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. 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, February 25, 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, February 25, 2025: 11:00 am - Noon
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, March 4, 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, March 11, 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, March 18, 2025: 10:00 - 11:00 am
CRA Tax Information: Sole-proprietors
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.
Wednesday, March 19, 2025: 1:00 - 3:30 pm
Tax Time Essentials for Business Owners
Virtual Session
Simplify tax season with key insights and expert tips to stay organized, maximize deductions, and ensure compliance. Set your business up for success with a stress-free tax preparation process! Speakers: Alyssa Stuppiello, CPA and Katrina Stuppiello-Streiss, CPB.
Thursday, March, 20, 2025: 10:00 - 11:00 am
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, March 25, 2025: 9:30 - 10:30 am
From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business
Turn your part-time passion into a thriving full-time business! The session led by Marlina Ramchandran – Special Projects Manager, YSpace will explore practical tips and strategies for making the leap, including assessing readiness, building a sustainable business model, and creating a financial plan to support the transition.
Hosted by Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre
Wednesday, March 5, 2025: 10:00 am - Noon
Reimagining Workplaces: Succeeding Through Disability Inclusion
In a tight labor market, businesses must think differently to attract and retain talent. As talent challenges continue to grow, is your organization leveraging every opportunity to build a stronger workforce? Disability inclusion offers a unique advantage, helping businesses address workforce gaps while fostering collaboration, innovation, and long-term success.
Hosted by Brampton Entrepreneur Centre
Thursday, March 6, 2025: 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Cybersecurity Awareness for Business Owners
This session empowers business owners to understand both the hacker’s mindset (how attackers exploit weaknesses) and the defender’s mindset (how to mitigate threats). Participants will gain practical skills to recognize and prevent cyber risks in their daily operations.
Hosted by Business Advisory Centre Durham
Wednesday, March 19, 2025: 9:30 - 11:30 am
What's in a Window? Transforming Your Storefront for Maximum Impact
Join this webinar for an engaging workshop designed to help you boost your storefront appeal and attract more customers. This session will explore key strategies for enhancing curb appeal, from eye-catching signage to inviting window displays. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and transform your shop’s exterior into a customer magnet!
Hosted by Business to Bruce
Monday, March 24, 2025: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Tips to Overcome the Impacts of Tariffs for Small Business
Join for a discussion on strategies and insights to help your small business navigate the challenges posed by tariffs. Our expert speakers will share practical advice and actionable tips to mitigate the effects of tariffs on your business. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to protect your bottom line and stay competitive in today's market.
Hosted by Ramona Gallagher of Business Basics
Thursday, February 6, 2025: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
BDC's Economic Outlook 2025: Trends and Insights for Entrepreneurs
This is a unique opportunity to gain powerful insights to make impactful decisions for your business. Join for an insightful economic outlook by BDC’s Chief Economist, Pierre Cléroux. Learn how the Canadian economy is evolving and gain perspectives on trends that are shaping our business environment.
Hosted by Innovate Niagara
Wednesday, February 26, 2025: Noon - 1:00 pm
Register Here
Become a Vendor at the 2025 St. Catharines Farmers Market!
The City of St. Catharines is calling on new farmers and producers to apply for a space at the 2025 St. Catharines Farmers Market.
Every spring, the farmers market expands to include outdoor spaces from May to October, welcoming back farmers for the main harvest season. In addition to more vendors, the outdoor market also features local musicians and an interactive community engagement space with free and fun experiences for all ages.
Farmers Market vendors and producers can apply for a market stall any time before March 3 to receive priority screening. More details on the market, including a list of existing vendors, rules and regulations, selection criteria and market stall rental rates can be found here.
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.
Tickets are complimentary for GNCC members. Non-members are welcome to attend two Business After 5 events complimentary before coming on board as a GNCC member.
While admission is free, registration is required!
Register Here
Upcoming Dates:Tuesday, March 4, 2025: Host: Elgin Falls Retirement Community, 7070 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls
Tuesday, April 1, 2025: Host: Giant Shoe Creative Agency and The Pen Centre, 221 Glendale Ave, St. Catharines
Discover Why St. Catharines Is Your Business Advantage
Contact our team of experts for a consultation today.