Digital Series Workshops – Day #3
2026-07-29 10:30 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
BEC is hosting a series of workshops all focused on developing your digital marketing skillset.

Digital Marketing Workshop Series: Increase Your Online Visibility

Join BEC for the next half-day intensive in our Digital Marketing Workshop Series, designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners improve their online presence and attract more customers.
This session features two practical workshops:
Website Best Practices & SEO Basics

Learn how to make your website work harder for your business. Discover website best practices that improve user experience, build credibility, and help potential customers find you online through search engines.

Posts to Profits: Leveraging Social Media for Small Businesses

Turn your social media efforts into meaningful business results. Learn how to create engaging content, grow your audience, and use social platforms strategically to increase brand awareness, generate leads, and drive sales.

Whether you’re building a new online presence or looking to improve your current marketing efforts, this intensive will provide practical tools and strategies you can implement right away.

Who Should Attend?
Entrepreneurs, small business owners, startups, and anyone looking to strengthen their digital marketing strategy.

Validating Your Business Concept:Cash Flow Meets Startup Canvas (In Person)
2026-07-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2C5, Canada
For entrepreneurs at the idea stage of starting their business

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:
Do you have a great idea, but aren’t sure if it could become a great business?
This interactive 75-minute 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.

Validating Your Business Concept :Cash Flow Meets Startup Canvas (Virtual)
2026-07-29 13:00 - 14:30 | ON
For entrepreneurs at the idea stage of starting their business

Note: This event page is for the virtual option of our hybrid model. Click here to to to the in-person event page.

About this workshop:
Do you have a great idea, but aren’t sure if it could become a great business?
This interactive 75-minute 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.

Starting a Business in Ottawa: Rules & Resources (In Person)
2026-07-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2C5, Canada
Start smart. Know the rules, find the resources, build your future.

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.

Starting a Business in Ottawa: Rules & Resources (Virtual)
2026-07-29 15:00 - 16:30 | ON
Start smart. Know the rules, find the resources, build your future.

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.

Crafting Your Business Plan
2026-08-04 18:00 - 20:00 | ON
Learn how to create a Profitable Business Roadmap

A thought-out business plan can provide a small business the ability to transform ideas into a concrete, actionable roadmap for success!
This July, August, and September, we invite you to attend one of our virtual Crafting Your Business Plan sessions.
Hosted by the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, this session will help small business owners mitigate risks, avoid costly mistakes, and clarify your target market. A business plan explains your business idea, short and long-term business goals and what resources are available to start and operate your business.

In this session, you will learn:

How to create a clear, written plan that outlines your goals and the exact steps to achieve them.
The goals of a business plan
The methods for attaining those goals
The timeframe for the achievement of the goals.

Attention Starter Company+ applicants:
Attendance at both this online session and the Business Financials 101 session is mandatory prior to submitting your program application.
Our Starter Company+ program is only open and applicable to those businesses that reside in the Guelph/Wellington County.
Please visit the BCGW Events page for registration and upcoming session dates: Events Archive – Business Centre Guelph-Wellington
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Diana Train; Operations Manager for the Business Centre Guelph Wellington: diana@guelphbusiness.com

Service & Funding Orientation with Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation
2026-08-05 10:00 - 11:00 | MS Teams
RCCFDC offers local solutions that fit the challenges of our local economy. As a community-based, provincially incorporated not-for-profit organization that is governed by local volunteers, Community Futures provides support for Renfrew County small to medium sized enterprises that wish to improve efficiencies and finances, grow employment services, and decrease their costs. Learn more about how RCCFDC can help your business!
Hosted by Enterprise Renfrew County in partnership with Renfrew County Community Futures Development Corporation, which is funded by the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). This webinar is delivered locally by Enterprise Renfrew County and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario. Registration data may be shared with sponsors/partners for outcomes reporting purposes.

2026 Brampton’s Starter Company Plus ($5,000 Grant – Information Session)
2026-08-06 18:00 - 20:00 | ON
Brampton’s Starter Company Plus – Information Session (Online – Over Zoom)

Entrepreneur Essentials: Understanding your Value Proposition
2026-08-07 11:00 - 12:30 | ON
Join the VBEC team for a group session exploring who you are as a business.

Exporting via E-Commerce: Logistics, Customs & Regulations (Virtual)
2026-08-10 13:00 - 14:30 | ON
Your essential roadmap to exporting e-commerce products efficiently and compliantly.

Note: This event page is for the virtual option of our hybrid model.

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)
2026-08-10 13:00 - 14:30 | 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.

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.

Entrepreneur Essentials: Business Plan Writing Tips
2026-08-11 13:00 - 14:30 | ON
Join the VBEC team for a group session on business plan writing tips.

Steps to Starting a Small Business (in person)
2026-08-11 13:00 - 14:30 | St. Catharines City Hall, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7C2, Canada
Wondering where to start with your small business? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an introductory overview.

Wondering how to start with your small business in St. Catharines?
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!

__________

Location Details:
St. Catharines City Hall
50 Church St., St. Catharines
3rd Floor; Burgoyne Woods Room

__________

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

Brand Like You Mean It: Why Your Brand Is Your Most Valuable Business Asset
2026-08-12 09:30 - 11:00 | ON
A practical workshop for small business owners who know they need a stronger brand but aren't sure where to start, or why it even matters.

You started your business because you’re good at what you do. But if your customers can’t tell that from the outside (from your business name, look and message), you’re leaving money on the table every single day.
In this 90-minute hands-on workshop, Radhika Kapoor will walk you through what branding really is (hint: it’s not just a logo), why it matters more than ever for small businesses competing in the digital age, and how to start building a brand that works as hard as you do.
Whether you’re just starting out or have been in business for years and feel like something’s “off,” this workshop will give you clarity, confidence, and concrete next steps. No jargon. No fluff. Just real strategies you can use immediately.
Key Takeaways:
Understand what branding really is; and why it’s far more than a logo or colour palette
Know how a strong brand directly increases trust, attracts the right customers, and supports your pricing
Learn the 5 core elements every small business brand needs to be consistent and compelling
Identify where your own brand has gaps and what to fix first
Walk away with a simple Brand Clarity Framework you can act on this week
Feel confident talking about your brand, your story, and your value to customers and partners
Who This Is For:
Small business owners and founders in early to mid-stage growth. Especially those who feel their brand doesn’t yet reflect the quality of their work, or who struggle to explain what makes them different.
About the Presenter:
Radhika Kapoor is the Founder and Creative Director of Moon Rabbit Strategy, a branding-first creative agency that helps businesses tell stories people actually remember.
With over 15 years of experience across retail, technology, healthcare, food, education, finance, and tourism, Radhika has built a reputation as the person founders call when they’re ready to grow, and finally want to look, sound, and feel like the business they know they are.
She works closely with startups and scaling businesses throughout Durham Region and beyond, and serves as a trusted mentor, fractional executive, and subject matter expert for accelerators, chambers, and community organizations. Her work isn’t just about making things look good; it’s about building brands that create real business value.

Sole Proprietorship Tax Class: CRA Small Business Seminar
2026-08-12 10:00 - 12:00 | 1151 Bronte Road, 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Facilitated by an experienced Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Liaison Officer, this informative seminar offers small business owners and entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect directly with the CRA. Participants will gain valuable insights into common tax errors and how to avoid them, effective bookkeeping and record-keeping practices, and the benefits of using benchmarking to assess business performance. The session will also provide an overview of the CRA’s online services and resources designed to help businesses meet their tax obligations and operate more efficiently. Registration is required.

Social Enterprise 101: The Intersection of Profit and Purpose
2026-08-17 12:30 - 13:30 | 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.

E-Commerce 201: Mastering 3 Pillars – Acquisition, Conversion & Retention
2026-08-17 14:00 - 15:30 | 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.

Business Financials 101
2026-08-18 09:00 - 11:00 | ON
Learn how to understand costing, price, sales forecasting and basic financial statements for your small business!

Gain a better understanding of your business costing, pricing, sales forecasting, and basic financial statements!
This July, August, and September, we invite you to attend one of our virtual Business Financials 101 sessions.
Hosted by the Business Centre Guelph-Wellington, this session will help small business owners build a stronger understanding of their financials — an essential part of evaluating business health, improving decision-making, and driving profitability.
In this session, you will learn:

Costing & Pricing: Learn how to calculate product/service costs, set profitable prices, and use pricing strategies that balance customer value with business margins.
Sales Forecasting: Understand how to estimate future sales using market trends, historical data, and customer demand to support budgeting and business planning.
Cash Flow: Techniques for improving budgeting and cash flow management to support more accurate financial forecasting.

Attention Starter Company+ applicants:Attendance at both this online session and the Crafting Your Business Plan session is mandatory prior to submitting your program application.
Our Starter Company+ program is only open and applicable to those businesses that reside in the Guelph/Wellington County.
Please visit the BCGW Events page for registration and upcoming session dates: Events Archive – Business Centre Guelph-WellingtonIf you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Diana Train; Operations Manager for the Business Centre Guelph Wellington: diana@guelphbusiness.com

Exploring Entrepreneurship: From Idea Overload to Business Clarity
2026-08-18 11:00 - 12:00 | MS Teams
Are you bursting with business ideas but unsure which one to pursue first? This webinar is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who feel excited—but overwhelmed—by the possibilities. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies to evaluate your ideas, identify where your skills and passions intersect with real market needs, and choose a direction that aligns with your long-term vision. Participants will learn simple validation techniques, decision-making frameworks, and confidence-building steps to move from uncertainty to clarity. Whether you have two ideas or twenty, this session will help you narrow your focus and take your next step with purpose.
This webinar is delivered locally by Enterprise Renfrew County and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario. Registration data may be shared with sponsors/partners for outcomes reporting purposes.

Bootcamp: Marketing and Sales
2026-08-19 10:00 - 12:00 | 6355 Main St W, 6355 Main St. W, Milton, Ontario, Canada
Discover effective marketing and sales strategies to help grow your small business. Learn about key marketing methodologies, gain an understanding of the sales funnel and pipeline, and explore the fundamentals of building a strong brand. This session will provide valuable insights and practical tools to help improve customer engagement, drive sales, and enhance your day-to-day business operations.

Starting a Business: A Bird’s Eye View of the Legal Landscape (Virtual)
2026-08-19 14:00 - 15:30 | ON
Exploring different forms of business organizations & the legal landscape when it comes to starting a business.

About this workshop:
Join us to get a bird’s eye view of the legal landscape when it comes to starting a business. We will explore different forms of business organizations.
Sole Proprietorships

what does it means to be a sole proprietor? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this structure of business?

Partnerships

how and when can a partnership arise? What are some advantages and disadvantages flowing from this particular structure?

Incorporation

much of the presentation will focus on the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of a corporation (i.e. ownership, continuity, limited liability, tax planning, employee stock options etc.).
how does input at the start-up stage impact the division of equity amongst key stakeholders and directly corresponding, the importance of a shareholders’ agreement while the parties are in good spirits

*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.

Starting a Business: A Birds Eye View of the Legal Landscape (In Person)
2026-08-19 14:00 - 15:30 | Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2C5, Canada

BACD Business Fundamentals: Marketing & Sales
2026-08-19 14:00 - 16:00 | ON
This session will help you create a marketing plan that targets your ideal customer and help you identify the marketing tactics.

Marketing and Sales: Marketing drives sales. Let’s build your strategy.
Without a clear marketing and sales strategy, your business risks wasting time, money—and missing out on customers. In BACD’s Marketing & Sales Session, you’ll learn how to attract the right audience, build your brand, and convert leads into loyal clients.
We’ll help you create a strategy that works for your business and budget.
Here’s what we cover:

Branding and your value proposition
Online and offline marketing tactics
Lead generation and client acquisition
Sales strategy and follow-up process
Digital tools and web elements that support growth

This session is part of our Business Fundamentals Series, which also includes Start Up, Business Planning, and Finance & Operations. Take them in any order—sessions run monthly with flexible times.
Join us and start building a marketing and sales strategy that gets results.

Brampton Ignite – Networking Group
2026-08-19 18:30 - 20:30 | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Ignited by Passion, Fueled by the Community. The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre's exclusive networking event for local entrepreneurs.

The Brampton Ignite – Networking Group is an exclusive networking group led by the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre. The session bolsters the City’s commitment to developing our local entrepreneurial community by providing small business owners the opportunity to hear stories of passion, drive, and resilience of local Brampton business owners. The session will also allow the community to come together and build meaningful bonds and relationships amongst other entrepreneurs in the room. Come experience what our networking group is all about and leave with the fire and passion that ignites us all.

Doors Open: 6:30PM – 7PM
Speakers Ignite Session ?: 7PM – 7:30PM
Group Networking Sessions: 7:30PM – 8:15PM
Wrap up and Closing: 8:15PM – 8:45PM

Chapter 12: Dezeynne Studio – Where Design Becomes Identity

This chapter follows the journey of a visionary who didn’t just learn design — she learned how to listen to brands. Long before the studio lights, curated sets, and bold visual identities, Kavita Kapil was a young designer fascinated by how the world chooses what to wear, what to buy, and what to believe in.
Join the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre as we welcome Kavita to share her entrepreneurial journey: the lessons, the leaps, and the creative risks that turned Dezeynne Studio into a place where design becomes identity — and where every brand finds its true voice.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Kavita Kapil
Dezeynne Studio
After graduating with her Bachelor of Design Honours in 2012, Kavita entered the fast-paced world of digital e-commerce, crafting visuals for some of Canada’s biggest fashion retailers — Hudson’s Bay, Tip Top Tailors, and more. But behind every layout and campaign, she felt something stirring: a desire to build brands that didn’t just look beautiful, but felt meaningful.
In 2017, that spark became Dezeynne Studio — a boutique design firm and creative rental space built for premium brands ready to step into who they truly are. From strategy to identity to production, Kavita developed a process rooted in brand psychology, emotion, and intention. She didn’t just design logos. She designed experiences. She built visuals that reflect the soul behind the business.
Today, Kavita leads Dezeynne with a refined eye, a storyteller’s instinct, and the belief that the most powerful brands are the ones that reflect the people behind them. Her studio has become a home for founders ready to be seen — boldly, authentically, and with purpose.
Dezeynne Studio

Foodpreneur Advantage - Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
2026-08-20 10:00 - 11:00 | online
This session is for you if you are in the early stages of development and are looking to gain knowledge in the food and beverage industry.
In this free 60-minute online seminar learn about:

Creating a Business Model
Doing your Market Research
Analyzing the Competition
What is Your Value Proposition?

Do you have an idea for a food business? Want to learn more before you venture into food production? Do you have a delicious recipe you wish to cook up into a money-making business?
Make sure you are complying with applicable codes and regulations.

Fire Code Compliance & Building Permits
Zoning Requirements, Municipal Bylaws & Licensing
Food Safety Requirements

Be sure to attend this valuable workshop on “Starting a Food Business”.
You will leave with a better understanding of how to get started on your path to success in the food and beverage industry! This webinar will assist you in navigating the permits and legislation requirements for a food and beverage business. You will leave with a better understanding of how to navigate the regulatory compliance in the food and beverage industry!
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights that will help you avoid costly mistakes!
Next Session: Thursday, August 20th, 2026 at 10:00 am (This session is offered 4 times per year.)
Duration: 1 hour
Register: https://creatorapp.zohopublic.com/dproudfoot1/registration-form/form-perma/Registration_Form/yqHtnaFANbM8kGfDjkYPHBm3xBaQYwk22Fkxaty1fMBmR7OKagSvN8e9tK7wpByrQPnZ0MR6w5XxB6JMmjJ4fVn4SAzNtb7vjSd5?Seminar_Id=4206752000150682018

Entrepreneur Essentials: Start-Up 101: Regulations, Registering & Licenses
2026-08-20 11:00 - 12:30 | ON
Join the VBEC team for a group session on all you need to know about regulations, business licenses, and steps to registering your business

Landing Bigger Business Clients
2026-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 | MS Teams
Learn how to strengthen your B2B (business to business) sales skills and build meaningful business relationships by understanding the key strategies behind selling to other businesses. Hosted by guest speaker Karen Mathewson, Director of Sales at Agilis Network, this webinar explores practical approaches to pitching your services, navigating contract agreements, building client trust, and closing deals with confidence.

Speed Networking
2026-08-20 12:00 - 13:30 | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Join us and connect with real people, share ideas & spark new opportunities in a fast, high-energy setting.

This will be an engaging and high-energy event designed to spark meaningful connections in minutes. Meet like-minded professionals, share ideas, and grow your network through authentic, purpose-driven conversations. With quick rounds, great vibes, and big opportunities
Bring your pitch, your passion, and your hustle. Let’s build something great together!

Retirement Planning for Business Owners
2026-08-20 12:30 - 13:30 | ON
If you’re a business owner, self?employed professional, or freelancer, this practical and eye?opening session is designed for you. You’ll learn how to reduce taxes, build protected wealth, and create income that lasts throughout your entire retirement, empowering you to retire at the age you desire with clarity and confidence.
Date + Time: Thursday August 20 at 12:30 PM
Venue: Collingwood Foundry
Cost: Free
Registration link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/retirement-planning-for-business-owners-tickets-1997477883119?aff=oddtdtcreator

Preparing Income Tax Returns for Sole Proprietors (Virtual)
2026-08-20 14:00 - 15:30 | ON
Covering record keeping basics + identifying and discussing the tax treatment of business income and expenses.

About this workshop:
Preparing an income tax return is a must for any business, regardless of the business structure. Presented by Justin O’Malley from Logan Katz, this workshop will cover the basics of preparing a tax return for the sole proprietor.
This course will be of interest to the unincorporated business owner as well as professionals belonging to a partnership. During this interactive hybrid 1.5-hour workshop, we will:

discuss the Canadian Income Tax system
review record keeping basics
compare sole proprietorship vs. partnership vs. corporation
identify and discuss the tax treatment of business income and expenses
review tax form T2125 – Statement of Business or Professional Activities
prepare a basic form T2125

This session is only held twice a year, so don’t miss out!

*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.
