Events & Seminars

The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre offers information-packed seminars and events delivered by industry experts to help you start and grow your small business.

The following seminars are free of charge but registration is required. 

One Page Business Plan

This session is specifically designed for people whose businesses have been operating for a year or more. The One Page Business Plan is an advanced seminar - it will encourage you to update your goals and objectives after your first year in business. You will leave this workshop with renewed focus and a plan to jumpstart your business right now!

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the One Page Business Plan seminar.

Steps to Starting a Small Business

The Steps to Starting a Small Business seminar, delivered by the Enterprise Centre's staff, offers information about making the decision to enter the world of entrepreneurship. We discuss the benefits of self-employment as well as the typical personality traits of effective entrepreneurs.

Steps discussed include evaluating your idea, writing a business plan, securing financing, registering your business and putting your plan into action.

We encourage anyone wishing to book a one-on-one consultation at
the Enterprise Centre to attend this session. It also incorporates information
previously contained in "Rules, Regulations and Registrations" session.

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the Steps to Starting A Small Business seminar.

Market Research Basics

"Trying to start and operate a business without market research is like throwing an object at a wall to see if it will stick."

During this session we will discuss how market research is used to analyze the marketplace, the market's response to your product or service and the effectiveness of your advertising. We will then work to understand how the results of your market research can influence the strategic planning of your business.

The St. Catharines Public Library will provide a tour of reference materials relevant to business planning and market research.

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the Market Research / Evaluating Your Idea seminar.

Canadian Youth Business Foundation Information

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is a national charity providing pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing, and mentoring to help you start your own successful business. If you are 18 to 34 years old and have a great business idea, they can help!

Attend this session to learn about the program, the eligibility criteria and the application process.

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the Canadian Youth Business Foundation Information seminar.

Basic Business Planning

Most successful businesses are guided by great leaders executing a well-written business plan. Business plans can provide countless benefits beyond just applying for financing. They provide vision and guidance while you launch and run your company, and allow you to be focused on your goals even while working on day-to-day operations.

During this session participants will learn about the purpose and benefit of a business plan. Participants will also understand the basic layout of a business plan including an overview of requirements and recommendations of each section.

Participants will be provided with a business planning guide as well as a sample plan of a business similar to their own (if available).

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the Basic Business Planning seminar.

CRA Small Business Information Session

When starting a small business, there are a number of important rules and processes related to reporting and taxes that any entrepreneur should be aware of. This session is delivered by qualified staff of the Canada Revenue Agency and reviews various topics including:

• Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
• Income Tax
• Audit
• Objections and Appeals
• My Business Account
• How to get information from the CRA

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the Canadian Revenue Agency Small Business Information Session.

CRA Introduction to Corporations

This two-hour seminar is for newly incorporated businesses or for individuals that are considering incorporating. It will highlight areas that every corporate director should be aware at or before incorporation.  A representative from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will provide details on:

• Setting up your business
• Types of corporations
• Buying an Existing Business
• Keeping records
• How does a corporation pay taxes?
• Are you responsible for your corporation's debts?

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the Canadian Revenue Agency Introduction to Corporations Session.

CRA - Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) Information Session

The HST is a tax that applies to the supply of most goods and services in Ontario. This seminar is delivered by representatives of the Canada Revenue Agency and offers participants a unique opportunity to hear directly from the source information on HST registration, rules, and input tax credits. Learn how the HST applies to your business and ask any questions you may have.

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the HST Information seminar.

CRA - Payroll Information Seminar

At this free seminar, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will review payroll requirements for deducting, remitting, and reporting amounts for the Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, and income tax.

Click here for more information and upcoming dates for the Payroll Information seminar.