Join us this October at Small Business BC for a packed slate of education and events to suit every business need.
On Thursday, October 18th, our educational roadshow, MyBizDay, returns to Vancouver for a day of education at SFU Harbour Centre. This FREE, full-day event connects entrepreneurs to the province’s leading tools and resources through a mix of exhibits, panel discussions and an eclectic slate of practical workshops. We’ve already received a huge response to this event, so you’re advised to reserve your place as soon as possible.
This month also sees the return of some of our most popular seminars on Instagram Marketing, Preparing your business for sale, and Business Mapping.
Read on, as we list Small Business BC’s educational highlights for October.
Free Seminars
Access Support for Agrifood and Seafood Exporting
Wednesday, October 3rd
9:30AM to 11:00AM
FREE
The B.C. Agrifood & Seafood Market Development Program is launching this fall, and you won’t want to miss out on the opportunities it will provide. Join us at this free seminar and learn how to access support for B.C. businesses to develop marketing skills, conduct market research, create marketing plans, and expand their sales footprint.
Supplying Professional Services to the Government of Canada
Thursday, October 11
1:00PM to 2:30PM
FREE
Are you interested in providing professional services to the Government of Canada? This seminar will help you understand more about how the Government of Canada purchases professional services and the use of standing offers and supply arrangements. We will cover how to register your business in the Centralized Professional Services System (CPSS) as well as how to find and bid on professional services opportunities.
Marketing Your Business
Optimize Your Landing Pages and Convert More Customers
Tuesday, October 2nd
1:00PM to 4:00PM
$49
As a small business owner, your website offers a digital shop window for you to promote and sell your goods or services. You may have heard of landing page optimization as a way to enhance your sales funnel, but you’re unsure about the terminology or where to start. Learn from John Chan, Principal of 2x Conversion Design, and arm yourself with an understanding of key concepts, design best practices, and ways to test the effectiveness of your online presence.
Networking Skills for Success: Making Valuable Connections
Thursday, October 4th
10:30AM to 12:00PM
$39
Few tools are as powerful as a face-to-face connection. Creating relationships will allow you to build a network of contacts to help you access new opportunities. Learn to leverage your networks and strategies to maximize your in-person meetings. This interactive seminar will teach you how to create strong relationships and avoid common mistakes so you can build a network of resources to take your business far.
Instagram Marketing for Busy Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, October 10th
1:00PM to 4:00PM
$49
Want to learn how to attract customers and make sales through Instagram without spending money on ads? With over 500 million active users, Instagram offers a powerful tool for small businesses. If you’re a business-to-consumer enterprise and your ideal customer is under the age of 45, Instagram could provide an effective channel to reach your target market. Join us to learn simple, effective strategies and tactics you can apply without wasting time or money.
Publicity for Your Business: Traditional and New Media
Tuesday, October 30th
1:00PM to 2:30PM
$39
This seminar focuses on how to communicate with traditional and new-media decision-makers and influencers to get yourself seen and heard in front of tens of thousands of their followers. As an award-winning writer, editor and producer with over 15 years of experience, Baila Lazarus has read and heard thousands of story pitches. She can tell you what grabs media’s attention – and it’s not what you might think.
Planning for Success
Preparing Your Business for Sale
Thursday, October 11th
10:30AM to 12:00PM
$49
Are you considering selling your business or are you looking for ideas on how to maximize its value? Understanding what your business is worth will help you plan strategically and focus your efforts on the right business components.
Business Mapping: Developing a Smart Business Model
Monday, October 22
1:00Pm to 3:00PM
$59
The truth is, not every entrepreneur needs a full business plan. Business mapping is an alternative to the more in-depth business planning process, but still leaves you with a strategic plan to help direct your business. Designing a business map can sometimes be enough for you to decide if your business venture is worth pursuing. Attend this introductory seminar which focuses strategies to plan, key areas of a successful businesses and financing options.
Market Research for Your Business
Wednesday, October 24th – Wednesday October 31st
$119
This package is designed for new and existing business owners who want to develop their business strategy by gathering information about current and potential customers, industry trends and competition. In this two-part seminar series, Small Business BC’s Market Research expert, Mark Eversfield will teach you the important steps of gathering both secondary and primary market research. You will learn how ask the right questions, collect key data and interpret that information to help you make strategic business decisions.
Business Viability: Analysis and Forecasting
Tuesday, October 23
9:00AM to 4:00PM
$119
This package explores how to determine, evaluate and forecast your business finances. In this seminar you will learn how to analyze the financial viability and determine the strength of your business’ cash flow for potential investors. This package will save almost 15% on individual seminar registration.
