a group session on business plan writing tips.

Steps to Starting a Small Business (virtual)
2026-04-24 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Wondering where to start with your small business? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an introductory overview.

Wondering where to start with your small business? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an introduction to the rules and regulations surrounding your small business start-up. Topics include forms of business, licensing, business name registration, and more!

**Please complete all sections of the registration, including additional questions. Incomplete registrations or registrations with invalid answers may be cancelled.

Business Planning Launchpad Series (3 of 4)
2026-04-23 18:00 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | ON
Operations, Time and Risk Management

Tax Seminar with the CRA: T2 Incorporated Small Business
2026-04-23 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
Hosted by the CRA this workshop provides small business owners with a overview of the relationship between their business and taxation.

The CRA Liaison Officer tax seminar targets incorporated small business owners. This session helps:

Explain common tax errors, what causes them and how to avoid them
Demonstrate how to use financial benchmarks for relevant industries
Provide information on the CRA’s services
Explain general bookkeeping concepts and best practices

This seminar will provide small business owners with a general overview of the relationship between their business and taxation. It also allows participants the opportunity to speak directly to a representative from the CRA to ask any questions that they might have concerning business issues.

Understanding Rules of Origin & Duty Drawback Programs
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Learn the rules of origin and duty drawback to help Toronto businesses navigate tariffs, classify products, and trade more predictably.

Foodpreneur Advantage - How to Sell Your Food Product
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
This session is for you if you want to learn how to sell your food product at markets, online, or to retailers.
In this free 60-minute online seminar learn about:

How to set your pricing for success
Positioning your product on the market
Building an audience of raving fans
The key things you can do to secure the sale

You have worked hard to develop a great product but you’re struggling to make sales. What gives?
Successfully selling your product involves more than just having great tasting food. Pricing, marketing, and how you position your product all play a key role in ensuring that people will buy it.
In this session, we will be joined by Nicole Haney, former Founder & CEO of Boho Bars, a national energy bar company. Nicole will guide us through the key factors to consider in successfully selling your product, whether you’re selling at markets, online, or to retailers.
You will leave with a better understanding of how to successfully sell your product in the food and beverage industry!
Next Session: Thursday, April 23rd, 2026 at 10:00 am (This session is offered 4 times per year.)
Duration: 1 hour

Bookkeeping Set Up for New Business Owners
2026-04-23 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Setting up your books is one of the most common—and costly—struggles for new and growing business owners.

Setting up your books is one of the most common—and costly—struggles for new and growing business owners. If bookkeeping feels overwhelming, confusing, or easy to put off, this session is designed for you.
Join Mohamed Bachani of Unique Accounting Services, a referral partner, for a 90-minute practical workshop that breaks bookkeeping down into clear, manageable steps—without accounting jargon.This session focuses on helping you understand what to do, why it matters, and how to stay compliant with the CRA, so your finances support your business instead of stressing you out.
What You’ll Learn – In this 90-minute session, we’ll cover:

Why good bookkeeping matters for cash flow, pricing decisions, taxes, and long-term growth
Essential financial concepts explained in plain language (no accounting background required)
How to choose the right bookkeeping system—software vs. spreadsheets
How to set up a simple and effective chart of accounts
Proper invoicing and how to track income accurately
How to categorize and record expenses correctly
CRA requirements for receipts and financial documentation
HST basics: when and how to register, what to collect, and what to remit
How to pay yourself correctly as a new business owner
Monthly routines and financial habits that keep your books clean, current, and stress-free

Who Should Attend

New entrepreneurs and startups
Small business owners who are DIY-ing their bookkeeping
Business owners who want to understand their numbers better before hiring help
Anyone feeling behind, unsure, or frustrated with their financial records

About the Speaker: Mohamed Bachani is the founder of Unique Accounting Services, supporting small business owners with practical, compliant, and easy-to-understand accounting and bookkeeping solutions. Mohamed specializes in helping entrepreneurs build strong financial foundations from day one—so they can make confident business decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Banking Ready: Create a Business Plan That’s Ready – Entrepreneurs Connect
2026-04-22 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Learn the key components of a great business plan and leave with a framework for moving your ideas to the next level.

Join us in this 1 hour seminar: Banking Ready: Create a Business Plan That’s Ready, 2026 Entrepreneurs Connect Spring Series

In this session, you’ll learn how to craft a detailed and persuasive business plan that effectively showcases your business vision, financial projections, and growth strategy. You’ll be guided through key elements that lenders and investors look for, from market analysis to cash flow statements, ensuring your plan is fully prepared to attract financing. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your business’s financial foundation and increase your chances of securing the funding you need to succeed.
Proudly Sponsored by TD

Agenda:
6 – 6:20pm – Registration/Networking
6:20 – 6:30pm – Opening Remarks
6:30 – 7:30pm – Presentation/Activity
7:30 – 8:00pm – Networking/Wrap Up
ABOUT THE PRESENTERComing soon!
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Note: If you require an accommodation, please notify us by email at least 1 week before the event date at bec@brampton.ca
To cancel the accommodation, we require 5 business days’ notice before the event date.

Entrepreneurship 101: Employer Essentials – WSIB & Service Canada
2026-04-22 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | VentureNorth, Lower Level Board Room, 270 George Street North, Peterborough, ON, K9J 3H1, Canada
Learn your obligations as an business owner when hiring and managing staff, including WSIB, reporting, SINs, ROEs, and return to work.

Description:Hiring your first employee or growing a team comes with important legal and operational responsibilities. In this workshop, business owners will gain a clear understanding of their obligations as employers and the systems that support informed, compliant hiring decisions. Delivered by experts from Service Canada and the Office of the Employer Advisor, this session complements the Staff Smart workshop by going deeper into employer requirements and risk management.
Key takeaways include:

Understanding employer obligations related to WSIB, workplace injuries, and claims.
Learning how to determine whether an injury or illness is work-related and your reporting responsibilities.
Gaining clarity on return-to-work, re-employment, and accommodation obligations.
Learning best practices for handling Social Insurance Numbers as an employer.
Understanding Records of Employment, including how and when to issue them using ROE Web.
Exploring Job Bank and other Service Canada tools available to support employers.

This practical session will help entrepreneurs reduce risk, stay compliant, and make confident hiring and staff management decisions as their business grows. Ideal for business owners preparing to hire, currently employing staff, or looking to strengthen their employer foundations.

Rooted to Rise: Parry Sound Area
2026-04-22 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, 2 Bay Street, Parry Sound, ON, P2A 1S4, Canada
This half-day session offers mindset tools and community marketing strategies to root your business in clarity, connection, and confidence.

This half-day interactive workshop supports rural entrepreneurs with two key ingredients for sustainable business growth: mindset and community connection.
The first portion focuses on mindset and change management, offering tools that help business owners identify and shift unconscious patterns that may be holding them back. Through guided exercises, reframing activities, and partner work, participants gain clarity, build confidence, and become more emotionally ready to lead change in their business.
The second portion explores relationship-based, community-rooted marketing—designed for business owners who want a more values-aligned and sustainable approach to visibility. This session reframes what marketing “should” look like, while highlighting creative, real-world strategies that go beyond social media.
This session is ideal for entrepreneurs navigating growth, uncertainty, or transition who want practical tools and a supportive environment to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Flow of the Day (3-Hour Format):

Part 1 – Mindset Matters (60 mins)
Explore how unconscious beliefs shape business decisions, habits, and stress.
Learn how to reframe limiting thoughts into forward action.
Participate in a partner-based exercise to shift perspective.
Begin identifying mindset blocks that hinder growth.Structured Networking with Purpose (20 mins)
A lightly facilitated networking segment using card-based table rotations and reflective questions.
Promotes deeper peer connections.
Gently reinforces the earlier mindset work.
Sets the tone for community collaboration.
Break 10 minPart 2 – Community Marketing in Rural Ontario (75 mins)
Break away from social media overwhelm and build a marketing approach that’s people-first.
Learn how to identify local relationship opportunities.
Explore case studies of community-driven success stories.
Map current contacts and plan outreach with a shared-client focus. (group work)Wrap-Up & Goal Setting (15 mins)
Clarify next steps based on personal insights and using SMART goals
Commit to at least one mindset shift and one community marketing action.
Invitation to stay connected with peers and local supports.

This event is a collaboration by The Business Centre Nipising Parry Sound, Parry Sound Area CB&DC Community Futures and the Northern Ontario Women program.

Steps to Starting a Small Business
2026-04-22 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | St. Catharines Enterprise Centre, 14 Ontario St, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7M3, Canada
Wondering where to start with your small business? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an introductory overview.

Wondering where to start with your small business? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an introduction to the rules and regulations surrounding your small business start-up. Topics include forms of business, licensing, business name registration, and more!

**Please complete all sections of the registration, including additional questions. Incomplete registrations or registrations with invalid answers may be cancelled.

Location Update:

14 Ontario St., St. Catharines Enterprise Centre Office

CRA Tax Seminar: T2 – Incorporations
2026-04-21 13:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | ON
Join the CRA Liaison Services to learn valuable tax information and get your questions answered!

Join us for an information session presented by the Canada Revenue Agency’s liaison services. Taxes can be complicated – make the process a bit easier! This session includes:

Information on common tax errors and how to avoid them
General bookkeeping concepts and best practices
Financial benchmarks for relevant industries
Information on the CRA’s services

Session will also include Q & A.

**Please complete all sections of the registration, including additional questions. Incomplete registrations or registrations with invalid answers may be cancelled.

Social Enterprise 101: The Intersection of Profit and Purpose (Virtual)
2026-04-21 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
What exactly is a social enterprise? How do you start one? And where can you go for help?

About the workshop:
Are you curious about how business can be used as a force for good? Join us for an in-depth webinar that explores the world of social enterprise – a unique and growing business model that blends entrepreneurial strategies with a mission to create meaningful social, environmental, or cultural impact.
In this session, you’ll gain a detailed understanding of what defines a social enterprise and how it differs from traditional for-profit businesses and non-profits. We’ll explore the key characteristics and models of social enterprises, and learn about important legal and operational considerations, such as choosing the right structure, balancing profit and purpose, and measuring social impact.
The webinar will also feature real-world examples of local social enterprises, highlighting how they operate, generate revenue, and deliver measurable benefits to their communities. Whether you’re considering starting your own social enterprise or simply want to understand how they work, these stories will provide inspiration and insight.
Additionally, we will cover the support resources available to aspiring social entrepreneurs, including funding opportunities, mentorship programs, business development services, and local networks.
This session is perfect for entrepreneurs, community leaders, non-profit professionals, students, or anyone interested in building a more sustainable and equitable future through innovative business models.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how you can turn your passion for social change into a viable and impactful enterprise.
About CSED:
The Centre for Social Enterprise Development (CSED) offers a continuum of support for social enterprises in the Ottawa area, including access to technical expertise, coaching, learning communities, training, and cross-sector partnerships. CSED works with its clients to develop their social enterprise plan and provide them with the tools, strategies and support to perpetuate positive social change and grow profitably.
www.csedottawa.ca

*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.

Rooted to Rise: North Bay Area
2026-04-21 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | 250 Clark, 250 Clark Street, Powassan, ON, P0H 1Z0, Canada
This half-day session offers mindset tools and community marketing strategies to root your business in clarity, connection, and confidence.

This half-day interactive workshop supports rural entrepreneurs with two key ingredients for sustainable business growth: mindset and community connection.
The first portion focuses on mindset and change management, offering tools that help business owners identify and shift unconscious patterns that may be holding them back.
Through guided exercises, reframing activities, and partner work, participants gain clarity, build confidence, and become more emotionally ready to lead change in their business.
The second portion explores relationship-based, community-rooted marketing—designed for business owners who want a more values-aligned and sustainable approach to visibility.
This session reframes what marketing “should” look like, while highlighting creative, real-world strategies that go beyond social media.
This session is ideal for entrepreneurs navigating growth, uncertainty, or transition who want practical tools and a supportive environment to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Flow of the Day (3-Hour Format):
Part 1 – Mindset Matters (60 mins)

Explore how unconscious beliefs shape business decisions, habits, and stress.
Learn how to reframe limiting thoughts into forward action.
Participate in a partner-based exercise to shift perspective.
Begin identifying mindset blocks that hinder growth.
Structured Networking with Purpose (20 mins)
A lightly facilitated networking segment using card-based table rotations and reflective questions.
Promotes deeper peer connections.
Gently reinforces the earlier mindset work.
Sets the tone for community collaboration.
Break 10 minPart 2 – Community Marketing in Rural Ontario (75 mins)
Break away from social media overwhelm and build a marketing approach that’s people-first.
Learn how to identify local relationship opportunities.
Explore case studies of community-driven success stories.
Map current contacts and plan outreach with a shared-client focus. (group work)Wrap-Up & Goal Setting (15 mins)
Clarify next steps based on personal insights and using SMART goals
Commit to at least one mindset shift and one community marketing action.
Invitation to stay connected with peers and local supports.

This event is a collaboration by The Business Centre Nipising Parry Sound, NECO Community Futures and the Northern Ontario Women program.

Branding Basics 101
2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Interactive workshop on branding: define your identity, go beyond logos, and create consistency across every touchpoint.

Whether you’re launching a new business, rebranding, or just looking to sharpen your message, this interactive workshop will walk you through the essentials of branding. You’ll learn what a brand truly is (beyond just a logo), how to define your brand identity, and how to create consistency across all touchpoints.

In this workshop, you will:

Understand the key elements of a brand
Define your brand’s mission, values, and voice
Identify your target audience
Learn how to craft a compelling brand story
Explore visual branding basics (logos, color palettes, typography)
Get tools and templates to start building your brand right away

Perfect for entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners. No prior branding experience needed!

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Prince Khan, MEDI, CITP®|FIBP® | Supervisor at the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre
Prince is a highly accomplished Business Consultant and a Certified International Trade Professional. With over 13 years of experience in the entrepreneurial space, he has been instrumental in helping start-up entrepreneurs master their business ventures. In his former role at the Halton Small Business Centre/Global Business Centre, Prince has assisted business owners with advisory services on business start-ups and domestic expansion while educating companies on exploring opportunities for global business scaling. Prince’s role also requires him to be an active networker, and he uses his personal brand to develop powerful relationships with the community around him. In addition to his professional achievements, Prince is an Adjunct Professor where he teaches at Colleges and Universities in Ontario specializing in entrepreneurship. Prince has recently completed his Master’s in Economic Development and Innovation from the University of Waterloo and now uses his education to build stronger and more resilient community in Brampton through a bottom-up innovation approach.

Diversifying to Export Markets 101
2026-04-21 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
Intro webinar helping Toronto businesses diversify export markets, navigate tariffs, use trade agreements, and access government support.

Build a Stronger Brand with Strategic Imagery
2026-04-21 09:30 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | ON
Develop visual literacy, understand commercial photography, and make smarter creative decisions for your business.

Think like a commercial photographer to create stronger images now and build the foundation for working with creative professionals as your business grows.
Great branding photography is about more than taking pretty images—it’s about communicating value, building trust, and supporting how your business shows up in the market. This workshop is designed to help small business owners become more visually literate, gaining a clear understanding of what makes a strong commercial image and how strategic photography supports brand growth.
Participants will learn how professional images are planned and used across marketing platforms, along with foundational concepts like composition, lighting, styling, and visual consistency. The workshop will also introduce what it looks like to work with professional creatives, including understanding commercial photography, image licensing, and how to hire and collaborate effectively.
While the focus is on understanding and strategy, attendees will also leave with simple, practical tips to help improve their own photography in the early stages of their business—along with a clearer roadmap for elevating their visual presence over time.
When: Tuesday April 21, 2026 | 9:30 – 12pm
Where: In-Person – Collingwood Public Library
Tickets: https://build-a-stronger-brand-with-strategic-imagery.eventbrite.ca
AGENDA:
Part 1: Photography Literacy for Your Business

Why photography matters for your brand
What makes a strong commercial image
Practical tips to improve your photos now
Thinking ahead: building a visual foundation for your business

Part 2: Working With Creative Professionals

Commercial vs Consumer Photography
Understanding image copyright, licensing and usage
What working with a professional actually looks like
Hiring and Collaborating with the right creative
_____

About Heather Goldsworthy, Commercial Photographer & Art Director
Heather is a commercial photographer and art director with over 20 years of experience helping businesses create clear, compelling brand imagery. She has worked across food and beverage, product, architectural interiors, and corporate branding, collaborating with agencies, designers, and independent business owners. Heather’s approach blends practical strategy with thoughtful execution to help businesses create visuals that support long-term brand growth.

E-Commerce 201: Mastering 3 Pillars – Acquisition, Conversion & Retention
2026-04-20 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Purpose-built strategies for small businesses navigating today’s fast-paced online market.

About the workshop:
You’ve validated your idea and taken the first steps toward launching your online store – now it’s time to grow!
In this follow-up to our ‘Intro to E-Commerce: From Idea to First Sale in Ten Steps’ session, we’ll dive deeper into what it takes to build and scale a successful e-commerce business.
This workshop will focus on the three foundational pillars of e-commerce: acquisition, conversion, and retention. You’ll learn how to attract the right customers, turn visitors into buyers, and keep them coming back – all using proven strategies tailored for small businesses operating in today’s fast-moving digital marketplace.
Whether you’re in the early stages of building your store or already making sales, this webinar will equip you with practical, actionable insights to help you strengthen your brand, improve performance, and grow sustainably.

*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.

Marketing Your Business with AI: Strategies for Lasting Impact (In Person)
2026-04-17 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2C5, Canada
Discover how AI can amplify your storytelling, streamline your content strategy, and personalize customer experiences.

Note: This event page is for the in-person option of our hybrid model – and is now SOLD OUT. Click here to go to the virtual event page and join us for this session virtually!
About this workshop:
Are you struggling to create a marketing strategy that truly connects with your audience?Do you find yourself facing roadblocks that prevent you from building brand loyalty and driving consistent revenue growth? In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven market, entrepreneurs need more than just a great product – they need a strategy that uses AI to build lasting relationships with customers, delivering personalized experiences at scale.
Invest Ottawa is excited to host Lubna Forzley, Founder and CEO of Stories, for an exclusive deep dive into AI-powered marketing strategies. Drawing from her experience with Coca-Cola – an iconic global brand – Lubna will guide you through the critical elements of developing a 360-degree marketing plan.
Discover how AI can amplify your storytelling, streamline your content strategy, and personalize customer experiences, transforming your brand’s presence and driving sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways:

Learn from Coca-Cola’s Success: Gain insights from Lubna Forzley, Founder of Stories and Coca-Cola alum, as she unpacks the strategies behind building a brand that resonates globally.
Harness AI for Smarter Marketing: Explore how AI tools can supercharge your content creation, customer segmentation, and real-time data analysis.
Build a 360-Degree Marketing Plan: Leave with an actionable roadmap – integrating AI and traditional strategies – to elevate your brand’s influence and grow your business.

About the speaker:
Lubna is the Founder and CEO of Stories, a coaching and mental health platform that was proudly recognized as the Most Innovative Mental Health Tech for 2023 by Mentl. With a unique career spanning marketing and coaching, she combines her expertise to grow organizations, while growing their leaders.
A passionate advocate for growth and transformation, Lubna is an ICF-accredited (PCC) coach and a certified practitioner in Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry Program. She has worked with royalty and leaders from Fortune 500 companies—including Coca-Cola, Google, American Express, BP, Bayer, and Square, BASF, US Department of Airforce, Federal Aviation Administration and CVC Health Corporation
With over 20 years of leadership and consulting experience, Lubna has held regional executive positions at Coca-Cola, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and BNP Paribas, as well as advising startups across various industries, including e-commerce, FMCG, banking, and human development. As a Coca-Cola alumna, she spent years building the iconic brand and driving impactful initiatives.
Speaking and Thought Leadership:
Lubna is a globally recognized speaker, having delivered hundreds of talks worldwide, including two TEDx talks. She has engaged with organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Endeavor, Invest Ottawa, and TiE, among others. She has hosted global conferences and roundtables featuring luminaries such as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Dr. Gabor Maté, and over 40 household names. Additionally, she has shared stages with notable figures like Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.
Published Work and Media Features:
Lubna is the author of Enhancing Business Community Relations, published by the United Nations Development Programme, and is currently working on her next book, Crack It, which delves into the power of transformation. Her insights have been featured in major outlets, including Associated Press, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as in the book Something to Believe In: Creating Trust and Hope in Organizations.
Advocacy and Personal Life:
As a board member for griefstories.org, Lubna continues her mission to foster meaningful change. A tireless advocate for women in leadership, she is also a proud mother of three, balancing her professional and personal life with grace.

Marketing Your Business with AI: Strategies for Lasting Impact (Virtual)
2026-04-17 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | ON
Discover how AI can amplify your storytelling, streamline your content strategy, and personalize customer experiences.

Note: This event page is for the virtual option of our hybrid model. Click here to go to the in-person event page (Update: in-person tickets have sold out).
About this workshop:
Are you struggling to create a marketing strategy that truly connects with your audience?Do you find yourself facing roadblocks that prevent you from building brand loyalty and driving consistent revenue growth? In today’s fast-paced, AI-driven market, entrepreneurs need more than just a great product – they need a strategy that uses AI to build lasting relationships with customers, delivering personalized experiences at scale.
Invest Ottawa is excited to host Lubna Forzley, Founder and CEO of Stories, for an exclusive deep dive into AI-powered marketing strategies. Drawing from her experience with Coca-Cola – an iconic global brand – Lubna will guide you through the critical elements of developing a 360-degree marketing plan.
Discover how AI can amplify your storytelling, streamline your content strategy, and personalize customer experiences, transforming your brand’s presence and driving sustainable growth.
Key Takeaways:

Learn from Coca-Cola’s Success: Gain insights from Lubna Forzley, Founder of Stories and Coca-Cola alum, as she unpacks the strategies behind building a brand that resonates globally.
Harness AI for Smarter Marketing: Explore how AI tools can supercharge your content creation, customer segmentation, and real-time data analysis.
Build a 360-Degree Marketing Plan: Leave with an actionable roadmap – integrating AI and traditional strategies – to elevate your brand’s influence and grow your business.

About the speaker:
Lubna is the Founder and CEO of Stories, a coaching and mental health platform that was proudly recognized as the Most Innovative Mental Health Tech for 2023 by Mentl. With a unique career spanning marketing and coaching, she combines her expertise to grow organizations, while growing their leaders.
A passionate advocate for growth and transformation, Lubna is an ICF-accredited (PCC) coach and a certified practitioner in Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry Program. She has worked with royalty and leaders from Fortune 500 companies—including Coca-Cola, Google, American Express, BP, Bayer, and Square, BASF, US Department of Airforce, Federal Aviation Administration and CVC Health Corporation
With over 20 years of leadership and consulting experience, Lubna has held regional executive positions at Coca-Cola, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and BNP Paribas, as well as advising startups across various industries, including e-commerce, FMCG, banking, and human development. As a Coca-Cola alumna, she spent years building the iconic brand and driving impactful initiatives.
Speaking and Thought Leadership:
Lubna is a globally recognized speaker, having delivered hundreds of talks worldwide, including two TEDx talks. She has engaged with organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Endeavor, Invest Ottawa, and TiE, among others. She has hosted global conferences and roundtables featuring luminaries such as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Dr. Gabor Maté, and over 40 household names. Additionally, she has shared stages with notable figures like Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.
Published Work and Media Features:
Lubna is the author of Enhancing Business Community Relations, published by the United Nations Development Programme, and is currently working on her next book, Crack It, which delves into the power of transformation. Her insights have been featured in major outlets, including Associated Press, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as in the book Something to Believe In: Creating Trust and Hope in Organizations.
Advocacy and Personal Life:
As a board member for griefstories.org, Lubna continues her mission to foster meaningful change. A tireless advocate for women in leadership, she is also a proud mother of three, balancing her professional and personal life with grace.

*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.
