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About this workshop:

Canada’s newest major trade agreement, the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), offers Canadian businesses significant opportunities for growth and diversification. This agreement – signed with 10 Pacific nations (Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam) – reduces trade barriers and opens the door to dynamic international markets.

Join us for this informative workshop to learn what the CPTPP means for Canadian companies, particularly those involved in the trade of tangible goods.

We’ll explore:

• Key provisions of the agreement
• How to leverage its benefits
• Practical strategies for reducing dependence on the U.S. market

Whether you’re currently engaged in international trade or looking to enter new global markets, this session is ideal for importers, exporters, and anyone interested in expanding their business across the Pacific region.

About the speaker:

Following a + 30-year international logistics career, Christian Sivière started a Montréal-based import-export consultancy in 2010, Solimpex, active in two areas:

• consulting to help SMEs grow internationally; and
• training on the regulatory, customs and logistics aspects of Importing and Exporting, Free Trade Agreements and Supply Chain Optimization.

Christian is a subject-matter expert and lectures for the Canadian International Freight Forwarders Association in Toronto, gives seminars and webinars for various trade organizations like the Montreal Chamber of Commerce, Export Québec, Invest Ottawa, Supply Chain Canada and similar, and personalized training for importers and exporters. He publishes articles in Inside Logistics and Supply Professional.

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About this workshop:

Did you know that your Google Business Profile is one of the top things that influence your ranking and how you show up in search engines results?

Indeed, reviews, pictures, categories, and many more Google Business Profile items contribute to your position on Google.

But as you are reading this, maybe you’re wondering “what is this Google Business thing I’ve never heard of?”. If so, we’ve got you covered.

If you have an account, this seminar will show you how to leverage it by learning easy to follow techniques designed to boost your profile so that it can generate awareness and engagement and get plenty of clicks, and ultimately, more leads and sales.

If you don’t a Google Profile account, the session will teach you how to create your free account and get Google to notice it.

What you will learn:

• How to set up a Google Business Profile account
• What to do to optimize your account so it is shown more frequently
• How to increase your visibility on Google Maps

About the speaker:

David Bird is the Founder and Principal of Bird’s Eye Marketing, an Ottawa firm that specializes in getting NPOs and other organizations found on Google. He has been managing Google Ads (formerly AdWords) accounts since 2012 and is a recognized digital advertising and promotion expert.

David is certified with Google Ads with specializations in search, display and mobile advertising. He also has a Certificate of Achievement in Web Analytics from the University of British Columbia and has completed coursework in E-Marketing with the Canadian Marketing Association.

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About this workshop:

What’s your impact, and how do you know?

In today’s world, businesses and organizations are increasingly expected to do more than just turn a profit – they’re expected to create real, measurable social and environmental value. But how do you track that impact? And why does it matter?

In this foundational workshop, Social Impact 101: Incorporating Social Impact into Your Business Model, you’ll explore the benefits of measuring your social impact and learn how it can help guide decision-making, build trust, and strengthen your mission.

We’ll dive into several practical tools and frameworks used globally, including:

• B Corp certification
• Social Return on Investment (SROI)
• Theory of Change

You’ll also gain insights into how to integrate social impact into your business model, and examine hybrid business structures (like social enterprises, co-ops, and nonprofits with earned revenue streams). Through local and international case studies, we’ll explore what works in balancing profit with purpose.

Whether you’re just beginning your impact journey or looking to deepen your current efforts, this session will give you the clarity and tools to move forward with confidence.

Join us for Social Impact 101 – and start measuring what truly matters!

About CSED:

The Centre for Social Enterprise Development (CSED) offers a continuum of support for social enterprises in the Ottawa area, including access to technical expertise, coaching, learning communities, training, and cross-sector partnerships. CSED works with its clients to develop their social enterprise plan and provide them with the tools, strategies and support to perpetuate positive social change and grow profitably.

About this workshop:

Join employment lawyers Travis Ujjainwalla and Lori Philpott of Mann Lawyers to learn about employment contracts in Ontario and key considerations for employers.

What you will learn:

• What are the key terms of an employment contract?
• Are employment contracts necessary for my business?
• What does a contract need in order to be enforceable?
• How might employment contracts impact my business?
• Employee vs contractor – what are the main differences, and which is better for your business?

Whether you are in the process of hiring employees or are curious to learn more about recent developments in employment law that may impact your current employees and your business, this workshop will help you navigate these situations to help ensure your employment relationships start on the right foot.

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About this workshop:

Join us for Grow Your Leads: Client Acquisition Strategies, a practical workshop designed for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to attract better leads, convert more customers, and grow sustainably.

This session will explore the power of 360° marketing – a holistic approach that connects your digital presence, social media, email marketing, content, and offline efforts into one seamless customer journey. Instead of chasing leads across disconnected channels, you’ll learn how to create a unified strategy that works together to drive consistent results.

You’ll discover how to:

• Build omnichannel marketing campaigns that meet customers where they are
• Use data-driven insights to attract higher-quality leads
• Create personalized engagement that increases trust and conversion
• Align online and offline marketing to maximize reach and ROI
• Turn prospects into loyal, repeat customers

Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an established business, this workshop will give you actionable strategies you can apply immediately – without needing a massive marketing budget.

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About this workshop:

Proper record keeping and effective financial organization are critical pillars of business success, no matter the size or stage of your enterprise. As part of the Logan Katz Learning Series, this interactive and practical workshop is designed to equip business owners, entrepreneurs, and aspiring bookkeepers with the foundational skills needed to manage financial information with confidence.

In this engaging session, participants will learn:

• The key principles and terminology of bookkeeping
• How to set up and maintain a simple, efficient record-keeping system
• Best practices for organizing receipts, invoices, and financial documents
• Techniques for tracking income and expenses accurately
• How to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to errors or missed opportunities
• When and how to delegate bookkeeping tasks effectively

Whether you’re managing the books yourself or supervising someone who does, this workshop will provide you with the tools and clarity to stay on top of your financials and make informed decisions for your business. Designed to be accessible and actionable, the content is suitable for beginners and those looking to refresh their knowledge.

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About this workshop:

Have a business idea but aren’t sure how to take the first step? This engaging and informative webinar is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of exploring business ownership. Whether you’re considering a side hustle, launching a startup, or turning a passion into a full-time venture, this session will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to get started confidently and compliantly.

Led by experts from Invest Ottawa, this beginner-level seminar will introduce you to the key regulatory requirements and business considerations at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels. You’ll learn about:

• Municipal Requirements: Understand business licensing requirements and zoning considerations in Ottawa.
• Provincial Regulations: Explore different business structures (sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation), how to register your business in Ontario, and what structure might be best for you.
• Federal Obligations: Get an overview of federal requirements including HST registration and obtaining a Business Number (BN).

In addition to regulatory basics, the webinar will highlight valuable resources available to entrepreneurs, including:

• Support Services & Community Resources: Discover how Invest Ottawa and its partners can support your entrepreneurial journey through mentorship, networking, training, and more.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a clearer understanding of the path to launching your business and where to find the support you need every step of the way.

Who Should Attend:

• First-time entrepreneurs
• Individuals with a business idea but no prior experience
• Anyone looking to understand the business startup landscape in Ottawa and Ontario

About the speaker:

Paula Hopkins is a passionate entrepreneurship advocate. She is the Director of the Entrepreneurship Team, and has worked with Invest Ottawa for over 10 years to help people start and grow their businesses.

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