Summer is finally here, which means one thing…summer school! Take advantage of our flexible learning options and access our webinars and Skype appointments, wherever you are this summer.

This month’s focus is on growing your business. Start by understanding your financials and go on to learn how to explore new markets.

Understanding the Finances

My First Year in Business: A Financial Overview
Monday, June 5, 2017, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Bookkeeping and financial records can be daunting. But understanding your financial statements is the key to growing a strong and sustainable business.

Ask the Accountant
Wednesday, June 7 and 15, 2017, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Now you understand your statements, it’s time to check that what you’re paying is correct. Book a one-on-one appointment with a CPA from Loren Nancke & Company or KPMG to find out if you’re paying the right taxes, deducting the right things, or if you could benefit from changing your business structure, to be more profitable.

Finding New Markets

Understanding Regulations for Importing
Friday, June 2, 2017, 9:00 AM to 12:45 PM

Found a fantastic product on your travels and think it will be perfect for the Canadian market? It’s time to find out the regulations, standards and licencing you need. This interactive session brings together representatives from Small Business BC, Health Canada, the Competition Bureau and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Small Business BC Meetup: Exporting Success
Tuesday, June 13, 2017 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

Looking to expand your distribution, beyond BC’s borders? Join us for this month’s SBBC Meetup to hear from seasoned exporter, David Smythe, Export Liason at W.A. Grain & Pulse Solutions, and learn how to expand your business into new markets

Ask a Customs Broker and Shipping Expert
Friday, June 16, 2017, 10:30 AM to 12:45 PM

Now you know what you need to know about international trade from a legal perspective, the next step is to find out how to deliver your product from the company to your distributor or direct to the stores. Book an appointment with a Customs Brokerage expert and find out more.

Marketing for Success

Network and Communicate with Confidence Package
June 12 to 13, 2017

We all know that networking is a good thing for business. But often the thought of entering a room of people you don’t know to pitch your idea and make small talk can seem a little overwhelming. This package will help you hone your communications skills, choose the right events and understand how to perfect your pitch.

Good Money™ Talks Marketing and Communications in New Westminster
Thursday, June 22, 2017, 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM

This is your opportunity to perfect those networking and communications skills. Our FREE half-day event.  will combine networking and learning, and include a complimentary breakfast and lunch. The 30-minute presentations focussed on Marketing and Communications will enhance your skills while the exhibition booths from Small Business BC and Vancity will provide the tools and resources you need to start or grow their business.

Ask a Marketing Expert
Friday, June 23, 2017, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Now you have them interested. The next step is wow them with your capabilities through your marketing. Join our Marketing Expert to develop your on and offline marketing strategy for success.

Protect Your Assets

Trademarks, Copyright, Patents and More
Friday, June 16, 2017, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Do you know if the work you create belongs to you? Or how to prevent others from copying your ideas? Attend this seminar and hear from an intellectual property lawyer on the various forms of intellectual property protection and how they can safeguard your business.

Ask an Intellectual Property Lawyer
Tuesday, June 13, 2017, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM

So you’ve learned what options are available and how to protect your assets. Now you need to apply for the licences and understand what to do if someone infringes on it. Make an appointment with our Intellectual Property Lawyer.

Managing Employees

The Art of Letting an Employee Go
Thursday, June 29, 2017, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Sometimes employees just aren’t the right fit. But letting them go can be the hardest thing you do. Attend this seminar and arm yourself with what you need to know to cause the least disruption and cost to your business.

Ask a HR Expert
Thursday, June 22, 2017, 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Book a one-on-one consultation with our resident HR expert to learn the key to recruiting the right candidate, how to onboard them for success and keep them motivated after they’ve joined.

Getting Your Product to Market. Literally.

Retail Success: How to Get Your Product into Stores
Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Tired of knocking on doors asking retailers to stock your product? Join retail and supply chain veteran Gerry Spitzner to learn the language you need to use, the pitch you need to make and how to deliver the product once you get the contract.

Get Ready for Farmers, Pop-up and Craft Markets
Monday, June 26, 2017, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM

More and more consumers want to support unique, locally-based products and vendors. Try your hand at local farmers markets, craft fairs and pop-up shops. Join our panel of experienced organizers and vendors to learn their proven ideas and successful ways of “working the event.”

Pitching to Work with Government

Finding Opportunities on the New BuySell.gc.ca
Monday, June 19, 2017, 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

Interested in working with the Government of Canada? To bid for their projects you must submit a response to an RFP set out by the relevant department. Once you know that you want to bid for a project, you now need to learn about the process and the key terminology.

Security Requirements: Doing Business with the Government of Canada
Wednesday, June 28, 2017, 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Found the RFP you want to bid for? Not so fast. There’s still a chance that you will not be able to bid for the contract until you register for the Contract Security Program. Find out how to obtain security screening and comply with contract security requirements, before you start the bidding process.

Developing Your Idea

Don’t worry if you’re still at the idea stage. This month’s feature package is our Focus Business Planning.

Focused Business Planning
June 5 to June 27, 2017

From evaluating your idea and testing its viability, to learning about marketing, sales and operations. This program will help you turn a good business idea in to a successful business venture.

Book Today

Whether you’re in Vancouver or not – our services are accessible everywhere.

Attend seminars in-person at Small Business BC at Waterfront Station (601 West Cordova Street) in Vancouver, or join by live webinar. And Ask the Expert sessions in person or by Skype or phone.

Register early as space is limited!