Small Business Enterprise Centre

Digital Discovery Series: Unlock SEO Success
2026-05-19 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Search engines don’t stand still, and neither should your SEO strategy. What worked a year ago may no longer drive traffic or conversions. From changing search algorithms and new user expectations to the rise of AI-driven search experiences, marketers need to rethink how they optimize for visibility, engagement, and results. This webinar cuts through the noise to focus on what’s actually changed in SEO, what matters now, and how to adapt your strategy. You’ll leave with practical insights you can apply immediately, without chasing trends or relying solely on automation. Learning Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
? Understand the shifts in SEO, including AEO, AIO, SXO, GEO, and traditional SEO changes
? Identify what “search-optimized content” means and how to create it for modern audiences
? Recognize how user experience and engagement metrics affect search rankings
? Apply new SEO best practices across website design, content strategy, and multi-channel campaigns
This webinar is delivered locally by Enterprise Renfrew County and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.

Exploring Entrepreneurship – The basics of starting your own business
2026-05-15 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
Join the St Catharines Enterprise Centre for an informative session all about what it takes to successfully start a business.

Do you have dreams of becoming an entrepreneur? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an informative session all about what it takes to successfully start a business. In this session you will learn about developing your idea, business supports and tools, and the keys to success.

Entrepreneur Essentials: Understanding your Value Proposition
2026-05-15 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Toronto)
Join the VBEC team for a group session exploring who you are as a business.

E-Commerce Marketing:Diving Into 360-Degree Marketing Strategies (InPerson)
2026-05-15 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2C5, Canada
Actionable insights to maximize your reach and revenue.

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:
Ready to scale your online business with smarter, more cohesive marketing? Join us for an interactive webinar designed for entrepreneurs who want to take control of their e-commerce growth.
In this session, you’ll uncover the power of 360° marketing – a strategy that unifies your brand message across every channel and customer touchpoint. We’ll break down the entire campaign lifecycle, from creative ideation to high-performance execution, showing you how to optimize each stage of your customer journey.
Discover proven tactics to boost engagement and sales, including how to:

Build anticipation with strategic pre-sale campaigns
Convert urgency into action using limited-time offers
Capture high-intent shoppers through dynamic ad targeting

By the end of this webinar, you’ll walk away with a clear action plan and practical insights to amplify your brand’s reach, streamline your marketing, and drive measurable revenue growth.
Ideal for:

Founders
E-commerce business owners
Marketers looking to scale with strategy and precision.

E-Commerce Marketing: Diving Into 360-Degree Marketing Strategies (Virtual)
2026-05-15 10:30 - 11:30 (America/Toronto)
Actionable insights to maximize your reach and revenue.

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:
Ready to scale your online business with smarter, more cohesive marketing? Join us for an interactive webinar designed for entrepreneurs who want to take control of their e-commerce growth.
In this session, you’ll uncover the power of 360° marketing – a strategy that unifies your brand message across every channel and customer touchpoint. We’ll break down the entire campaign lifecycle, from creative ideation to high-performance execution, showing you how to optimize each stage of your customer journey.
Discover proven tactics to boost engagement and sales, including how to:

Build anticipation with strategic pre-sale campaigns
Convert urgency into action using limited-time offers
Capture high-intent shoppers through dynamic ad targeting

By the end of this webinar, you’ll walk away with a clear action plan and practical insights to amplify your brand’s reach, streamline your marketing, and drive measurable revenue growth.
Ideal for:

Founders
E-commerce business owners
Marketers looking to scale with strategy and precision.

*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.

Men Founders Night
2026-05-14 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Join us for an exciting and informative evening with networking opportunities after the presentation. Meet and share your experiences.

Join us for an evening created for men building, leading, and scaling businesses.
Male Founders Night is a space for men to come together for honest conversation, practical insight, and connection around the realities of entrepreneurship. From leadership and responsibility to pressure, decision-making, and growth, this event is designed to reflect the mindset and challenges that often come with building something meaningful.
The evening will also include an introductory meditation and a conversation on how regular short practices can support focus, resilience, and clearer thinking in business. Whether you are just starting out or already deep in your entrepreneurial journey, this is an opportunity to step back, reset, and connect with other men who are navigating the same path. We look forward to seeing you there.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Andy Tyas
Andy Tyas is an experienced educator and long-time meditation practitioner who is passionate about helping people build confidence and experience emotional balance.
Andy began practicing and sharing guided meditation in 1997, leading hundreds of sessions for anyone who has the desire to participate.
His sessions help people experience peace, through a sense of self esteem and belief that they can tackle the challenges that lie before them. He believes meditation is a simple, accessible tool that helps anyone navigate their thoughts and emotions in a positive way.
Andy enjoys music, sports, and staying active. Whether he is coaching, teaching, or guiding a short meditation, his goal remains the same – to support, empower, and inspire people to continue reaching for their goals.

To contact Andy, email andy@freemeditationtv.com, or visit http://www.freemeditationtv.com for more information.

Entrepreneur Essentials: Start-Up 101: Regulations, Registering & Licenses
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Toronto)
Join the VBEC team for a group session on all you need to know about regulations, business licenses, and steps to registering your business

Essential Bookkeeping for Small Business Owners (Virtual)
2026-05-14 14:00 - 15:30 (America/Toronto)
Strengthen your business from the ground up with must-have bookkeeping know-how.

About this workshop:
Proper record keeping and effective financial organization are critical pillars of business success, no matter the size or stage of your enterprise. As part of the Logan Katz Learning Series, this interactive and practical workshop is designed to equip business owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring bookkeepers with the foundational skills needed to manage financial information with confidence.
In this engaging session, participants will learn:

The key principles and terminology of bookkeeping
How to set up and maintain a simple, efficient record-keeping system
Best practices for organizing receipts, invoices, and financial documents
Techniques for tracking income and expenses accurately
How to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to errors or missed opportunities
When and how to delegate bookkeeping tasks effectively

Whether you’re managing the books yourself or supervising someone who does, this workshop will provide you with the tools and clarity to stay on top of your financials and make informed decisions for your business. Designed to be accessible and actionable, the content is suitable for beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge.

*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.

Chai & Chat – Small Business Meet Up
2026-05-14 13:30 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Join us for an engaging fireside chat featuring a dynamic group of small business entrepreneurs!

Join us for an engaging fireside chat featuring a dynamic group of small business entrepreneurs! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from and connect with local entrepreneurs in a warm and interactive environment.

BEC is promoting mental wellness, breaking stigma—this May and beyond!

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Iman Grewal
Wellness Entrepreneur, award-winning Mental Health Advocate, multi-hyphenate creative, and a voice for the unheard.
Iman’s journey is anything but ordinary. From dancing on some of the world’s biggest stages—including the World Economic Forum in Davos—to becoming TIFF’s first South Asian Film Programmer, her path has always been about amplifying stories and challenging norms.
But it was burnout, and a deeper calling to help others, that led her to step fully into her purpose. Today, Iman is a nationally respected Entrepreneurship Coach, Educator, and Trauma-Informed Wellness Facilitator who empowers individuals—especially those navigating mental health challenges—to launch and grow businesses rooted in resilience, purpose, and community care.
She currently coaches at the Canadian Mental Health Association and facilitates Rise’s Women+ Entrepreneurship Program, helping aspiring business owners gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to thrive. As a fourth-generation Yoga and Meditation Practitioner, Iman also leads healing retreats and workshops that decolonize wellness and center holistic wellbeing.
Her work has earned her national recognition—including Reader’s Digest’s Hero of Mental Health, CMHA’s We Are More Award, and a nomination for the Rogers Women Empowerment Award in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Her story of resilience was recently featured in the Stories of Strength and Survival exhibit in the Region of Waterloo.
Whether she’s guiding a business owner through burnout recovery or helping someone believe in their dream again, Iman leads with compassion, cultural humility, and lived experience.
She dedicates this journey to her great-grandfather, Bhai Sahib Randhir Singh Ji, a renowned Sikh scholar and freedom fighter who championed justice, community upliftment, and spiritual conviction. His legacy inspires Iman to create spaces where everyone is seen, heard, and valued.
If you’re building a business, healing while hustling, or just need to be reminded that your voice matters—Iman’s insights are for you.

imangrewal.com

Attracting Gen Z Customers
2026-05-14 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Learn how to attract and engage Gen Z customers by using humour, authenticity, and community-driven content. Hosted by local Sudbury food blogger Flaneusse Eats, who has built an audience of over 27K followers on TikTok, this session explores how relatable content, storytelling, and local connection can help businesses reach and maintain a younger generation of customers.

Tax Seminar with the CRA: T1 Sole Proprietor & Partnership
2026-05-14 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 newer small businesses or potential new start-ups. This webinar help:

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.

Building AI bots for your business — without the technical headache
2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
A practical session for SMB owners ready to use AI to save time, serve customers faster, and scale without adding headcount

Ready to use AI to save time, serve customers faster, and scale—without the technical headache
This practical session is designed for small and medium-sized business owners who want clear, actionable ways to implement AI in their day-to-day operations.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Understand what AI bots can actually do for your sales, customer support, and operations—explained in plain language
Cut through the noise with practical insights that work in real business settings
See real-world examples from manufacturers, distributors, and service businesses like yours
Deploy your first AI bot in 30 days or lessm even without a technical team

Bonus:Live attendees will receive a free AI Bot Readiness Checklist to help you take immediate action after the session.

About the Speaker:
Michael Izzi is a highly accomplished professional with a diverse academic background and a wealth of experience in the business world. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, a Juris Doctor (JD) from Queen’s University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from York University.
As a Consultant at Change Connect, Michael leverages his extensive education and expertise to deliver valuable insights and solutions to clients seeking transformative change. His role as a Sales Consultant is multifaceted, involving responsibilities such as market analysis, client engagement, and strategic planning. Michael excels at identifying opportunities for growth, crafting innovative sales strategies, and fostering long-lasting client relationships.
Michael’s impressive professional journey also includes a noteworthy history as a Chief Revenue Officer, where he was responsible for driving revenue growth and shaping the financial future of the organizations he served. His prior role as a Business Development Representative equipped him with the skills necessary to identify and nurture new business opportunities, contributing significantly to his career’s success.
Throughout his career, Michael Izzi has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence, strategic thinking, and a results-driven approach. His unique blend of legal acumen and business acuity has made him a valuable asset in the fields of sales, revenue generation, and business development. Michael’s passion for driving positive change and his ability to adapt to evolving business landscapes make him a dynamic and influential professional in his field.

Foodpreneur Advantage - Marketing and Branding Your Food Product
2026-05-14 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto)
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 2026 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, May 14th, 2026, at 10:00 am (This session is offered 4 times per year.)
Duration: 1 hour

Marketing Basics
2026-05-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Toronto) | St. Catharines City Hall, 50 Church Street, St. Catharines, ON, L2R 7C2, Canada
Kickstart Your Business Success: understand your place in the market, how to reach your customers, and grow your brand!

Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an overview seminar designed to help you understand your market and effectively reach your ideal customers.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your approach, this session will guide you through the essentials of marketing and market research. Learn how to define your value proposition, create a strong marketing strategy, and use market research tools to understand your target audience.

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

Location Updated:

50 Church St., St. Catharines – City Hall

Burgoyne Woods Roon

3rd Floor

Construction Support Series (1 of 2): Power of Staying Connected
2026-05-13 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Is your business impacted by a construction project? Join the Construction Support series to learn practical tools to prepare your business

Is your business impacted by a construction project? Join the Construction Support series to learn practical tools you can use immediately to prepare your business and customers while supporting infrastructure development and revitalization in our City.
How do you keep customers coming back when access is confusing?
See if this feels familiar:
• Customers say they didn’t know how to get to you
• People assume you’re closed because the street looks messy
• Social posts feel like they disappear into the void
• You’re not sure what to say — or how often to say it
If that’s you, you’re not alone. Customers want to support you, they just need clarity and reassurance.
Power of Staying Connected, this virtual, interactive webinar, shows you how to keep customers informed, confident, and coming back with clear, consistent, low?effort communication. You’ll learn how to craft simple updates, choose the right channels, and make small visibility tweaks that remind people you’re still open and worth the trip. You’ll leave with ready?to?use customer messages, a weekly communication rhythm, and a visibility plan that fits into a busy day.
The Construction Support series consists of 2 workshops. You can register for the Power of Being Prepared on Tuesday, June 9 at 1 pm , where you will build a readiness checklist for your business.

Learn more about what resources are available for your business during a construction project here: Construction Support for Small Businesses | Vaughan Economic Development.

About the Speaker:
Ramona Gallagher is a leader in small business development, with over 25 years of experience helping entrepreneurs navigate startup, growth, and expansion. A recognized expert in Main Street development, placemaking, and business strategy, she has worked with government agencies, funding partners, and industry associations to remove barriers and create opportunities for small business success. She has guided thousands of entrepreneurs—from those exploring a business idea to seasoned owners scaling their operations—offering practical support in business planning, financial management, and strategic growth. Whether securing funding, launching a storefront, or expanding a business, Ramona equips owners with the tools to thrive, driving programs that foster sustainable growth and vibrant communities.

(Workshop) Financial Forecasting 101
2026-05-13 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Stop guessing. Create a financial forecast that guides expansion, controls cash flow, and powers confident decision-making.

You are required to bring your own laptop—no devices will be provided.

As a business owner, your biggest enemy isn’t the competition—it’s uncertainty. Running a business without a financial forecast is like driving a car at night without headlights; you can see the dashboard, but you have no idea what’s coming around the bend.

This workshop is designed for the non-finance founder. We skip the jargon and focus on the one thing that keeps you up at night.

By the end of this session, you won’t just have a spreadsheet—you’ll have a decision-making engine. You’ll leave knowing exactly when you can afford to expand, when you need to cut back, and how to tell your bank exactly where your business is headed.

Stepping into Business – Evening Virtual Course- Spring 2026
2026-05-12 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto)
Your first steps into starting a new business or refining your existing small business

Intro to Importing and Exporting for Entrepreneurs
2026-05-12 11:00 - 12:30 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Are you ready to expand your business horizons beyond Canadian borders?

Whether you’re a startup looking to enter new markets or an established business aiming to refine your international strategy, this session is tailored to help you succeed in the global marketplace.
Don’t miss this chance to unlock new business opportunities and take your entrepreneurial journey to an international level! This seminar will provide an introductory guide on the basics of what entrepreneurs need to know in order to do importing or exporting the right way.

The session will cover:
Understanding Global Markets: Learn the fundamentals of international trade and identify key opportunities in global markets.
Importing Basics: Discover the essential steps for importing goods, including sourcing, compliance, and logistics.
Exporting Essentials: Explore strategies for exporting your products, from market research to documentation and shipping.
Regulatory and Compliance: Get to grips with import/export regulations, tariffs, and customs procedures.
Risk Management: Understand how to mitigate risks associated with international trade, including currency fluctuations and geopolitical factors.
Understanding Culture: Learn how to do with international businesses; and best practices.
Payment and Financing: Learn about how to take payment and learn about all of your financing options.

Digital Discovery Series: From Invisible To In Demand
2026-05-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Most small businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth – but without a strong online presence, those referrals often fall flat. This session breaks down the real job of a website and brand in today’s market: not just to “exist,” but to actively convert interest into trust and action. We’ll walk through how a clear brand message, a properly structured website, and consistent online visibility work together to:
? Turn referrals into paying customers? Build credibility before the first conversation? Attract higher-quality leads (not just more leads)
Attendees will leave with practical, easy-to-apply strategies they can implement immediately – whether they’re starting from scratch or looking to improve what they already have.

Digital Discovery Series: From Invisible to in Demand
2026-05-12 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
From Invisible to in Demand: How Small Businesses Use Branding and Online Presence to Win More Customers
Most small businesses rely heavily on word-of-mouth – but without a strong online presence, those referrals often fall flat. This session breaks down the real job of a website and brand in today’s market: not just to “exist,” but to actively convert interest into trust and action. We’ll walk through how a clear brand message, a properly structured website, and consistent online visibility work together to:
* Turn referrals into paying customers
* Build credibility before the first conversation
* Attract higher-quality leads (not just more leads)
Attendees will leave with practical, easy-to-apply strategies they can implement immediately – whether they’re starting from scratch or looking to improve what they already have.
This webinar is delivered locally by Enterprise Renfrew County and funded in partnership with the Government of Ontario.

QuickBooks Workshop Parry Sound
2026-05-12 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Toronto) | Canadore College, 1 College Drive, Parry Sound, ON, P2A 0A9, Canada
Learn Quickbooks software and Bookkeeping basics for your small business.

Join us to learn bookkeeping basics & software with Beattie Balanced Books.
We will be covering:– Quickbooks software overview & getting started– Setting up accounts– The types of accounts(asset, liability, revenue, expenses)– Quickbooks tips– General bookkeeping best practices
This event is a collaboration by The Business Centre Nipissing Parry Sound, Parry Sound Area CB&DC Community Futures, and Canadore College.

Thriving with ADHD & Neurodivergence in Business
2026-05-12 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Toronto)
This engaging 60-minute webinar takes a strengths-based, brain-friendly approach to neurodiversity in business.

Entrepreneurs with ADHD and neurodivergent thinking often bring creativity, innovation, and strong vision to their businesses—while facing challenges with focus, consistency, and structure. This engaging 60-minute webinar takes a strengths-based, brain-friendly approach to neurodiversity in business. Participants will learn how to work with their unique thinking styles rather than against them, building strategies that support focus, energy, and sustainable success.
Key Learning Skills Developed

Self-awareness and strengths identification
Focus regulation and task initiation
Energy and workload management
Flexible planning and adaptive problem-solving
Self-advocacy and sustainable productivity

By the end of this session, participants will:

Gain a clearer understanding of ADHD and neurodivergence in an entrepreneurial context
Identify strengths associated with neurodivergent thinking, including creativity and innovation
Understand why traditional productivity strategies may not work for neurodivergent brains
Learn practical, brain-friendly tools to improve focus and task completion
Reduce overwhelm and burnout through sustainable strategies
Walk away with strengths-based tools to turn unique thinking styles into business advantages.

Presented by: Tinelle Hosten
Tinnelle is the founder of Silvertree Educational Consulting and Class In Session Inc., and a seasoned educator and consultant with over 15 years of experience supporting entrepreneurs, professionals, and organizations. She specializes in executive functioning, productivity systems, confidence-building, and strengths-based support for ADHD and neurodivergent thinkers.
Tinnelle has facilitated workshops and coaching programs focused on time management, organization, accountability, and sustainable productivity—helping entrepreneurs reduce overwhelm, build systems that work with their brains, and stay aligned with their business goals. Her work blends practical strategy with neuroscience-informed approaches, empowering adults to turn focus challenges into clarity, creativity, and momentum.
Her mission is simple: to help entrepreneurs work smarter, lead with confidence, and thrive in business and life.

BCGW on the road: Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL)
2026-05-12 09:00 - 11:00 (America/Toronto) | 850 Fountain St S, 850 Fountain Street South, Cambridge, ON, N3H 0A8, Canada
(CFRIL) can to help your food and beverage company innovate, scale up production, and improve product quality!

Meet the Business Centre Guelph Wellington and CFRIL Facility Staff on Tuesday May 12th from 9-11am for a guided tour of the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab taking place at 850 Fountain Street South – The Conestoga College Cambridge – Fountain Street campus.
At the Conestoga Food Research & Innovation Lab (CFRIL), they collaborate with organizations across the food processing, packaging, and foodservice sectors to deliver practical, scalable solutions. Their state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities support every stage of the product development cycle—from concept to commercialization.
CFRIL can help your food business with:

Product Development & Commercialization
Scale-Up Capabilities
Shelf-Life and Food Safety
Packaging Innovation
Sustainability Solutions
Introductions to Experienced Partners

Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, their team works closely with you to drive innovation, solve challenges, and bring new ideas to market.
By signing up for this event, you consent for the Operations Manager at the Business Centre Guelph Wellington to share your email address info. with CFRIL for parking purposes. Free parking will be provided.
This tour includes `15 spots for interested individuals, reserved on a first come first serve basis. A friendly reminder phone call will also take place the week of the tour to confirm your attendance. If you should have any questions or concerns please email diana@guelphbusiness.com

Exporting 101 (In Person)
2026-05-11 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Invest Ottawa, 7 Bayview Station Road, Ottawa, ON, K1Y 2C5, Canada
This session will give you an overall view of what you need to know to export goods abroad.

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:
This webinar will give you an overall view of what you need to know to export goods abroad:

financial issues (Incoterms, payments, exchange rates, insurance),

Canadian export regulations,

declarations and permits,

logistics costs,

Free Trade Agreements and their impact,

regional differences (USA, Europe, Latin America, Asia),

shipping to trade shows,

The roles and responsibilities of the:

exporter,

the importer,

the carrier,

the freight forwarder,

the customs broker, and

other intermediaries.

Learn the basics as well as the important details that will impact your bottom line and avoid mistakes, minimize costs/risks and maximize revenue.
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.

Exporting 101 (Virtual)
2026-05-11 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto)
This session will give you an overall view of what you need to know to export goods abroad.

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:
This webinar will give you an overall view of what you need to know to export goods abroad:

financial issues (Incoterms, payments, exchange rates, insurance),

Canadian export regulations,

declarations and permits,

logistics costs,

Free Trade Agreements and their impact,

regional differences (USA, Europe, Latin America, Asia),

shipping to trade shows,

The roles and responsibilities of the:

exporter,

the importer,

the carrier,

the freight forwarder,

the customs broker, and

other intermediaries.

Learn the basics as well as the important details that will impact your bottom line and avoid mistakes, minimize costs/risks and maximize revenue.
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.

(Webinar) Grant Insights & Funding Preparations
2026-05-08 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Learn grant basics: eligibility, proposals, budgeting, & how to design, measure, and sustain impactful projects from idea to funding success

This session will share insights and a comprehensive overview of the grant development process, grant framework, including eligibility requirements, evaluation criteria, key terms & conditions. Participants will learn how to craft and clearly define the problem their project addresses.The session will also explore how to present organizational background, outline program design, and establish realistic goals with measurable objectives. Guidance on implementation planning, evaluation methods, and performance measurement. The session will also cover budgeting, funding strategies, and sustainability planning to ensure long-term impact and successful grant management.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Adedayo Olusegun
Adedayo Olusegun is a seasoned consultant with over 20 years of international experience; spanning strategic financial planning, small business, commercial & investment banking as well as non-profit. Dayo, is a natural people person, dynamic and experienced life coach and mentor.
He has special passion and motivational gifts in capacity building, educating and empowering people and organizations to set goals, organize personal finances, financial literacy, implement strategic financial plans, writing business plans, strategic master plans, linking and connecting entrepreneurs, non-profit and social enterprises with eco system partners to access resources and financing opportunities.
He has over a decade of customer and investment services, and commercial banking experience with TD Waterhouse and RBC Commercial Banking in Canada. Dayo also worked in the non-profit sector, with Northwood Neighborhood Services, a charitable organization, and a member agency of the United Way as a Fundraiser and Resource Developer. He also gained valuable experience as a speaker and champion for United Way Toronto.
Prior to his Canadian professional experience, Dayo developed management and progressive leadership experience, rising to the position of an Assistant General Manager, at Financial Derivatives Co. Ltd, Lagos, (FDC) Nigeria. At FDC, he gained domestic and international work and training experience in strategic financial planning, origination of credit, financial statement and credit analysis, equity research and international portfolio management, investment and corporate banking, and overall relationship management experience across Africa and North America.He brings wealth of experience to prepare, organize and empower the social enterprise community to leverage various eco system opportunities.
About Us – Adex Consulting Services

Office Hours with RISE
2026-05-08 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre + Co-working Space, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
Drop in to connect with RISE for mentorship, training, and flexible financing to help you start or grow your business.

RISE IS HEADED TO BEC!
Office Hours with RISE
Connect with RISE and explore how their programs can support your entrepreneurial journey.
These open office hours are a chance to meet one-on-one with a RISE advisor and learn more about:

Mentorship from experienced business professionals
Training programs to build your skills and confidence
Flexible financing options to help you move forward

Whether you’re exploring an idea or already running a business, this is a welcoming space to ask questions, get guidance, and see what support is available to you.
Drop in, connect, and discover how RISE can help you take your next step.
About Us | Rise

Master the Restaurant Dos and Don’ts
2026-05-07 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | MS Teams
Join us for an exclusive interview with the owners of Sudbury favourites Beards Bakery and Tucos Tacos as they share real-world insights into running a successful restaurant and bakery. From startup mistakes to hard-earned wins, this candid conversation dives into the do’s and don’ts of the food business.

Story Boarding: A five-line narrative formula – Entrepreneurs Connect
2026-05-06 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, 41 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 2E1, Canada
You need a story that hooks in seconds, earns minutes of engagement, and converts buyers—fast.

Story Boarding

You have less than 7 seconds to hook and keep buyers.
Most websites drown in half-baked messaging: feature lists, generic taglines, and copy-and-paste value props. But buyers are very picky. You need a story that hooks in seconds, earns minutes of engagement, and converts buyers—fast. That’s what the Story Blueprint Workshop delivers.

What to expect (120 min):

Reality Check (15 min) – Spot the messaging mistakes draining your funnel.
Buyer & Journey Mapping (30 min) – Pin down your buyer and their urgency level (Fast-Lane, Slow-Lane, Sidewalk).
Product Hook & Product Promise Sprints (45 min) – Write a crisp value prop, irresistible hook, and concrete promise—live feedback included.
Message Stress-Test (20 min) – Run your draft through the Progressive Persuasive Pyramid and patch attention leaks.
Action Plan (10 min) – Leave with a checklist and content outline ready to deploy tomorrow.

Key takeaways:

A buyer-validated value proposition, hook, and product promise.
Practical advice you can use to dramatically improve your landing page immediately.
Editable templates for future messaging.

Proudly Sponsorped by TD

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Kevin Smith | Chief Story Architect & Executive Producer
“I was six when I started taking apart my toys to see how they worked, especially the electronic ones. I’d get right down to the motors, and wonder at how the magnets covered with copper wire moved. I was intensely curious about how things worked.
It started with my father, I guess. We always had computers in the home, starting with a Vic20, then the Commodore 64, then PCs. Eventually I was building my own PCs while going to school for business and entrepreneurship.
I always wanted my own company, but before I could start one I got a job at Dell. It was in sales, which I didn’t want. I wanted a tech job, but I had a recruiter talk me into it. It was at the height of the Y2K crisis, and I’d be able to make a good amount of money in a short period of time because almost every computer in the world needed to be replaced. My recruiter promised to find me a better tech job in a few months.
But something funny happened. I fell in love with sales. The combination of tech and sales was a great fit. And I became great at it. Eventually that led to me becoming a Brand Manager for servers and enterprise products. In taking on marketing, I built a number of my own processes to help sell, pitch, and market better. These were the early foundations of this company I run today.
But before I got to that, I had another career pivot, moving into the M&A group at Dell, during a startup acquisition binge. I got to work with some incredible founders as we worked to expand and scale their ventures within Dell. And I re-fell in love with entrepreneurship and startups.
It wasn’t too long after that, that I decided the time was right to start my own company, and I wanted to help tech founders get better at telling their story to their customers.
I’ve been doing that now for 10 years, and since then I’ve helped thousands of founders pitch better, market better and sell faster.
I’ve built a strong virtual team that helps me execute on every project we take on, and ensures the highest quality outcome for every customer”.
Home – TheStoryArchitect

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Note: If you require an accommodation, please notify us by email at least 1 week before the event date at bec@brampton.ca
To cancel the accommodation, we require 5 business days’ notice before the event date.

Entrepreneurship 101: Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Biz
2026-05-06 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Toronto) | VentureNorth, Lower Level Board Room, 270 George Street North, Peterborough, ON, K9J 3H1, Canada
Learn IP basics with Marcelo from Prima IP—plus free Domino’s pizza! Perfect for small business owners.

Entrepreneurship 101: Protect It – Intellectual Property for Small Biz
Description:Your ideas are the foundation of your business! Make sure they’re protected. In this practical and engaging workshop, small business owners and entrepreneurs will learn the basics of intellectual property (IP) and how to protect their brand, products, content, and innovations.
Led by IP expert Marcelo Sarkis from Prima IP, this session simplifies complex legal concepts and provides actionable steps tailored specifically for small businesses.
Key takeaways include:

The key differences between trademarks, copyrights, patents, industrial designs and trade secrets — and what each protects
Which types of intellectual property your business needs, and when to use them
Common IP pitfalls that cost businesses time and money — and how to steer clear
When you can handle IP protection yourself — and when it’s smarter to hire an expert
Practical tools and straightforward tips to start protecting your ideas today

Packed with real-world examples and expert advice, this session will help you feel confident in building a solid foundation for your business.Bonus: Free Domino’s pizza while you learn!
