Small Business Enterprise Centre

Stepping into Business – Evening Virtual Course- Spring 2026
2026-06-02 18:00 - 21:00, 2026-05-26 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto)
Your first steps into starting a new business or refining your existing small business

(Webinar) Smart Hiring for Start-ups: The Co-op Model
2026-06-02 13:30 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
Join us in this 60-minute webinar on hiring students through Seneca Polytechnic

ZOOM LOGIN DETAILS WILL BE E-MAILED TO YOU

Join the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre and Seneca Polytechnic, as we discuss ways to minimize your costs, while maximizing your profits.
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!
Work-Integrated Learning – Seneca Polytechnic, Toronto, Canada
WIL Programs – Seneca Polytechnic, Toronto, Canada

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Case Studies & Success Stories: Why and How Toronto Businesses Diversified
2026-06-02 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Learn how Toronto businesses expanded globally, overcame challenges, and built resilience by diversifying into new international markets.

Hands-On with QuickBooks™: Learn the Essentials
2026-05-28 12:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Sydenham Campus, 1130 8th Street East, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 1M7, Canada
Learn how to make QuickBooks™ work for your business with step-by-step guidance to set up and manage your books with a hands-on session.

This is a hands-on, in-person session to walk you through the process getting QuickBooks™ working for your business. Michele Craig from BookSmarts will offer practical tips that you can implement right away and get you saving time.
This workshop will use sample company data to walk you through a variety of bookkeeping scenarios so you are ready to tackle them on your own.
You will learn how to:

Put together an effective bookkeeping plan
Use time-saving features like bank connections and receipt scanning
Generate helpful and reliable reports
Manage QuickBooks™ settings to enable the features you need and disable the ones you don’t
Prepare for your HST return
Avoid common bookkeeping errors

This session is limited to 20 people to ensure everyone gets the support needed to set up this program.
Important Information:
You will need to bring your own Windows, Mac, or Chromebook laptop to this session as you will be working through the process with Michele. Tablets and smartphones will not work well for QuickBooks Online™.
About Michele:
Michele Craig CPA is an Elite-level QuickBooks™ ProAdvisor. She is the founder of BookSmarts, an independent training and consulting firm based in Barrie and serving businesses across Ontario.

Social Media for Beginners
2026-05-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Need help with your business social media accounts? This beginner-friendly session covers the essentials to get you started with confidence. We’ll walk through how to create business accounts on Facebook and Instagram, with a brief introduction to LinkedIn and TikTok. Hosted by our internal staff member, Raphy Mckiddie (Business Information and Marketing Officer), learn what to post first, how to write a compelling bio, and simple tips to create posts that attract attention and boost engagement.

Office Hours with Black Entrepreneurs & Businesses of Canada Society
2026-05-28 11:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Drop in to connect with BEBC to get access to resources and support for Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses.

BEBC IS HEADED TO BEC!
Office Hours with BEBC
Connect with Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC Society) and explore how their resources can support your entrepreneurial journey.
These open office hours are a chance to meet one-on-one with BEBC and get access to any resources or services such as funding, learning programs, community support, and networking opportunties to help you either:

Start your business
Grow your business
Scale your business

Who is BEBC?BEBC is a non-profit who help their clients connect with community leaders to meet their needs and expand your network. The available resources and support are to ensure that every BEBs (Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses) have easy, quick, and clear access to what they need to keep their businesses sustianable.
This is a welcoming space to ask questions, get guidance, and see what support is available to you.

Drop in, connect, and discover how BEBC can help you take your next step.
Learn More – Home – BEBC Society

Tax Seminar with the CRA: T2 Incorporated Small Business
2026-05-28 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
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.

Foodpreneur Advantage - Labelling and Packaging Your Food Product
2026-05-28 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
This session is for you if you have a food or beverage product that needs an accurate and compliant label.
In this free 60-minute online seminar learn about:

Packaging Considerations
Labelling Requirements
Mistakes to Avoid

Packaging and labelling your food product is where marketing meets regulatory compliance and food safety. You know you want your product to look great on a store shelf, but what are you required to put on the label? How do you choose the right package for your product? For this session, we will be joined by Nicole Haney, former Founder & CEO of Boho Bars. Nicole will guide us through what to consider when choosing a package for your food product, what to include on your label, and what mistakes to avoid when packaging your food product.
You will leave with a better understanding of labelling & packaging in the food and beverage industry!
Next Session: Thursday, May 28th, 2026, at 10:00 am (This session is offered 4 times per year.)
Duration: 1 hour

Validating Your Business Concept: Cash Flow Meets Startup Canvas (Virtual)
2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:15 (America/Toronto)
This session is targeted at entrepreneurs who are at the idea stage of starting a business.

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:
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.

Validating Your Business Concept:Cash Flow Meets Startup Canvas (In Person)
2026-05-27 14:00 - 15:15 (America/Toronto) | Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2C5, Canada
This session is targeted at entrepreneurs who are at the idea stage of starting a 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.

Tourism Mini Conference
2026-05-27 08:30 - 12:30 (America/Toronto)
Join us in-person on May 27th for an incredible half day mini-conference tailored for tourism businesses in Grey Bruce Simcoe. Hosted in the barn at Duntroon Highlands, the conference offers a focused morning of learning, discussion, and networking in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Hear from industry experts, take part in panel discussions, and connect with peers who are navigating similar opportunities and challenges in tourism.
You’ll gain insights on:

Navigating chaos and change with confidence
Building workplaces worthy of the people and the work
How nature and wellness are creating meaningful tourism opportunities
How peer to peer connections can spark ideas and channel inspiration

Where: Duntroon Highlands Resort Barn – 1226 Concession 10 N Nottawasaga Rd, Duntroon
Please note: The Barn is unheated. Please dress for the weather.
When: May 27, 2026 | Registration opens at 8:30 – Conference 9am – 12:30pm
Investment: $20 – morning refreshments included
Get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/2026-tourism-mini-conference-tickets-1987611871613?aff=oddtdtcreator
This event is geared toward tourism businesses, entrepreneurs, and economic development and community partners but open to anyone who is interested in attending!
Presented in collaboration with Community Futures South Georgian Bay.
Thank you to our sponsors: RTO7, the Town of Collingwood, the Town of The Blue Mountains, the Township of Clearview, Simcoe County, and Grey County.

Queer Founders Night
2026-05-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Celebrating Queer founders and allies—an evening of stories, resilience, and community shaping the future through passion and persistence.

Join us for BEC’s first-ever Queer Founders Night ?
An evening all about connection, community, and real conversations.

? Panel Discussion: Hear directly from Queer founders as they share their journeys—the wins, the challenges, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. Expect honest insights, fresh perspectives, and stories that stick with you.
? Information Booths: Explore resources, meet organizations, and discover opportunities designed to support and uplift Queer entrepreneurs, business owners and creatives.

Whether you’re building something of your own, dreaming up your next move, or just want to be in a room full of inspiring people—this night is for you.

Founders are the spark-makers—the ones who turn “what if?” into something real. They build, create, and carve out spaces where ideas (and people) can thrive. Whether it’s launching a business, starting a passion project, or bringing community together, it all takes boldness, heart, and a whole lot of showing up.That same energy lives loud and proud in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—where creating, leading, and simply being can be powerful acts of resilience and joy.

ABOUT THE PANEL
Moderator

LISA ALEXANDRA (she/her)
Lisa Alexandra (she/her) is a multi-faceted & multi-passionate entrepreneur, founder, mother & creative. She started her first business in 2015 that led her to being a sought after travelling yoga teacher, specializing in programs for children & youth. She published her first children’s book in 2017 and was named one of Brampton’s Top 40 Under 40 in the same year. In 2020 she took the leap of faith into brick and mortar by opening The Aura House; a Rainbow Registered yoga, pilates and event space in Downtown Brampton. And she is excited to go back to her movement roots as a dancer, introducing dance-based pop-ups, programs and workshops for people of all ages through The Aura House this coming fall. As a co-founder of E.Q.U.A.L. Peel, Lisa is delighted by the opportunity to empower queer unity and leadership in Brampton.
The Aura House

Panelist

RICKY VIVEIROS
I began my career in hairstyling at 17 and became licensed by 19. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a passion for helping people feel confident, seen, and able to express their identities authentically. In December 2019, I co-founded Hair Lab & Co. with two business partners—just months before the COVID-19 pandemic. Building a business through such an uncertain time demanded resilience, adaptability, and a strong sense of purpose, values that continue to shape how we operate today.
As an entrepreneur in Brampton, my journey has also been deeply personal. Early on, I often felt I had to carefully navigate what parts of myself felt acceptable in professional spaces. Over time, I became more grounded in who I am, and that confidence now informs how I lead—with empathy, creativity, and a commitment to creating spaces where people feel genuinely seen and valued. I believe Queer founders bring a unique resilience and emotional intelligence to business, shaped by a lifetime of navigating complexity, building connection, and leading with authenticity.
Alongside my work in the beauty industry, I am also a high school teacher in technological education. I bring real-world industry experience into the classroom to create hands-on, relevant learning opportunities that connect with students in meaningful ways. My teaching philosophy is rooted in inclusion, identity affirmation, and helping young people recognize the value in their own stories, talents, and potential.
I am also a co-founder of Equal Peel, a grassroots initiative focused on community-building, visibility, and advocacy for 2SLGBTQ+ individuals across the region. Through this work, I aim to help create spaces where people feel a true sense of belonging and where diverse identities are not only accepted, but celebrated.
I am passionate about building stronger support systems for Queer entrepreneurs and leaders in Brampton and across the GTA—through mentorship, intentional investment, and spaces where community and business intersect. To me, success means sustainability without compromise: creating impact while remaining fully aligned with who you are. Across all of my work—as a stylist, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate—I am committed to helping others thrive through authenticity, care, and connection.
HOME | Hair Lab 1

Panelist

JASMINE SARITA
Jasmine is a passionate queer indo Caribbean creative who has been specializing in the design process and creation of Jewellery since late 2019. Drawing from her queer Caribbean heritage she creates handcrafted jewellery and accessories rooted in nature, culture, and personal ritual. Her work invites wearers to adorn themselves with intentional pieces that honor where we come from and who we’re becoming. What started as a little hobby to pass the time during the pandemic has turned into a full time business for her.

Social Impact 101: Incorporating Social Impact into Your Business Model
2026-05-26 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
Learn how to integrate social impact into your business model and why it’s important.

About this workshop:
What’s your impact, and how do you know?
In today’s world, businesses and organizations are increasingly expected to do more than just turn a profit – they’re expected to create real, measurable social and environmental value. But how do you track that impact? And why does it matter?
In this foundational workshop, Social Impact 101: Incorporating Social Impact into Your Business Model, you’ll explore the benefits of measuring your social impact and learn how it can help guide decision-making, build trust, and strengthen your mission.
We’ll dive into several practical tools and frameworks used globally, including:

B Corp certification
Social Return on Investment (SROI)
Theory of Change

You’ll also gain insights into how to integrate social impact into your business model, and examine hybrid business structures (like social enterprises, co-ops, and nonprofits with earned revenue streams). Through local and international case studies, we’ll explore what works in balancing profit with purpose.
Whether you’re just beginning your impact journey or looking to deepen your current efforts, this session will give you the clarity and tools to move forward with confidence.
Join us for Social Impact 101 – and start measuring what truly matters!
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.

*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.

Get Trade Ready: How GS1 Barcodes Empower Small Businesses
2026-05-26 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us to learn more about the process of getting your product barcode and shelf ready!

Build retailer confidence with authentic GS1 Canada barcodes. Whether you’re preparing to launch your first product or scaling into new markets, this webinar will show you how globally recognized GS1 identifiers make it easier to get your products on store shelves and online!
Discover how GS1?licensed GTINs support product authenticity, streamline supply chain processes, and meet the requirements of major retailers and eCommerce marketplaces.
We’ll walk through the essential benefits, the most common mistakes to avoid, and the steps to ensure your products are set up for success from day one. Join us on Thursday May 26th at 12pm with GS1 Canada, Community Lead Engagement – Linda Antoniadis to learn how to protect your brand, strengthen your market readiness, and confidently grow your business with trusted GS1 barcodes!

Speaker for this session: Linda Antoniadis, Community Engagement Lead, GS1 Canada
Linda leads the Community Engagement team at GS1 Canada, a not-for-profit that sets global standards for business communication—think barcodes and beyond. She’s passionate about helping small businesses get their products to market quickly and easily, offering tools, education, and support every step of the way.
With 15+ years of experience across corporate, public, and nonprofit sectors, Linda brings deep expertise in sales, marketing, and strategic partnerships. She works closely with industry, government, and associations to make sure entrepreneurs have the knowledge they need to grow and succeed.

Money Talks
2026-05-26 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
Everything you want to know about making the most of your money in your small business

Want to take the stress out of keeping your small business finances in order so you can make the most of your money? You don’t want to miss this one.
Financially Organized will share her best tips to:

Create systems to manage your money
Find out what you can deduct on your tax filing
Make your money go further

Details:

May 26, 2026
10am – 12pm
Virtual – Zoom link to be shared before the event (you don’t need the app to join!)

Who should attend:

Local small business owners
Those thinking of starting a small business

Our Kawartha Lakes Small Business Centre is excited to bring together a group of talented, hardworking folks to learn together and figure out the secrets to success. See you there!

Digital Discovery Series: Google Ad Basics
2026-05-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Do you want your business to show up when people search on Google? This beginner-friendly webinar will introduce the basics of Google Ads and how it helps businesses get found online. We’ll explain what Google Ads is, how it works, and how businesses use it to reach people who are already searching for their products or services. You’ll also learn the simple steps to set up your first ad and what to expect when you start advertising.Learning Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:? Describe what Google Ads is and how it works within Google search results.
? Explain how businesses use Google Ads to reach potential customers online.
? Identify the basic components of a Google Ads campaign, including keywords and ads.
? Outline the initial steps required to begin creating and running a Google Ads campaign.
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). Sponsored by the Town of Petawawa, Township of Laurentian Valley, Perri-Rae Boell & Associates Inc., Northern Credit Union, and City of Pembroke. 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.

Digital Discovery Series: Google Ad Basics
2026-05-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Do you want your business to show up when people search on Google? This beginner-friendly webinar will introduce the basics of Google Ads and how it helps businesses get found online. We’ll explain what Google Ads is, how it works, and how businesses use it to reach people who are already searching for their products or services. You’ll also learn the simple steps to set up your first ad and what to expect when you start advertising. Learning Objectives By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
1. Describe what Google Ads is and how it works within Google search results.
2. Explain how businesses use Google Ads to reach potential customers online.
3. Identify the basic components of a Google Ads campaign, including keywords and ads.
4. Outline the initial steps required to begin creating and running a Google Ads campaign.
This webinar is delivered locally by Enterprise Renfrew County and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.

City of Brampton’s Reverse Vendor Tradeshow: Meet the City Buyers
2026-05-26 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | The Rose Brampton, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton, ON, L6V 0A3, Canada
Connect directly with City departments and learn how to do business with the City

We’re excited to announce the City of Brampton’s Reverse Vendor Tradeshow: Meet the City Buyers, taking place on May 26 at The Rose Brampton.
This unique event connects vendors with the people, tools, and processes needed to do business with the City of Brampton. If you offer goods or services and want to better understand how to work with the City—but aren’t sure where to start—this event is designed for you.
Throughout the tradeshow, representatives from various City divisions will be available to answer your questions, explain procurement processes, and share insights into upcoming and potential business opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to network, learn, and build valuable connections.
Be sure to bring your business cards and company information to share with City teams.

The City of Brampton’s Reverse Vendor Tradeshow: Meet the City Buyers is different from a traditional tradeshow.
Businesses do not exhibit at this event. Instead, City of Brampton departments are the exhibitors. Each department is there to showcase:

What they do
The types of goods and services they procure
Potential needs and opportunities for future projects

For vendors and businesses, this event is an opportunity to:

Connect directly with City departments
Build relationships with key staff
Learn how City procurement works

This is not a sales event. Rather, it’s about networking, learning, and understanding the City’s procurement process, with the goal of opening the door to future opportunities.
Accessibility:Those who require additional assistance or support to participate are welcome to send us a request. Please request this assistance at least three days in advance of the event. To do so, or for any additional information, please email purchasing@brampton.ca

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

Intro to E-Commerce: From Idea to First Sale in Ten Steps (Virtual)
2026-05-25 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Exploring the essentials of launching a successful online business.

About the workshop:
Join our comprehensive E-commerce workshop where we’ll explore the essentials of launching a successful online business.
From identifying your target audience and sourcing products to choosing the right platform and designing your brand, we’ll touch on each crucial step.
Get introduced to topics such as:

Sourcing your products
Registering your business
Building your online store
Discovering the essentials of effectively marketing
Attracting customers

We’ll run through 10 steps to help you turn your idea into your first sale. Perfect for beginners and those looking to get started with an e-commerce strategy.

*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.

Social Enterprise Journey - Understanding the System (3-part series)
2026-05-22 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto)
The Social Enterprise Journey is a three-part leadership experience designed for business owners, founders, and leaders who want to strengthen both the impact and sustainability of their work through revenue-generating ventures that also strengthen their communities.
Across Ontario, more leaders are asking:
How do we build businesses that are financially strong and meaningfully contribute to our communities?
This series brings together practical tools, strategic frameworks, and facilitated peer dialogue to help you step back, think clearly, and move forward with intention.
Led by Jessica Flynn (Social Innovation Fellow, Georgian College) and supported by Georgian’s mobile Community Impact Lab, this is not a typical workshop—it’s a guided strategic journey.
SESSION 1 INFORMATION: Understanding the System
Every meaningful change effort begins with understanding the system we are working within. In this session, participants explore the deeper causes of the challenges they want to address and identify the key actors shaping the system. Arrive from 9:00 AM for coffee and light networking; session begins at 9:30.
SESSION 2 INFORMATION: Designing Your Impact Strategy
This expanded session explores how changemakers translate vision into strategy. We begin at Simcoe Street Theatre with a screening of Uncharitable — a film that challenges everything we think we know about how communities fund change. We then walk to the library for a working lunch and Theory of Change workshop. Arrive from 9:00 AM; film runs approx. 9:45–11:30 AM; Theory of Change begins 12:30 PM.
SESSION 3 INFORMATION: Activating Your Plan
In the final gathering, participants return with fresh perspective to refine their strategic direction. We review and strengthen each person’s Theory of Change, explore the Flourishing Business Model framework for sustainable impact, and identify priorities and partnerships for the year ahead. You’ll leave with a clear strategic roadmap for 2027 and beyond. Arrive from 9:00 AM for coffee and networking; session begins at 9:30.
Learn more about this 3-part series: https://www.thejessicaflynn.com/store/p/the-social-enterprise-journey-2026-cohort-equipping-a-network-of-changemakers-349hst

Opening a Food Business in York Region
2026-05-21 18:00 - 19:00 (America/Toronto)
Are you starting a food business or already operating one in York Region? Join us for an informative webinar designed to help food operators

Speed Networking
2026-05-21 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | 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 a engaging and a 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!

Winning SEO with Google Business Profile (Virtual)
2026-05-21 13:00 - 14:15 (America/Toronto)
Get found faster: learn how to use your Business Profile to fuel SEO performance.

UPDATE: This session has been moved from May 12th to May 21st.
About this workshop:
Did you know that your Google Business Profile is one of the top things that influence your ranking and how you show up in search engines results?
Indeed, reviews, pictures, categories, and many more Google Business Profile items contribute to your position on Google.
But as you are reading this, maybe you’re wondering “what is this Google Business thing I’ve never heard of?”. If so, we’ve got you covered.
If you have an account, this seminar will show you how to leverage it by learning easy to follow techniques designed to boost your profile so that it can generate awareness and engagement and get plenty of clicks, and ultimately, more leads and sales.
If you don’t a Google Profile account, the session will teach you how to create your free account and get Google to notice it.
What you will learn:

How to set up a Google Business Profile account
What to do to optimize your account so it is shown more frequently
How to increase your visibility on Google Maps

About the speaker:
David Bird is the Founder and Principal of Bird’s Eye Marketing, an Ottawa firm that specializes in getting NPOs and other organizations found on Google. He has been managing Google Ads (formerly AdWords) accounts since 2012 and is a recognized digital advertising and promotion expert.
David is certified with Google Ads with specializations in search, display and mobile advertising. He also has a Certificate of Achievement in Web Analytics from the University of British Columbia and has completed coursework in E-Marketing with the Canadian Marketing Association.

*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.

LinkedIn Branding
2026-05-21 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Learn how small business owners can leverage LinkedIn to build a strong brand, optimize profiles, and create meaningful B2B connections.

Welcome to the LinkedIn Branding seminar!
Learn how to enhance your LinkedIn profile, attract more connections, and build your personal brand. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone looking to level up their LinkedIn game.

ABOUT THE SESSION
Often simply thought of as an electronic résumé post and search website, LinkedIn offers many more services than the average user understands. A member of the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, Prince Khan, will be hosting a workshop to explain the many unknown benefits of this business-based social media website for small business owners seeking to develop their unique brand. Prince will guide attendees through the process of creating their profile, which will represent the business owner himself or herself, as well as the standards and offerings of their company. Attendees will learn how to leverage LinkedIn’s professional networking features to find and nurture business relationships for years to come. The number and quality of matches generated by LinkedIn is more effective than the leads found when using any of the other known platforms for social media connections. Most importantly, LinkedIn offers a search method for finding new business-to-business client contacts. Join us to learn about how you can leverage this social media tool and use it to your advantage as a small business owner.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network and grow your online presence! See you there!

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.

Hustle, Hobby or Hard No – Is Working for Yourself Right for You?
2026-05-21 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | 58 Dalhousie St, 58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 2J2, Canada
Discover whether your idea is a hobby, a hustle, or a real business opportunity. Gain clarity, confidence, and move forward

Are you wondering whether working for yourself is the right move — or just feeling unsure about your next step? This interactive session will help you get clear on whether your idea has the potential to become a business, or if it’s better suited as a hobby or side hustle.
You’ll explore practical ways to assess your skills, interests, and readiness for self?employment. Together, we’ll break down the difference between hobby mode, hustle mode, and full business potential in a simple, approachable way. You’ll learn how to evaluate opportunities, spot red flags, and understand what your idea may need to grow.
By the end, you’ll walk away with a reusable framework you can apply to any idea, plus a clearer sense of direction — without the overwhelm or second?guessing. If you’re unemployed, underemployed, or simply exploring options, this session is a supportive place to start.
Location: Brantford City Hall, 58 Dalhousie Street Brantford

Foodpreneur Advantage - Food Safety Fundamentals for Start-ups
2026-05-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
This session is for you if you are starting a food business and want to make sure you are producing safe products right from the start.
In this free 60-minute online seminar learn about:

Basic Food Safety Principles Every Business Must Know
Practical Food Safety Practices for Production
Common mistakes to avoid when starting your food business

When you’re launching a food product, understanding food safety is essential not only for protecting your customers, but also for meeting regulatory expectations and building retailer trust. In this session, Lisa Cove, Food Safety Consultant and Founder of Shelf Ready Inc., will walk you through simple, actionable steps you can take to build food safety into your business from the very beginning—without getting overwhelmed by regulations.
You’ll leave with a clear understanding of basic food safety expectations, practical steps you can implement immediately, and the confidence to move your food business forward safely!
Next Session: Thursday, May 21st, 2026 at 10:00 am (This session is offered 4 times per year.)
Duration: 1hour

Navigating Employment Contracts, Layoffs & Terminations
2026-05-21 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Join employment lawyer Steven King from King Law for this free, practical session designed to help you confidently navigate these situations

Executives and contractors face unique challenges when it comes to employment agreements, layoffs, and terminations. Understanding your rights isn’t optional—it’s essential for protecting your career and financial future.
Join employment lawyer Steven King from King Law for this free, practical session designed to help you confidently navigate these situations.
You’ll learn:

How to interpret your employment or contractor agreement
What to expect during layoffs or terminations
Legal protections available to contractors and employees
Answers to your questions in a live Q&A

Who should attend?
Executives, independent contractors, and professionals who want clarity on their rights and obligations.
Plus: Bring your questions! Steven will host a live Q&A to address your specific concerns.

Marketing AI 1-2-3 – Entrepreneurs Connect
2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
An overview of modern AI tools to automate and accelerate your go-to-market strategy.

Join us in this 1 hour seminar: Marketing AI 1-2-3, 2026 Entrepreneurs Connect Spring Series

Please bring your own laptop, as this is an interactive session.

This session will provide an overview of modern AI tools that can help entrepreneurs automate and accelerate their go-to-market strategy. From market research and content creation to customer outreach and workflow automation, participants will learn how AI can streamline key business functions and reduce the time it takes to launch and scale new products or services. Attendees will walk away with practical insights into tools, workflows, and strategies that can help them move faster and make smarter decisions in today’s competitive market.

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 SPEAKERSComing 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.

Your First AI Agent: Deciding What to Delegate
2026-05-20 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Toronto)
AI can do more than write content, but knowing what to delegate (and what not to) is where most small business owners get stuck.

This hands?on workshop helps you identify which repetitive tasks in your business are ready for AI automation and guides you through building your first simple AI agent, step by step.
Led by Sara Norton of Reply All, this session focuses on smart decision?making first, then practical setup, so you’re using AI intentionally, not randomly.
In this session, you’ll learn:

What an AI agent is (explained in plain language)
How to spot repetitive, time?draining tasks that are ideal for AI
Which tasks you shouldn’t delegate to AI
A clear decision framework to choose the right tasks for automation
How to think about risk, accuracy, and oversight when delegating to AI
How to build a simple, working AI agent you can actually use
Real?world examples relevant to small business owners

You’ll walk through the process together and see a working example in action.
This workshop is ideal for:

Small business owners who feel stretched thin
Entrepreneurs already using AI but only at a surface level
Business owners curious about automation but unsure where to start
Anyone who wants AI to save time—not create more work

About the Speaker: Sara Norton is the founder of Reply All, helping business owners use technology and AI in practical, realistic ways that save time and support growth. Sara focuses on real?world application—not trends—so entrepreneurs can confidently use tools that actually work for them.
