Things are heating up at The Station this July, with a packed calendar of events, seminars and Talk to an Expert consultations to help you achieve your business goals.
On Thursday, July 11th, join us in celebrating the third birthday of our monthly Waterfront Chats Meetup Series. This month, we’re focusing on an ever-popular topic as we discuss small business marketing. Hear insights from Small Business BC’s own marketing team and learn the strategies we utilize in our own marketing efforts. As always, attendees will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and provide a 30-second elevator pitch for their own business.
We also recently revamped our Business Plan Template and Cash Flow Forecasting Tool. This FREE template will aid you in defining what your business is, show how you will become profitable, and serve as a marketing tool to showcase your plans.
Without further ado, let’s look at the business education highlights this July at Small Business BC.
Starting Your Business: What’s the Plan?
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
09:00AM to 12:00PM
$59
In its simplest form, a business plan is a roadmap for your business. This roadmap will outline your goals and how you will achieve them. In this seminar you will learn the key components of a business plan and leave with a framework for developing your ideas on paper.
Business Mapping: Developing a Smart Business Model
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
1:00PM to 3:00PM
$59
The truth is, not every entrepreneur needs a full business plan. Business mapping is an alternative to the more in-depth business planning process, but still leaves you with a strategic plan to help direct your business. Designing a business map can sometimes be enough for you to decide if your business venture is worth pursuing. Attend this introductory seminar which focuses strategies to plan, key areas of a successful businesses and financing options.
How to Do Business with the Federal Government
Thursday, July 4, 2019
10:30AM to 12:00PM
FREE
Are you interested in learning the fundamentals of doing business with the Government of Canada? This seminar, first in a series of three, provides information on how the government does its buying, how to register to sell to the government, how to keep track of opportunities, how to market to the federal government, and how to bid on opportunities.
TaxSense for Your Business
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
09:00AM to 12:00PM
$69
So, you’re thinking of starting, or have already started, a small business but you’re unclear on how to structure your business or what to do to keep the bank and the tax man happy. Attend this seminar and find out the different types of structures and the tax benefits of each.
Finding and Bidding on Opportunities with the Government of Canada
Thursday, July 11, 2019
10:30AM to 12:00PM
FREE
Are you interested in learning about the Government of Canada’s tendering process? Get an overview of buyandsell.gc.ca, which offers access to all the Government of Canada’s tenders and other related procurement information. Get guidance on the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and general information on the bidding and evaluation process.
Business Viability: Analysis and Forecasting (Package)
Tuesday, July 16, 2019
09:00AM to 4:00PM
$119
This package explores how to determine, evaluate and forecast your business finances. In this seminar you will learn how to analyze the financial viability and determine the strength of your business’ cash flow for potential investors. This package will save almost 15% on individual seminar registration.
Seminars included:
- Business Viability 1: The Break Even Analysis
- Business Viability 2: The Cash Flow Forecast
Market Research for Your Business (Package)
Thursday, July 18, 2019
and
Thursday, July 25, 2019
$119
This package is designed for new and existing business owners who want to develop their business strategy by gathering information about current and potential customers, industry trends and competition. In this two part seminar series, Small Business BC’s Market Research expert, Mark Eversfield will teach you the important steps of gathering both secondary and primary market research. You will learn how ask the right questions, collect key data and interpret that information to help you make strategic business decisions.
Seminars included:
- Market Research 1 – Find Data That Works for You
- Market Research 2 – Surveys, Focus Groups and More
Creating Your First Business Website
Monday, July 22, 2019
1:00PM to 3:00PM
$59
Are you one of the many businesses looking to get your first website up and running? Do you have some great content ready, but lack the skills to do it yourself. Join us for an interactive step-by-step tour of WordPress and leave with a basic website of your own. Getting started is easier than you think on this user-friendly platform that will help you tell the world about your small business.
Operations for Small Business
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
09:00AM to 12:00PM
$39
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 will explore how you can determine who does what, where, when, how and most importantly why.
Marketing Essentials for Small Business
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
1:00PM to 4:00PM
$59
This seminar will help you focus on what your business has to offer and how you can communicate your message successfully. Delivered in a fast paced, interactive style filled with examples to get your entrepreneurial ideas flowing and leave with the next steps for a marketing plan.