Social Media 101 – A Complete Guide for Small Businesses – 4 Part Series
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-17 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Unlock the Power of Social Media to Grow Your Business.

Intellectual Property Essentials
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | Sydenham Campus, 1130 8th Street East, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 1M7, Canada
What every small business needs to know.

Every small business has its unique selling points. It could be the name, the brand, the products, or the way you do things. This free workshop will show you how and why intellectual property (IP) matters to your business. Felix Yuen, IP & Commercialization Advisor from Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, will share tips about how to protect your brands, innovative ideas, creative content and the secret sauce of your business. Bring your questions and be ready for some practical advice to help protect your business interactions with clients, partners and competitors.
Our facilitator:
Felix Yuen is the IP & Commercialization Advisor at Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, with the focus to develop and deliver programs that strengthen the IP knowledge and capabilities of the community. He is an IP consultant and practising lawyer, and has international experience in IP management and monetization strategies.

*This session will be now be offered online only.

Intellectual Property Essentials
2025-09-10 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto)
Every small business has its unique selling points. It could be the name, the brand, the products, or the way you do things. This free workshop, hosted by our friends at the Grey Count Small Business Enterprise Centre, will show you how and why intellectual property (IP) matters to your business. Felix Yuen, IP & Commercialization Advisor from Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, will share tips about how to protect your brands, innovative ideas, creative content and the secret sauce of your business. Bring your questions and be ready for some practical advice to help protect your business interactions with clients, partners and competitors.
Our facilitator:
Felix Yuen is the IP & Commercialization Advisor at Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre, with the focus to develop and deliver programs that strengthen the IP knowledge and capabilities of the community. He is an IP consultant and practicing lawyer, and has international experience in IP management and monetization strategies.
*This session will be offered in a hybrid format. We strongly encourage you to join us in person at the Sydenham Campus, but if you can’t attend in person, a zoom link will also be sent out.
Where:
Sydenham Campus (hybrid option available)
1130 8th Street East Owen Sound, ON N4K 1M5
When: Wednesday September 10, 2025 – 12pm – 1:30pm

How to Start a Small Business Seminar @ Springdale Library
2025-09-10 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Library, Springdale Branch, 10705 Bramalea Road, Brampton, ON, L6R 0C1, Canada
This 90-minute seminar covers everything you need to know when considering starting a business.

This 90-minute seminar covers everything you need to know when considering starting a business. Various topics are discussed, including: basic requirements such as name registration, business structures, licensing requirements, insurance, HST registration, hiring, financing and business planning.
This session is for Canadian citizens, landed immigrants and those residing in Canada only.
Presented by: The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre in partnership with the Brampton Library
We understand that some of our participants may require visa assistance. However, we regret to inform you that the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre does not provide letters or documents specifically for visa purposes. We understand that this may be a crucial requirement for some participants, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
If you require a visa to attend events taking place locally, we recommend exploring alternative methods for obtaining the necessary visa documentation.
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 contact bec@brampton.ca

Foodpreneur Advantage: Marketing & Branding your Food Product
2025-09-11 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Marketing & Branding your Food Product
This session is for you if you have a food or beverage product that needs the perfect brand to suit the right market.
In this free 60-minute online seminar learn about:

Why YOU are your brand as a new food or beverage business
What to consider when creating a visual identity for your company
What does marketing in 2025 look like?

Amanda DeVries of Eye Candy Design specializes in branding food and beverage companies. In this webinar, Amanda will share her expert insight, from how to create your brand, how to retain and grow your brand to what sort of colours and typography styles are right for your product. You will learn the difference between designing for store shelves vs. food markets vs. digital spaces. She will also cover tips for working with a graphic designer and determining exactly who your product is for. As Amanda advises, “if your product is for everyone, then you are selling to no one”. Know your target market.
You will leave with a better understanding of how to brand and market your product in the food and beverage industry!
Next Session: Thursday, September 11th, 2025 at 10:00am (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=4206752000125893099

Brampton Venture Expo 2025
2025-09-11 10:30 - 16:30 (America/Toronto) | Rose Theatre, 1 Theatre Lane, Brampton, Ontario, L6V 0A3, Canada
Now in its 5th year, Brampton Venture Expo (BVX) is Peel Region’s premier innovation showcase — proudly presented by Brampton Venture Zone by TMU and powered by the Brampton Innovation District.
BVX is more than an expo — it’s a high-energy gathering of founders, investors, creators, and ecosystem enablers who believe in building bold ventures from Brampton, for the world.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, aspiring innovator, or industry leader — BVX is your gateway to connect, grow, and be inspired. Let’s celebrate what’s possible when big ideas meet strong community.
Who Should Attend BVX?
If you’re shaping the future of business, tech, or community, BVX is for you:
•Startup Founders & Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners – launching, scaling, or raising capital
•Angel Investors & VCs – scouting early-stage ventures with high potential
•Corporate Innovators – seeking bold partnerships and emerging tech
•Students & Job Seekers – exploring careers in startups or innovation
•Educators, Media Pros & Ecosystem Builders – amplifying stories and shaping local impact
Why Attend BVX?
Because innovation thrives in community.
At BVX, you’ll get access to:
•1,200+ attendees — from entrepreneurs to tech investors and local leaders
•Diverse voices — celebrating Brampton’s multicultural, collaborative innovation district
•Opportunities — connect with co-founders, pitch your startup, or find your next role
•Inspiration — see firsthand what happens when ideas meet action
What’s Happening at BVX 2025?
Event Highlights – BVX 2025
Morning: Insight & Inspiration
Join leading voices in tech and entrepreneurship for engaging sessions on Brampton’s innovation landscape.
•Panel: Innovation Rx – Discover how MedTech startups are building smarter, more inclusive healthcare systems.
•Fireside Chat: Growing Tech Sectors in Brampton – Spotlight on SpaceTech, Cybersecurity, and Immersive Tech.
•Keynotes: Hear from AI experts driving innovation in business and society.
Afternoon: Action & Activation
•Startup Showcase: Explore cutting-edge products and services from early-stage startups.
•Innovation & Discovery Zone: Hands-on workshops, growth sessions, and exhibitors, networking designed to help founders scale.
Brampton is rising as a national hub for inclusive innovation. Together, we’re building a future where innovation is inclusive, local, and global — #bramptonmade #BVX5

Marketing Your Business with AI: Strategies for Lasting Impact (Virtual)
2025-09-11 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
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.

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.

*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)
2025-09-11 13:00 - 14:30 (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. Click here to go to the virtual event page.

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.

Diversifying to Export Markets 101
2025-09-11 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Learn about the importance of diversifying to export markets in a changing international landscape.

E-Commerce 201: Mastering 3 Pillars – Acquisition, Conversion & Retention
2025-09-12 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
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 session 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.

Validating Your Business Concept: Cash Flow Meets Startup Canvas (Virtual)
2025-09-15 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Toronto)
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: This session does not cover writing a full business plan. All attendees will be receiving a copy of the lean startup canvas & cash flow worksheet (with formulas pre-saved) in their follow-up email.

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.

Social Enterprise 101: The Intersection of Profit and Purpose (Virtual)
2025-09-15 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto)
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

BONUS!
We have booked special back-to-back sessions that focus on the same subject for this day. Half an hour after this workshop, we will be hosting ‘Starting and Operating a Not-for-Profit or Registered Charity: The Basics’ – join us virtually here for this session (which will be more of a legal view of the topic).

*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.

10 Things Every Website Needs
2025-09-15 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto)
Turn Your Website Into a Business Growth Tool

Turn Your Website Into a Business Growth Tool
Most websites are built to exist, not to perform. In this session, you’ll learn what separates a digital brochure from a true sales tool. If you’re planning a website or already have one, this seminar will show you what to prioritize to drive results.
You’ll Discover How To:

Turn more visitors into leads
Build trust from the moment someone lands on your site
Make your website work for you around the clock

Business Planning – Part 1
2025-09-16 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Business Planning – Part 1

So you’ve got a great business idea and now you want to go forward. How do you get your ideas on paper so that it’s easy for others to understand your business and for you to execute your ideas? Planning is one of the most important parts of business and every entrepreneur and small business needs to have a plan to guide them.

In this two part series, you’ll gain an understanding of the key components of the business plan and how each section is connected to tell the story of you and your idea. We will explore the core sections typically included: Company Profile, Industry Overview, Competition, Products & Services, Target Market (customers), Operations, Marketing Plan and Financials.

Please note: This is a two-part series. You must register separately for “Business Planning – Part 2”. Registered participants will be provided with a Zoom link and login information in a separate email prior to the session.

Corporate Taxation and Corporate Structures (Virtual)
2025-09-16 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us to discover whether you could benefit from incorporating your business or if you are curious about your existing structure.

About this workshop:
A corporation is a legal entity and is therefore taxed separately from its owners. To discover whether you could benefit from incorporating your business or if you are curious about your existing structure, join us for our free learning series. This course will be of interest to those owners who are contemplating on incorporating or have an existing incorporated business.
During this interactive 2-hour workshop, we will:

go over the reasons to incorporate and points to consider
compare the personal tax rates and corporate tax rates
discuss the relationship of the individual to their corporation – salary vs. dividends, taxable benefits
comment on different types of corporate structures and how each structure may be applicable to you which may include holding companies and family trusts as shareholders
show how the corporation be used for tax planning purposes using the small business deduction and capital gain exemption

*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.

BACD Business Fundamentals: Marketing & Sales
2025-09-17 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Toronto)

Sales Trends of 2026: What Brick-and-Mortar Businesses Need to Know
2025-09-17 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York)
Explore future sales trends—AI, personalization, and social selling—to help your business sell smarter, not harder.

What does the future of selling look like—and is your business ready? In this forward-looking session, we’ll explore the emerging trends expected to reshape the sales landscape in 2026, and how brick-and-mortar businesses can adapt to stay ahead.
We’ll cover cutting-edge tools and strategies including AI-powered customer support, predictive analytics, SMS marketing, and the growing role of social selling and influencers in the local retail space.
Whether you’re looking to modernize your storefront, upgrade your sales approach, or better understand where customers are headed next, this session will help you make strategic, future-ready decisions.

What You’ll Learn

How customer expectations are shifting toward hyper-personalization and convenience
Tools and sales platforms that will define the next year
Where to focus your energy and resources for scalable growth

Key Highlights

AI-driven automation, insights, and customer engagement
Predictive analytics for smarter sales planning
Social selling, influencer marketing, and SMS engagement strategies

About the Speaker:
Agnes Lan
VP, Sales of Change Connect Inc.
Agnes Lan is a highly accomplished professional whose expertise bridges business strategy, engineering, and sales leadership. With a career rooted in the intersection of technology, business development, and revenue growth, Agnes has built a reputation for delivering measurable impact in complex environments.
As the Founder and Vice President of Sales at Change Connect, she brings a strategic lens to every engagement, driving sustainable growth while cultivating long-term client partnerships. Her leadership is grounded in a results-driven mindset and an agile approach to today’s evolving business landscape.
Agnes’s professional journey is a testament to the power of cross-disciplinary excellence. Her unique ability to synthesize technical depth with business acumen continues to position her as a dynamic force in sales and business strategy.
Her work has earned national recognition, including being featured on The Globe and Mail Report on Business list of Canada’s Top 15 Growing Women-Led Companies 2025 —a reflection of both her leadership and the success of the Change Connect team.

Women Founders Night
2025-09-17 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Meet and share your experiences with other women founders!

Join us for an empowering evening celebrating the innovation, resilience, and leadership of women entrepreneurs!

This event brings together trailblazing women from diverse industries to share their stories, strategies, and insights.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, an aspiring founder, or simply passionate about supporting women in business, this event is the perfect opportunity to be inspired, network, and learn.
Don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate and connect with some of the brightest minds in the entrepreneurial world. We look forward to seeing you there!?

This event invites those who identifying as a Woman.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Gloria Bryan is a seasoned Wellness Strategist, a dedicated Psychotherapist, and a Registered Social Service Worker with the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers. With a robust career spanning over three decades, Gloria has specialized in supporting victims of violence, with a deep focus on healing survivors of childhood sexual abuse and incest. Her profound expertise encompasses pivotal roles as a sexual assault and rape crisis counselor, youth counselor, as well as her transformative work with male victims and perpetrators in correctional facilities. As the founder of Resilient Pathway Coaching, Gloria empowers her clients to rediscover their inner strength, craft the lives they aspire to live, and harmoniously integrate their past traumas into a narrative of triumph and resilience.
In addition to her one-on-one and group therapies, Gloria serves as a Corporate Wellness Strategist. Her focus there, is on developing Mental Wellness Strategies that cultivate a psychologically safe wellness culture within organizations. These strategies are designed to benefit both employees and employers, promoting a holistic approach to workplace health and well-being.

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Foodpreneur Advantage: Food Safety Fundamentals for Startups
2025-09-18 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
Food Safety Fundamentals for Startups
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, September 18th, 2025 at 10:00 am (This session is offered 4 times per year.)
Duration: 1h hour
Register: https://creatorapp.zohopublic.com/dproudfoot1/registration-form/form-perma/Registration_Form/yqHtnaFANbM8kGfDjkYPHBm3xBaQYwk22Fkxaty1fMBmR7OKagSvN8e9tK7wpByrQPnZ0MR6w5XxB6JMmjJ4fVn4SAzNtb7vjSd5?Seminar_Id=4206752000126908022

How to Start a Small Business
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto)
Looking to turn your business idea into reality? Join our free Starting a Small Business webinar for clear, step-by-step guidance on how to set up and grow with confidence. You’ll learn about choosing a legal structure, registering your business, and hiring your first employees, along with proven strategies to help you succeed. Plus, take advantage of a live Q&A to get your questions answered by experts. Register today and take the first step toward building your business!

Financial Panel for Small Business
2025-09-18 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | 58 Dalhousie St, 58 Dalhousie Street, Brantford, ON, N3T 2J2, Canada
Let’s talk money! What is available and how you can use it to your advantage!

Welcome to the Financial Panel for Small Business event! Join us on Thu Sept 18th 2025 at 5:00 for an evening of insightful discussions about how to navigate the available finacing that could help to catapult your business to the next level!
Our panel of experts will share valuable tips and advice on managing finances for small businesses. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, this event is perfect for gaining valuable insights to help your business thrive.
The event will be held at 58 Dalhousie St, so mark your calendars and don’t miss out!

Your Business Endgame
2025-09-18 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Sydenham Campus, 1130 8th Street East, Owen Sound, ON, N4K 1M7, Canada
Make your business more profitable to operate now and sell later.

Build a More Valuable Business — for today and tomorrow.

You’ve worked hard to create something customers are happy to pay more for than what it costs you to deliver — and that’s always something to be proud of. But when mature Canadian Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to zoom out and view their business as an asset they quickly learn that profitable does not automatically mean valuable.
Unfortunately, after decades investing blood, sweat and tears (and money), many Canadian Entrepreneurs are disappointed by the limited opportunities they have to exit their business.
The good news? It’s always a good time to add value to your business model. Whether you’re just getting started or you want to start planning your off ramp this workshop will help you do that in a way that leads to greater rewards.
Join us for YOUR ENDGAME, an in-person workshop led by Canadian Business Consultant Stephanie Ruth Grimbly, designed specifically for Canadian entrepreneurs ready to add value to their business model and take control of their future.
In this inspiring and practical session, you’ll discover:
Why creating a valuable business matters
– not just for your exit strategy, but for your freedom, legacy, and peace of mind
What actually drives business value
– and how your business stacks up using a research-backed, Canadian-developed market-value assessment tool
How to take action now
– to build a more valuable, scalable business, no matter your size, industry, or stage
Whether you’re planning for the future or just starting to think big, this workshop will help you see your business through a new lens — and empower you to make it everything it can be.
Your future self (and buyers) will thank you.
Your Endgame Facilitator:
Stephanie Ruth Grimbly is the passionate founder of New Territory – a consulting practice dedicated to helping Canadian Entrepreneurs add value to their business models in order to get more reward for the risks they take.
Since 2017, Steph has led small business Owners and staff through the challenging but necessary process of data-driven organizational change.
She applies her unique blend of higher education, technical business skills and real-world work experience working IN and working ON Small Canadian Businesses to make meaningful change actually happen.
*this is an in-person event. Light refreshments will be served. We will meet in the Hotdesk Room, Sydenham Campus.

Your Business Endgame
2025-09-18 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Toronto)
Build a More Valuable Business — for today and tomorrow.
You’ve worked hard to create something customers are happy to pay more for than what it costs you to deliver — and that’s always something to be proud of. But when mature Canadian Entrepreneurs have the opportunity to zoom out and view their business as an asset they quickly learn that profitable does not automatically mean valuable.
Unfortunately, after decades investing blood, sweat and tears (and money), many Canadian Entrepreneurs are disappointed by the limited opportunities they have to exit their business.
The good news? It’s always a good time to add value to your business model. Whether you’re just getting started or you want to start planning your off ramp this workshop will help you do that in a way that leads to greater rewards.
Join the Grey County Business Enterprise Centre for YOUR ENDGAME, an in-person workshop led by Canadian Business Consultant Stephanie Ruth Grimbly, designed specifically for Canadian entrepreneurs ready to add value to their business model and take control of their future.
In this inspiring and practical session, you’ll discover:
Why creating a valuable business matters
– not just for your exit strategy, but for your freedom, legacy, and peace of mindWhat actually drives business value
– and how your business stacks up using a research-backed, Canadian-developed market-value assessment toolHow to take action now
– to build a more valuable, scalable business, no matter your size, industry, or stage
Whether you’re planning for the future or just starting to think big, this workshop will help you see your business through a new lens — and empower you to make it everything it can be.
Your future self (and buyers) will thank you.
Your Endgame Facilitator:
Stephanie Ruth Grimbly is the passionate founder of New Territory – a consulting practice dedicated to helping Canadian Entrepreneurs add value to their business models in order to get more reward for the risks they take.
Since 2017, Steph has led small business Owners and staff through the challenging but necessary process of data-driven organizational change.
She applies her unique blend of higher education, technical business skills and real-world work experience working IN and working ON Small Canadian Businesses to make meaningful change actually happen.
*this is an in-person event. Light refreshments will be served. We will meet in the Hotdesk Room, Sydenham Campus.

AI Demystified: What It Is & Why It’s Your Next Business Advantage
2025-09-18 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Toronto)

(WEBINAR) Financials 101
2025-09-19 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto)
Join us for a comprehensive webinar on Financials 101, tailored specifically for small business owners.

Join us for a comprehensive webinar on Financials 101, tailored specifically for small business owners. This session will cover Recordkeeping, Income taxes, Harmonized Sale Tax, Balance Sheet, Income statement, Cash Flow management, and we will put all of the information together through a Proforma spreadsheet. Gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage your business finances and make informed financial decisions.

Opening a Food Business in York Region
2025-09-22 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
Are you starting a food business or already operating one in York Region? Join us for an informative webinar designed to help food operators

Are you starting a food business or already operating one in York Region? Join us for an informative webinar designed to help food operators understand their responsibilities and access valuable resources to ensure food safety and regulatory compliance.
This session will cover:

What qualifies as a food premises
How to notify Public Health and prepare for inspections
Requirements for home-based food businesses
Low-risk food exemptions
Certified Food Handler requirements
How York Region Public Health supports food operators

Whether you’re running a restaurant, food truck, or baking from home, this webinar will provide practical guidance and direct access to tools and support from Public Health Inspectors.

About the Speaker:
Sonia Figueiredo
Senior Public Healh Inspector, York Region Public Health
Sonia Figueiredo, specializing in food safety since 2021, has been with York Region since 2017, gaining broad experience across public health programs. Sonia holds degrees in science and public health from the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University, and is an active member of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors.

Business Planning – Part 2
2025-09-23 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Business Planning – Part 2

So you’ve got a great business idea and now you want to go forward. How do you get your ideas on paper so that it’s easy for others to understand your business and for you to execute your ideas? Planning is one of the most important parts of business and every entrepreneur and small business needs to have a plan to guide them.
In this two part series, you’ll gain an understanding of the key components of the business plan and how each section is connected to tell the story of you and your idea. We will explore the core sections typically included: Company Profile, Industry Overview, Competition, Products & Services, Target Market (customers), Operations, Marketing Plan and Financials.
Please note: This is the second installment of a two-part series. Completion of “Business Planning – Part 1” is a prerequisite. Registered participants will be provided with a Zoom link and login information in a separate email prior to the session.

(WEBINAR) How to Write a Business Plan
2025-09-23 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Learn to create, refine, and present a business plan that boosts your chances of success and helps grow your business.
