Small Business Month celebrates the important contributions entrepreneurs make to the BC economy and to their local communities. Now in its seventh successful year, this October we encourage small business owners and entrepreneurs to take the time to develop your business ideas or to find new and exciting ways to improve and grow your business.

With the support of our partners, events and activities will be held right across the province, promoting the many organizations and groups that offer valuable support and resources to help foster the growth of small business.

Small Business BC is once again celebrating Small Business Month by offering free education throughout October.

Entrepreneurs are welcome to attend the free seminars being held at the Small Business BC Education Centre in Vancouver. The free seminars will also be broadcast via webinar so that all business owners throughout BC can also easily access these resources as well.

Below are just some of the great free seminars happening in October for Small Business Month:

Wednesday, October 2, 2013 (10:00am – 12:00pm):
Understanding and Preventing Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace

Bullying and harassment can occur in organizations of any size, and those that deal directly with the public can be hardest hit by the negative effects. Recent studies indicate that 40% of Canadian workers have experienced bullying in the workplace within the past six months. Join the Canadian Mental Health Association to find out how to identify the hazards in your workplace as well as understanding the new Worksafe BCs Occupational Health and Safety requirements and changes to compensation. What better way to ensure you have everything you need to comply before the November 1, 2013 deadline?

Thursday, October 3, 2013 (1:00–3:00pm):
Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Entrepreneur?

You have a great business idea. Your research indicates that you’ll have a large enough market to make a profit. That’s a great start, but do you know what it takes to be a successful small business owner? Do you have those characteristics and qualities? Join Vancity for an afternoon where you will learn more about the entrepreneurial landscape in BC and strategies to help you increase your “entrepreneurial rating.”

Thursday, October 10, 2013 (9:00am – 12:00pm):
Doing Business with the Government of Canada – Half Day Condensed

This comprehensive half-day seminar will guide you through the various aspects of doing business with the federal government. Join The Office of Small and Medium Enterprises (OSME) for a half-day condensed course that explains the federal government contracting process from start to finish.

Thursday, October 10, 2013 (1:00pm – 3:30pm):
Young Entrepreneurs: Business Planning and Financing

Are you between 18 and 39 years old and thinking about starting a business?

Writing a business plan and finding start-up financing are probably the two biggest challenges you will face. Attend this seminar and get key tips and resources to give you a head start. Join Vancity and the Canadian Youth Business Foundation as they outline the top 10 points they look for in a business plan, offer insight into how lenders measure risk, discuss how to establish good credit ratings and evaluate good and bad cash flows. This is an interactive session, so come prepared with questions.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013 (1:00pm – 2:30pm):
Make the Most of your Money: Small Business Banking Strategies

Learn how you can better manage your money and evaluate which business banking solutions are right for you. This one hour presentation with Vancity will be discussing business account options, cash management strategies, investment opportunities, cash flow solutions as well as time management and international banking solutions. At the end of this session there will be a 30 minute Q&A so you can ask specific questions about effective banking strategies for your business.

Thursday, October 24, 2013 (1:00pm – 3:00pm):
Workplace Wellness: Creating an Engaging Action Plan

Presented by the Canadian Cancer Society, this seminar is designed to help you create a road map for your small business wellness program. In addition to developing your action plan you will learn how to promote your program throughout your organization and effectively engage your employees.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013 (8:00am – 12:00pm)
Get Down to Business! Grow Your Business with Email and Social Media Marketing.

Are you interested in learning more about email and social media marketing? Join us at the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Center in Yaletown for a continental breakfast, followed by a presentation on tools, tips and strategies for creating an effective email and social media marketing campaign.

For more information about events in your area, view our Events Calendar.