Events and Webinars
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Upcoming Events, Training, Webinars, and Opportunities for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
Unless otherwise marked, the following are free of charge.
Business Basics
Have a great idea and want to start your own business? Do you understand what it takes to be successful?
If you’re unsure of what it takes to start and run a business, you are in the right place! This series of 10 free online learning sessions will help you decide if starting your own business is the right path for you, then guide you through the steps involved in getting started.
Sessions include:
- Are You Ready to Be in Business?
- Researching Your Idea
- Business Structure
- What Are Government Regulations?
- What Is a Business Plan?
- How Do You Finance a Small Business?
- Why Do Market Research?
- Sales and Marketing
- Do You Need Insurance?
- How To Register Your Business
- Non-Profits 101
Start-Up Sessions
Are you ready to launch? Do you know how to build a solid foundation for your start-up?
You’ve done the research, tested your idea, and are ready to launch! This is an exciting time, but there are things you need to ensure your business's success. This series of 10 free online learning sessions will set you up with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully launch your new business.
Sessions include:
- Entrepreneurship
- Business Model Canvas
- Market Research
- Marketing
- Branding
- Pricing
- Sales
- Record Keeping
- Social Media
- Intellectual Property
Growth Sessions
Is your small business ready for growth? Are you prepared for the challenges of growing a business and how to meet them?
Are you an entrepreneur ready to take your small business to the next level? These 10 free online learning sessions will equip you with skills and knowledge to successfully position your business for growth.
Sessions include:
- Key Business Practices
- Time Management
- Building Teams and Organizational Culture
- Sustainable Operations
- Content Management
- Contracts and Leases
- Hiring Employees vs Self Employed Contractors
- Building an Investor Pitch Deck
- Understanding Financial Statements
- Expanding Markets
Business Planning Pt. 2: The Cash Flow
In Person Session
What is a cash flow, why do you need it, and how do you create one? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an in depth look at the basics of developing your financial forecast. Topics include financial terminology, best practices, and a live demonstration.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025: 11:00 am - Noon
CRA Tax Information: Incorporations
Virtual Session
Join us for an information session presented by the Canada Revenue Agency's liaison services. Taxes can be complicated - make the process a bit easier by understanding your obligations, deductions, and common errors to avoid.
Thursday, March 27, 2025: 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Exploring Entrepreneurship - Is Starting a Business Right for You?
In Person Session
Do you have dreams of becoming an entrepreneur? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an informative session all about what it takes to successfully start a business. In this session you will learn about developing your idea, business supports and tools, and the keys to success.
Thursday, April 3, 2025: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Steps to Starting a Small Business
In Person Session
Wondering where to start with your small business? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an introduction to the rules and regulations surrounding your small business start-up. Topics include forms of business, licensing, business name registration, and more!
Tuesday, April 8, 2025: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Introduction to Market Research
In Person Session
Set the direction of your business and get all of your ideas on paper. Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for look at understanding who is your best customer and how to reach them. Topics include what is market research, the elements of market research, and market research tools.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Marketing 101
In Person Session
Started your small business but need to get the word out? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for a review of basic marketing principles to help you find your ideal customer and build your communication strategy. Topics include value proposition, marketing strategy, sales, and more!
Tuesday, April 22, 2025: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Exploring Entrepreneurship - Is Starting a Business Right for You?
In Person Session
Do you have dreams of becoming an entrepreneur? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an informative session all about what it takes to successfully start a business. In this session you will learn about developing your idea, business supports and tools, and the keys to success.
Wednesday, April 23, 2025: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Business Planning Pt. 1: The Business Plan
In Person Session
What is a business plan and why do you need one? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an in depth look at the basics of developing your business plan. Topics include why write a business plan, sections of a business plan, and how to build out each section.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025: 9:30 - 10:30 am
Business Planning Pt. 2: The Cash Flow
In Person Session
What is a cash flow, why do you need it, and how do you create one? Join the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre for an in depth look at the basics of developing your financial forecast. Topics include financial terminology, best practices, and a live demonstration.
Tuesday, April 29, 2025: 11:00 am - Noon
What the Trade Commissioner Service Can Do for You
For more than 120 years, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service has helped organizations of all sizes grow to operate internationally. With a network of Trade Commissioners in more than 160 cities around the globe, they are an invaluable resource to help Canadian small business trade, grow and succeed.
Hosted by Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre
Friday, April 11, 2025: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Social Media for Your Business
Social media is an invaluable tool for today’s business, whether you are just starting out or have been established for years. Not understanding how to use social media effectively can leave you overwhelmed and ultimately hurt your bottom line as your potential customers can easily find your competitors.
Hosted by Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre
Tuesday, April 15, 2025: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Navigating Employment Challenges
This session will cover important information on navigating some of the common challenges for employers. Whether you are looking to discover the effects of tariffs, dealing with temporary lay-offs or terminations, or even trying to understand best practices for independent contractor agreements and the legal implications, this session is for you.
Hosted by Business Advisory Centre Durham
Wednesday, April 16, 2025: 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Create Your Google Business Profile
Showing up when customers are searching online is more important than ever. Ensure customers can find accurate, updated information about your local business on Google Search and Google Maps, no matter which device they use. In this workshop, you will learn how to create and manage a Google Business Profile from start to finish.
Hosted by Business Advisory Centre Durham
Tuesday, April 29, 2025: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Applications Open for Food Truck and Vendor Permits!
The City of St. Catharines is welcoming food trucks and mobile vendors back to parks and public spaces for another exciting season. Applications are set to open for businesses looking to bring their flavours and unique offerings to some of the city’s most popular outdoor destinations. Spots are limited, and demand is high – businesses are encouraged to apply early to secure their preferred location.
Applications open from March 1 - March 31, 2025
US Global Tariffs-Navigating the Impact with the Trade Commissioner
Join this informal hour discussion to find out what supports, strategies and resources are available to you as a Canadian business. Discover resources and supports available and relevant to mitigating the impact of US global tariffs.
Hosted by Innovation Factory
Tuesday, April 15, 2025: Noon - 1:00 pm
Tech Journey Success for Entrepreneurs
This session will explore key challenges that entrepreneurs face when implementing IT projects and provide practical strategies to help set your initiatives up for success. You'll walk away with actionable insights, tips, and tools to improve project planning, manage risks, and avoid costly missteps.
Hosted by Innovation Factory
Wednesday, April 30, 2025: Noon - 1:00 pm
The Food and Beverage manufacturing sector of Ontario is the 3rd largest in North America and is vitally important to our local and regional economy. For over 30 years, Ontario Small Business Enterprise Centres have been committed to guiding people through the start-up and early growth stages of small business.
Foodpreneur Advantage is a regional collaboration of Small Business Enterprise Centres.
Whether you are starting your food venture, or ready to expand and scale your operation, this is the place to start. This webinar series is designed to guide you through the different areas of starting your food or food manufacturing business.
The series is offered on a few times per year on an ongoing basis. You can register for any or all of the sessions individually.
Foodpreneur start-up webinar series includes the following sessions:
- Starting a Food Business & Regulatory Compliance
- How to Sell Your Food Product
- Costing & Pricing to Make Profits
- Marketing & Branding your Food Product
- Labelling & Packaging your Food Product
- Selling to Food Retailers
Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce Presents Business After 5
Join the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) for an evening of food, fun, networking, and prizes! Business After 5 is a monthly networking event hosted at local businesses or community spaces throughout Niagara.
While admission is free, registration is required!
Register Here
Upcoming Dates:Tuesday, April 1, 2025: Host: Giant Shoe Creative Agency and The Pen Centre, 221 Glendale Ave, St. Catharines
Tuesday, May 6, 2025: Host: Niagara Parks, Whirlpool Pub + Lounge, 3351 Niagara River Parkway, Niagara Falls
Trailblazers & Pathfinders – A Networking Event
Hosted by FutureBlackFemale, this event is designed to bridge the gap by connecting emerging professionals (Pathfinders) with established leaders (Trailblazers) to foster mentorship and career growth.
For inquiries, reach out to info@futureblackfemale.com
Friday, March 28, 2025: 4:30 - 7:30 pm: White Oaks Resort and Spa, 253 Taylor Rd, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Discover Why St. Catharines Is Your Business Advantage
Contact our team of experts for a consultation today.