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Learning opportunities for local small business owners

January 16, 2020   ·   0 Comments

The Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) is pleased to launch its winter/spring series of business development workshops and events.  These excellent learning opportunities offer support, guidance, resources, and information aimed at helping small business owners succeed.  Delivered by industry experts, the workshops provide new and existing business owners with opportunities to develop the skills they need to start and grow their ventures. 

Emergency Preparedness for Small 

Business – Jan. 22, 6:30 – 9 p.m.

An emergency can endanger a business’s ability to continue operating. Statistics demonstrate that one in four businesses won’t reopen after a disaster and that while many businesses will reopen, some will fail within months of the emergency. Understanding your risks is the first step to making your business disaster-resilient. This session will guide you through the process of conducting a risk assessment and creating a plan that will give you the best chance of surviving the storm. No Cost

Doing Business with Government – 

Jan. 30, 1 – 3 p.m.

Representatives of the Government of Canada and the Town of Orangeville will discuss how governments buy products and services. Learn how to register your business in supplier databases, promote your business to government, and find bidding opportunities. No Cost 

Tax Q&A with the Canada Revenue Agency – Feb. 12, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

A representative of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will explain common tax errors and how to avoid them. Participants will be shown how to use financial benchmarks and learn best practices for managing finances and maintaining a healthy relationship with the CRA. This session provides an excellent opportunity to speak directly to a CRA representative and to ask any questions concerning business tax issues. No Cost

Open an Online Business – 

Feb. 20, 9 a.m. – noon 

It’s now easier than ever to open an online business. Creating a digital shop can be an effective way to launch your business, expand your reach, or become more competitive. Whatever your objective, there are different strategies, tools and resources to consider. James Daigle of Treefrog Inc. will discuss how to get started. Ideal for businesses that are exclusively online as well as brick-and-mortar businesses looking to grow their sales.  Cost: $15

Small Business Taxes – 

Feb. 26, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. 

Gerry Hogenhout of Hogenhout and Associates will lead this popular, interactive session and provide valuable tips and essential rules for operating a small business and minimizing or deferring income taxes payable. Find out what you need to know about the tax system and your business. Learn about home office deductions, effective tax deferral techniques, the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating your business, shareholder remuneration issues, and much more. Bring your questions! Cost: $15

Start a Small Business – 

Mar. 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Ideal for all emerging entrepreneurs, this session will cover the requirements and considerations involved with starting a small business in Ontario. Participants will discuss the key elements of a business plan and why this essential document is so important when starting or growing a business. This workshop will answer many start-up questions and provide participants with the tools needed to begin building their own “road maps” to success. Cost: $15

The Power of Niche Marketing – 

Mar. 24, 9 a.m. – Noon

Uncover your niche by identifying your ideal customer and then developing a marketing message that directly connects with them. David Cohen, Principle of The David Cohen Group, will lead this interactive discussion. He will explain how to shift your view of your market and determine what really matters to your customers. You’ll learn how to develop a marketing plan that will help you communicate the benefits of your product or service more effectively. Cost: $15

Sweat the Small Stuff: It’s all in the details – Apr. 21, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

Get ready to laugh, learn and be inspired! The small details in your business can make a big difference and paying attention to the particulars can create memorable experiences for your customers. Geared to business owners in the hospitality, retail and tourism sectors, this lunch and learn will show you how to differentiate your business. You’ll discover simple and effective ideas that can help you maintain your loyal clientele while attracting new shoppers and catering to tourists. Learn why the warm cookie and the hot towel work. Presented by Chris Hughes, Director with the tourism development, management and marketing experts at BC Hughes, this seminar is a must for any business wanting to deliver an amazing customer experience. Cost: $25 includes Lunch by Lavender Blue Catering

Insurance for Small Business – 

Apr. 30, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Nicky Hoogendoorn-Degroot of Crewson Insurance and Ken Krakar of Protect Your Finances will discuss the full range of insurance needs for small business owners. Learn about different types of coverage, such as general liability, property and contents, that can help mitigate business risks. Understand when you should consider debt/creditor insurance, business interruption insurance, key person insurance, and much more. Cost: $15

Ellen Sinclair is the Co-ordinator of the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre. She can be reached at esinclair@orangeville.ca or 519-941-0440 Ext. 2270. To sign up for notifications of SBEC programs and events visit www.orangevillebusiness.ca/subscribe.h 

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