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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

    View On Demand Here

    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

    View On Demand Here

    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

    View On Demand Here

    march features

    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

    Register Here

    april features

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register Here

    food truck

    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

    More Information Here

    Apply Here


    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

    Register Here

    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

    Register 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. 

    https://foodpreneuradvantage.ca/ 

    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

    Register Here

    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 

    Register Here

    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.

Get Started

(905) 688-5601 Contact