This June, take advantage of Small Business BC’s flexible learning options as we continue to support businesses through their COVID-19 reopening plans.
While our office remains closed for in-person visits this month, our full range of services are still available remotely, via phone, email or over the internet. Have business questions relating to COVID-19? Visit our BC Business COVID-19 Support Service. Here, you can chat to one of our support staff, or dig into our COVID knowledge centre featuring almost 200 different articles.
Elsewhere, the first week of the month marks AccessAbility Week at Small Business BC. In partnership with our friends at the Presidents Group, we have a week of dedicated free education, training and resources for those with disabilities.
Without further ado, here are our webinar highlights for June 2020 at Small Business BC.
Designing a New Content Marketing Plan for 2020
Monday, June 1
1:00pm to 2:00pm
FREE
With customers safely perched at home, content consumption is at an all-time high right now. Is your business creating the type of content your customers and clients want to see? Join Ashley “WriterGal” Doan as she shares why content like blogs, social media posts, lead magnets, and video are invaluable for your business success. You’ll discover an easy-to-follow framework so you can plan the rest of your 2020 content calendar in less than a day.
Mythbusting Government Procurement
Thursday, June 4
10:30am to 12:00pm
FREE
Each year, the Government of Canada spends $15-20 billion in procuring goods and services. While you may think they only deal with big companies, many of these contracts are awarded to small businesses across Canada. Small businesses just like yours! Interested in learning more? Let us help you decide if selling to the Government of Canada is appropriate for your business.
How to Become an Inclusive Employer after COVID-19
Friday, June 5
10:30am to 11:30am
FREE
As we begin the process of re-opening our economy, many business owners will face the need to rebuild and hire new staff. This presents a unique opportunity to build from the ground up with a more inclusive hiring policy. Not only can an employer cast a wider net to find the right candidate, they’ll also enhance the standing of their brand through inclusive hiring practices. By implementing these step-by-step practices, a business can demonstrate social values that will resonate with customers and employees alike.
Grow Your Sales with Free Trade Agreements
Wednesday, June 10
09:30am to 11:00am
Free
Businesses that consider free trade agreements in their growth plans can export more cost-effectively and be more competitive in the international market. Canada’s 14 trade agreements may mean you can enter international markets with 0% or reduced import duties. Exporters of services may also make significant gains. In this interactive webinar, you will begin to learn about how to meet market regulations and achieve exporting success.
Market Research for Your Business Package
Thursday, June 11
10:30am to 4:30pm
$119
In this two-part seminar package, 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 Business Data and Insights
- Market Research 2: Surveys and Focus Groups
Start Smart Package
Wednesday, June 17
09:00am to 4:00pm
$49
Whether you have a winning idea, or you’re just fascinated with the idea of launching a business, the Starting a Business: Start Smart Series delivers the basics you need to get started on the journey.
Ranging from the different business structures, to business insurance, employment standards and how you can protect your intellectual property, this fascinating series will equip you with the basics of launching a start-up.
Seminars Included:
- Start Smart 1: Basics of Starting a Business
- Start Smart 2: Key Considerations of Starting a Business
Early Stage Financing for Small Business
Friday, June 19
1:00pm to 2:30pm
FREE
Entrepreneurs and their ideas come in all shapes and sizes but the one common issue they all must address is early stage financing. It’s estimated that roughly 82% of new businesses fail due to cashflow problems.
So, how do you secure that all-important early stage financing? In this seminar, representatives from Vancity Microfinance and Futurpreneur Canada will walk you through the steps needed to acquire start-up funds.
Retail Ready: How to Get Your Product into Stores
Wednesday, June 24
1:00pm to 4:00pm
$39
Are you ready to take your product to retail? Getting your product onto store shelves can be challenging and costly, especially if you don’t understand the pitfalls. Get started by learning about product design and how to tell your brand’s story in a way that resonates with retailers and consumers.
This seminar will also focus on setting the correct retail price for your product and determining suitable sales channels to pursue your ideal customers. Join us and learn from Jim Shopland‘s decades of experience with retailers.
How to Drive More Traffic to Your Website
Thursday, June 25
1:00pm to 3:00pm
$49
93% of online experiences begin with a search engine. Understanding how to improve your visibility in Google and other search engines is crucial for driving traffic to your website. Learn free online tools to find out who your website visitors are, what they’re searching for, and how you can get more visitors and paying customers.
This seminar will provide you with an overview of the digital ecosystem including search engines and analytics. Join our digital marketing expert Warren Thompson, Co-Founder of Ollo Metrics as he helps you learn who your customers are and how they find you online.
On our Radar
- Add your business to the Small Business BC Marketplace
- Join us for our weekly Digital Meetups