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About the workshop:

Join our comprehensive E-commerce workshop where we’ll explore the essentials of launching a successful online business.

From identifying your target audience and sourcing products to choosing the right platform and designing your brand, we’ll touch on each crucial step.

Get introduced to topics such as:

• Sourcing your products
• Registering your business
• Building your online store
• Discovering the essentials of effectively marketing
• Attracting customers

We’ll run through 10 steps to help you turn your idea into your first sale. Perfect for beginners and those looking to get started with an e-commerce strategy.

REGISTER HERE

About this workshop:

Do you have a great idea, but aren’t sure if it could become a great business?

This interactive 1.5-hour session is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to explore whether their idea has the potential to become a successful venture. Whether you’re at the very beginning of your entrepreneurial journey or re-evaluating an existing concept, this webinar will help you take a critical first step.

What You’ll Learn:

• Assessing Your Business Idea: Learn how to evaluate your idea through key questions that entrepreneurs should ask before launching. We’ll discuss factors such as customer needs, value proposition, market fit, and feasibility.
• Introduction to the Lean Startup Canvas: You’ll be introduced to the Lean Startup Canvas – a powerful, one-page tool designed to help you visually map out the key components of your business model. We’ll guide you through each section, helping you start validating your idea right away.
• Understanding Basic Cash Flow: Finances are critical, especially in the early stages of a business. We’ll walk you through a simple cash flow projection tool to help you understand your potential income, expenses, and financial runway. cash flow template will be provided to all attendees for ongoing use.

Who Should Attend:

• Individuals with a new business idea they’d like to explore
• Early-stage entrepreneurs seeking validation tools
• Anyone considering self-employment or launching a small business

What You’ll Leave With:

• A solid understanding of what makes an idea viable
• A draft version of your Lean Startup Canvas
• A cash flow worksheet tailored to small businesses
• Greater confidence in deciding whether to move forward

Note: This session does not cover writing a full business plan. All attendees will be receiving a copy of the lean startup canvas & cash flow worksheet (with formulas pre-saved) in their follow-up email.

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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About the workshop:

Have you designed some creative work?

If so, understanding how copyright law protects your work can be a game-changer for your business. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, content creator, or small business owner, this webinar will help you uncover the hidden value in your intellectual property.

Join us for an engaging and informative session where we’ll explore:

• The fundamentals of copyright
• The rights it grants to creators
• How those rights can be strategically leveraged

You’ll learn how to:

• Safeguard your creations
• Avoid common pitfalls
• Unlock new streams of income through licensing and other monetization opportunities

Don’t miss this opportunity to empower yourself with knowledge and turn your creative work into a powerful asset!

About the speaker:

Elizabeth Collinson has worked with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) for more than 20 years.

While working with CIPO, Elizabeth has held various positions including a Trademarks Examiner, a Business Development Officer, a Project Manager and now as an IP Advisor.

Elizabeth has successfully passed the Trademark Agent examination and is listed as an inactive Trademark Agent on the Canadian Patent Agent and Trademark Agent (CPATA) register.

About CIPO:

The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) is a special operating agency of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. We deliver intellectual property (IP) services in Canada and educate Canadians on how to use IP more effectively.

About the workshop

Google Ads can be very profitable. However, basic mistakes will trigger a drain your cash and leave frustrated. This seminar shows you how to stay on the profitable side of Google Ads!

In this beginner level seminar, we’ll run through how to avoid common mistakes and ensure you know how your ads are performing: down ten common costly Google Ads mistakes many “do it your selfers” make and how to fix them; including:

· How to manage automated bidding

· Keyword match types and what works best for you

· Targeting the right user

· Making sure conversion tracking is working

· Set up for success

· The rest will surprise you

You won’t want to miss this if you are thinking about or managing your own Google Ads account. We’ll get your account converting in no time.

This seminar is specifically for businesses that want to manage their own Google Ads account.

About the Presenter

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

David specializes in managing modest budget, small business Google Ads accounts.

David offers a full series of seminars about getting your business found on Google, including:

· Google Ads

· SEO with Google Business Profile

· Google Analytics 4 (GA4)

REGISTER HERE

Have accounting questions? We’ve got answers!

Join us and our partner Logan Katz for a new addition to our Education Centre offerings – drop-in accounting office hours designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking for quick, one-on-one support with their financial and bookkeeping questions.

Whether you’re struggling with cash flow, choosing accounting software, needing guidance when it comes to corporate taxation and corporate structures, or preparing for tax season, our experts are here to help you move forward confidently.

Topics we can help with:

• Bookkeeping and expense tracking
• Budgeting and cash flow basics
• Invoicing and payment systems
• Financial statements and reports
• Accounting software tips (QuickBooks, Wave, etc.)
• Tax prep guidance for small businesses
• Corporate taxation and corporate structures

Please register like you would for our usual workshops. Conference room location will be posted on the welcome screen in our foyer.

Note: These drop-in office hours only happen twice a year – don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to sit down with our accounting partners!

About this workshop:

Join us to get a bird’s eye view of the legal landscape when it comes to starting a business. We will explore different forms of business organizations.

Sole Proprietorships

• what does it means to be a sole proprietor? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this structure of business?

Partnerships

• how and when can a partnership arise? What are some advantages and disadvantages flowing from this particular structure?

Incorporation

• much of the presentation will focus on the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of a corporation (i.e. ownership, continuity, limited liability, tax planning, employee stock options etc.).
• how does input at the start-up stage impact the division of equity amongst key stakeholders and directly corresponding, the importance of a shareholders’ agreement while the parties are in good spirits