Small Business Week at Small Business BC

Small Business Week is October 16-20, 2017 and presents a welcome opportunity to acknowledge the contributions entrepreneurs and small business owners make to the Canadian economy, and our local communities.

Events are taking place around the country, including here at Small Business BC. Together with the Province of British Columbia, we are delighted to offer both our education and Ask the Expert services for free, from October 16, 2017 to October 20, 2017. This means you can attend over 10 seminars, webinars, and Ask the Expert sessions during this week – FOR FREE.

We want you to make the most of this offering, so we’ve put together a great lineup for you to choose from. Remember places are limited, so book today to avoid disappointment.

Free Seminars During Small Business Week

Business Planning for Developing Businesses

Monday, October 16, 2017, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Starting a business is tough, but growing a business is tougher. Develop your growth plan and transition successfully into the next stage of business. Building the right strategy will help you avoid the pitfalls of growing too quickly or too slowly. Learn how your current business activities are affecting growth and concentrate on removing the barriers.

Instagram Marketing for Busy Entrepreneurs

Monday, October 16, 2017, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Want to harness the power of Instagram to grow your business without spending money on ads? This seminar will equip you with effective strategies and tactics to apply without wasting time or money. You’ll identify your ideal customer and design an ideal customer avatar, learn how to find, engage and convert prospects on Instagram efficiently, and get started on draft posts as key takeaways.

Get Started with Email Marketing

Monday, October 16, 2017, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Interested in reaching your target audience via email? Want to generate business through email newsletters? This seminar teaches you how to start an effective email marketing campaign and leave with an action plan to get your email strategy up and running.

How to Boost your Productivity and Get More Done

Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

As an entrepreneur, you’re already working hard to balance multiple roles and responsibilities. How to squeeze more productivity out of your time is a constant question, and this seminar will help you to adopt scientific tools and techniques to get you started with your new productivity strategy now.

Operations for Small Business

Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Do you know all the essential elements for successfully operating a business? Creating a vision or plan for your operations will provide a framework for success. In this seminar we explore how you can determine who does what, where, when, how and most importantly why.

Start Smart Series

Wednesday, October 18, 2017, 9:00 AM to 4:15 PM

The Start Smart Series provides step-by-step guidance to starting your business on the right footing. This series features two separate seminars where five industry experts provide their knowledge and tips to help start your business right.

Building Employee Skills: How to Access the Canada-B.C. Job Grant

Thursday, October 19, 2017, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

Developing skilled employees is an integral part of growing your business and retaining staff. Small businesses can often find it hard to afford the time and cost of training. This free seminar will show you how the Canada-B.C. Job Grant can offset the cost of skills training and professional development for your employees.

Partnering in Business: Keys to Success

Thursday, October 19, 2017, 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Partners, friends and family members often consider going into business together, but is it the right choice for your business and your relationship? This seminar helps you assess your professional compatibility and shares strategies on how to work together in building your business.

Business Viability: Analysis and Forecasting

Friday, October 20, 2017, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

The full-day seminar explores how to determine, evaluate and forecast your business finances. You will learn how to analyze the financial viability and determine the strength of your business’ cash flow for potential investors.

Free Ask the Expert Consultations

Ask an Intellectual Property Lawyer

Tuesday, October 17, 2017, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

You’ve learned the IP options available to you. Now you need to apply for the licences and understand what to do if someone infringes on it. Book a 30-minute appointment with our intellectual property lawyer.

Ask a HR Expert

Thursday, October 19, 2017, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Managing a growing workforce can be challenging work. Luckily, you don’t need to figure it all out on your own. A qualified HR expert is available on a first-come-first-served basis to answer all your pressing HR questions. These 30-minute sessions are available to book now, but space is limited.

Ask a Business Broker

Thursday, October 19, 2017, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Are you trying to acquire another business and expand your offerings, but finding it hard to assess its worth? If you’re considering buying a small business, book a one-on-one consultation with Business Broker, Arthur Klein of Pacific M&A and Business Brokers.

We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of British Columbia through the Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology.