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CalendarEvents & Seminars
The St. Catharines Enterprise Centre provides the information, tools and resources that entrepreneurs need to launch and grow their business. Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs are serviced through many support services, including a number of informative seminars and events.
Most of the following seminars are free of charge, but some involve a nominal fee. Registration is required for all.
Featured Event - Learn @ Lunch Seminar Events
The Learn @ Lunch Series is a seminar-based program designed to inform entrepreneurs and business owners about various skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the marketplace. Each seminar is offered for a nominal and affordable fee.
Each event runs approximately 1.5 hours and includes lunch, networking and an educational component. Each seminar is hosted by a different industry professional who talks about their individual area of expertise and how it related to current business owners and operators.
Register at http://ngenlearnatlunch.eventbrite.ca.
Download information and view upcoming dates for the Learn @ Lunch events
Basic Business Planning Seminar
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).
Download information and view upcoming dates for the Basic Business Planning seminar.
Building your Business Online Seminar
The purpose of this seminar is to provide clients with an introduction to using online mediums to effectively build your business and brand. By building your business's online presence, you are capable of reaching a larger audience with minimal cost.
This seminar will provide an introductory overview of online resources, social media tools and e-commerce principles. Clients will leave with an understanding of how the online world relates to their business and how the business can benefit from engaging online.
Download information and view upcoming dates for the Building your Business Online seminar.
Canadian Youth Business Foundation Information Session
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 39 years old and have a great business idea, they can help!
Attend an information session with a consultant to learn about the program, the eligibility criteria and the application process.
Contact the Enterprise Centre at 905-688-5601 ext 1767 to book a time to meet with a consultant.
FirstOntario Micro Loan Information Session
Interested in starting or growing a small business, but having difficulty with financing? A micro loan may be the answer. Since 2012, FirstOntario Credit Union has provided small business loans of up to $2,500 to individuals who are unable to access traditional financing to start or grow their business.
During this session, participants will learn about the micro finance eligibility criteria, the process of accessing financing, the technical aspects of loan disbusements, as well as tips and tricks every enterpreneur should know to run a successful small business.
Contact the Enterprise Centre at 905-688-5601 ext 1767 to book a time to meet with a consultant.
Funding for your Business Seminar
Entrepreneurs often report that getting financing is the most challenging aspect of starting or growing a business. From start-up and expansion funding, to hiring incentives and more, this seminar will provide an overview of the programs, incentives and supports available to you.
The importance of utilizing strong business planning practices in order to strengthen applications for funding will also be included.
Down information and view upcoming dates for the Funding for your Business seminar.
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.
Download information and view upcoming dates for the HST Information 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
Market Research Basics Session
"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.
Contact the Enterprise Centre at 905-688-5601 ext 1767 to book a market research consultation.
One Page Business Plan Seminar
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.
Contact the Enterprise Centre at 905-688-5601 ext 1767 to book an appointment for the One Page Business Plan seminar.
Sales and Marketing Seminar
This seminar will assist entrepreneurs in understanding how to effectively market their product/service by applying the "4 Ps of Marketing".
Attendees will learn to utilize this strategy to create a sales and marketing strategy. Your business will be better equipped to identify your target market, create best practices for promotion and understand how this direction can be used to increase your sales.
Download information and view upcoming dates for the Sales and Marketing seminar.
Steps to Starting a Small Business Seminar
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.
Download information and view upcoming dates for the Steps to Starting a Small Business seminar.
Services in Welland - First and Third Tuesday of Every Month
In partnership with the Welland Development Commission and the Welland Job Gym, we are pleased to offer our small business infromational and advisory services in Welland twice a month.
Consultations and seminars are available are available at no charge. Registration is required.
Contact the Enterprise Centre at 905-688-5601 ext 1767 to register for a seminar or to book an appointment.
Download information and view upcoming schedule for Welland seminars.
