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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.

FREE WORKSHOP – REGISTER HERE

About this workshop:

A corporation is a separate legal entity, meaning it exists independently from its owners and is taxed separately. But does incorporating make sense for your business? And if you’re already incorporated, are you structured in the most effective way?

Join us for this free, practical learning session designed specifically for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are either considering incorporation or want to better understand and optimize their existing corporate structure.

This interactive workshop will break down complex concepts into clear, actionable insights so you can make informed decisions about your business.

During this session, we will:

• go over the reasons to incorporate and points to consider
• compare the personal tax rates and corporate tax rates
• discuss the relationship of the individual to their corporation – salary vs. dividends, taxable benefits
• comment on different types of corporate structures and how each structure may be applicable to you which may include holding companies and family trusts as shareholders
• show how the corporation be used for tax planning purposes using the small business deduction and capital gain exemption

Whether you are just starting out, scaling your operations, or planning for the future, this workshop will help you better understand the financial and strategic implications of incorporation – and how to structure your business in a way that aligns with your goals.

FREE WORKSHOP – REGISTER HERE

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.

FREE WORKSHOP – REGISTER HERE

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.

Note: This event page is for the in-person option of our hybrid model and all in-person tickets are now SOLD OUT. Please join us virtually – Click here to go to the virtual event page.

About this workshop:

In today’s world of endless AI-generated content and constant digital noise, attention is scarce – and authenticity is your competitive edge. For entrepreneurs, the ability to communicate clearly, inspire trust, and move people to action isn’t just helpful – it’s a growth strategy.

This hands-on workshop is designed to help business owners master the distinct yet complementary roles of pitching and storytelling. You’ll learn when to deliver a sharp, persuasive pitch – and when to lean into narrative to build connection, credibility, and momentum.

Through practical exercises and real-world examples, you’ll discover how to:

• Choose between pitching and storytelling based on your audience, objective, and platform
• Uncover unspoken needs and craft messages that resonate and stick
• Leverage AI as a communication tool, while preserving your unique voice and authenticity

Whether you’re speaking to investors or customers, you’ll leave with the clarity and confidence to communicate in ways that drive meaningful action.

About the speaker:

Lubna is the Founder and CEO of Stories, a coaching and mental health platform that was proudly recognized as the Most Innovative Mental Health Tech for 2023 by Mentl. With a unique career spanning marketing and coaching, she combines her expertise to grow organizations, while growing their leaders.

A passionate advocate for growth and transformation, Lubna is an ICF-accredited (PCC) coach and a certified practitioner in Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry Program. She has worked with royalty and leaders from Fortune 500 companies—including Coca-Cola, Google, American Express, BP, Bayer, and Square, BASF, US Department of Airforce, Federal Aviation Administration and CVC Health Corporation

With over 20 years of leadership and consulting experience, Lubna has held regional executive positions at Coca-Cola, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and BNP Paribas, as well as advising startups across various industries, including e-commerce, FMCG, banking, and human development. As a Coca-Cola alumna, she spent years building the iconic brand and driving impactful initiatives.

Speaking and Thought Leadership:

Lubna is a globally recognized speaker, having delivered hundreds of talks worldwide, including two TEDx talks. She has engaged with organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Endeavor, Invest Ottawa, and TiE, among others. She has hosted global conferences and roundtables featuring luminaries such as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Dr. Gabor Maté, and over 40 household names. Additionally, she has shared stages with notable figures like Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.

Published Work and Media Features:

Lubna is the author of Enhancing Business Community Relations, published by the United Nations Development Programme, and is currently working on her next book, Crack It, which delves into the power of transformation. Her insights have been featured in major outlets, including Associated Press, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as in the book Something to Believe In: Creating Trust and Hope in Organizations.

Advocacy and Personal Life:

As a board member for griefstories.org, Lubna continues her mission to foster meaningful change. A tireless advocate for women in leadership, she is also a proud mother of three, balancing her professional and personal life with grace.

Note: This event page is for the virtual option of our hybrid model. Click here to go to the in-person event page.

About this workshop:

In today’s world of endless AI-generated content and constant digital noise, attention is scarce – and authenticity is your competitive edge. For entrepreneurs, the ability to communicate clearly, inspire trust, and move people to action isn’t just helpful – it’s a growth strategy.

This hands-on workshop is designed to help business owners master the distinct yet complementary roles of pitching and storytelling. You’ll learn when to deliver a sharp, persuasive pitch – and when to lean into narrative to build connection, credibility, and momentum.

Through practical exercises and real-world examples, you’ll discover how to:

• Choose between pitching and storytelling based on your audience, objective, and platform
• Uncover unspoken needs and craft messages that resonate and stick
• Leverage AI as a communication tool, while preserving your unique voice and authenticity

Whether you’re speaking to investors or customers, you’ll leave with the clarity and confidence to communicate in ways that drive meaningful action.

About the speaker:

Lubna is the Founder and CEO of Stories, a coaching and mental health platform that was proudly recognized as the Most Innovative Mental Health Tech for 2023 by Mentl. With a unique career spanning marketing and coaching, she combines her expertise to grow organizations, while growing their leaders.

A passionate advocate for growth and transformation, Lubna is an ICF-accredited (PCC) coach and a certified practitioner in Dr. Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry Program. She has worked with royalty and leaders from Fortune 500 companies—including Coca-Cola, Google, American Express, BP, Bayer, and Square, BASF, US Department of Airforce, Federal Aviation Administration and CVC Health Corporation

With over 20 years of leadership and consulting experience, Lubna has held regional executive positions at Coca-Cola, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and BNP Paribas, as well as advising startups across various industries, including e-commerce, FMCG, banking, and human development. As a Coca-Cola alumna, she spent years building the iconic brand and driving impactful initiatives.

Speaking and Thought Leadership:

Lubna is a globally recognized speaker, having delivered hundreds of talks worldwide, including two TEDx talks. She has engaged with organizations like Johnson & Johnson, Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center, Endeavor, Invest Ottawa, and TiE, among others. She has hosted global conferences and roundtables featuring luminaries such as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Dr. Gabor Maté, and over 40 household names. Additionally, she has shared stages with notable figures like Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple.

Published Work and Media Features:

Lubna is the author of Enhancing Business Community Relations, published by the United Nations Development Programme, and is currently working on her next book, Crack It, which delves into the power of transformation. Her insights have been featured in major outlets, including Associated Press, Fast Company, and Entrepreneur Magazine, as well as in the book Something to Believe In: Creating Trust and Hope in Organizations.

Advocacy and Personal Life:

As a board member for griefstories.org, Lubna continues her mission to foster meaningful change. A tireless advocate for women in leadership, she is also a proud mother of three, balancing her professional and personal life with grace.

FREE WORKSHOP – REGISTER HERE

About the workshop:

Are you turning your business idea into a real product, service, or brand? Whether you’re designing a logo, developing a unique product, offering innovative services, or crafting original content, understanding intellectual property (IP) is essential for protecting your hard work.

This workshop is ideal for small business owners, startups, and entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of building their business. We’ll break down the basics of IP and how it can directly impact your business growth, competitive edge, and long-term success.

You’ll learn:

• Trademarks – How to protect your business name, logo, slogan, or brand identity so others can’t use them.
• Copyrights – How to secure rights over original content.
• Patents – How to safeguard inventions, products, or processes that are new, useful, and innovative.
• Trade Secrets – How to protect valuable business information that give you a competitive advantage.
• Industrial Designs – How to protect the unique look and feel of your product design.

We’ll also cover why IP matters for small businesses – from avoiding costly legal issues to increasing your business value and attracting investors or partners.

Takeaways:

• A clear understanding of different types of IP and how they apply to your business.
• Practical examples and real-life case studies.
• Next steps and resources to start protecting your intellectual property.

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.

FREE WORKSHOP – REGISTER HERE