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About the workshop:

If you’re launching a new business or developing a fresh idea, your intellectual property (IP) could be one of your most valuable assets, yet it’s often one of the most overlooked. In today’s fast-moving, innovation-driven world, having a clear IP strategy from the start isn’t just smart – it’s essential.

This webinar is designed for entrepreneurs, startups, and early-stage business owners who want to understand how to protect and leverage their ideas. We’ll walk you through why it’s important to think about IP early, how it ties directly to your business goals, and the steps you can take to build an IP strategy that supports your long-term success.

You’ll learn:

• Why IP matters for new businesses and business ideas
• How IP strategy fits into your overall business planning
• What kinds of IP you may need to protect (patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets)
• How to start building a strategy that aligns with your vision and resources

Whether you’re developing a new product, brand, service, or technology, this session will give you the foundational knowledge and practical tools to begin protecting your ideas and setting your business up for growth.

Don’t wait until someone else claims your idea – join us and learn how to take control of your IP from day one.

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)

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: All attendees will be receiving a copy of the lean startup canvas & cash flow worksheet (with formulas pre-saved) live through chat during the session.

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.

FREE WORKSHOP – REGISTER HERE

About this workshop:

Clearly written contracts are one of the most powerful tools you have to protect your business. Whether you’re working with clients, suppliers, partners, or contractors, understanding the fundamentals of contract law can help you reduce risk, prevent disputes, and operate with confidence.

This practical, entrepreneur-focused workshop will break down the essentials of contract law in clear, accessible language. You’ll learn what makes a contract legally binding, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what key terms and clauses you should pay close attention to in commercial agreements.

By the end of this session, you’ll have a stronger understanding of:

• The core elements required to create a binding contract
• Common commercial contracts used by growing businesses
• Key clauses every entrepreneur should understand
• Practical strategies to reduce risk and avoid costly disputes

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling your venture, this session will help you approach contracts with clarity and confidence.

Presented by Megan Wallace & Marina Abrosimov, from Mann Lawyers.

About this workshop:

Join us and our partner Mann Lawyers for a new addition to our Education Centre offerings – drop-in help office hours designed specifically for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking for quick, one-on-one support with their business law questions.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, trying to stay on top of regulatory obligations, minimizing potential liabilities, navigating the fine print of agreements, or looking for practical legal direction, our experts are here to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Topics we can help with:

• Incorporation and business formation
• Compliance
• Risk management
• Contract review and negotiation
• General advice

In office: Colton Allen, from Mann Lawyers

Please register like you would for our usual workshops. Conference room location will be posted on the welcome screen in our foyer. We are limited by room capacity (all ticket holders will be in the same room so that all can learn from questions being answered), so if you register and are later unable to make it, please cancel your ticket so that another person is able to join. Thank you!