Partners

Sponsors

Small Biz Education Centre Seminars

Whether you're at the thinking, launching or growing stage of your business, you'll benefit from our complete range of information-packed business seminars, facilitated at our downtown Vancouver training facility. That's because we've formed strategic partnerships with several organizations to connect you with some of the leading industry and government experts.

Seminar Registration and Cancellation -register online and in advance to avoid disappointment of canceled seminars. Our cancellation policies note that seminars may be canceled 48 hours prior to start date.

For a full list of Government Partner seminars please check out the Government Partners page

For a full listing of our seminar offerings, download our Winter 2010 Catalogue which includes all seminar descriptions, schedules and speaker bios.

Winter 2010 Calendars: January, February, March, April (Coming Soon)

   
Growing Your Business through International Trade
Date: February 9, 2010
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

Looking to expand your product beyond a local market to another province, the US or internationally? Come to this seminar and explore the flow of goods, information, and finances.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Cash Flow and Your Growing Business
Date: February 9, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Profit is important – but the real danger for most businesses is cash flow. Cash flow problems are a symptom of a greater disease. Developing a cash flow forecast is an essential part of business planning, financial planning and loan applications. The cash flow forecast depends on the Revenue & Expense Forecast and the Capital Plan. We look at the factors that affect receipts and disbursements – how timing and seasonality affect cash flow – how poor debt management affects cash flow and the four leading causes of a cash flow crisis! We use a case study based on the information from Forecasting Revenue & Expenses and then turn the revenue & expense forecast into a monthly cash flow.  We can then apply cash flow strategies to improve cash flow and save the business.  You can apply these same techniques in your business as you plan for a profitable and liquid future.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - Business Plan and Market Research Tips
Date: February 10, 2010
Time: 8:00 am PST to 10:00 am PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about market research and business plan tips for small business. Presented by Small Business BC market research specialist and business plan reviewers you will get the necessary tips to put a compelling business plan forward to get your business started and present to your financial institution. Learn what every banker wants to know about your business - a compelling executive summary, primary and secondary research studies, clear operations plan for growth and exit and financials that demonstrate your profit, loss and cash flow.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
The Proposed Transition to Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in British Columbia
Date: February 11, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: Free

The provinces of Ontario and British Columbia have announced their intention to harmonize the provincial sales tax with federal goods and services tax, the GST, on July 1, 2010. The Canada Revenue Agency is taking steps to ensure businesses are aware of the proposed harmonized sales tax in these provinces and has developed dedicated web site information at www.cra.gc.ca/harmonization.

Come to this complimentary session to learn how this tax will affect your business. This seminar is brought to our video conference partners by CRA and Small Business BC.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Surviving the First Year
Date: February 15, 2010
Time: 8:00 am PST to 9:00 am PST
Price: Free

Come to this complimentary one hour session to share how you survived your first year in business; how you balanced your business, work, family and somehow found time for you too.  Our small business virtual network of business owners in 50 cities around BC invites you to share how you learned to juggle all the balls necessary to run your business and learn some tips from others.

Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Marketing on a Shoestring
Date: February 17, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm PST to 1:00 pm PST
Price: Free

Come to this complimentary one hour session to discuss your marketing strategies and learn from other small business owners throughout BC.  Our small business virtual network of business owners in 50 cities around BC invites you to share your marketing tips and learn from others around the province.

Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - eBusiness Startup Tips
Date: February 19, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about websites, web development, web marketing and how to analyze your website. Presented by eBusiness Connections (a division of Small Business BC) and industry experts you will learn the basics of getting started as well as a strategy to position your business in an online environment. Learn what web developers know about the web and its ROI for your business.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Cash Flow in 2010
Date: February 22, 2010
Time: 8:00 am PST to 9:00 am PST
Price: Free

Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges for most small business owners. How do you manage your clients, accounts, products, promotion and ensure there is cash flowing in your business enabling you to grow yoru business? This complimentary one hour session to discussion with other small business owners on our virtual network of 50 cities around BC invites you to share tips on cash flow management and defining terms and contracts that ensure you get paid.

Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Social Media and Web Marketing
Date: February 24, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm PST to 1:00 pm PST
Price: Free

Does your business need a social media campaign? Will Twitter, Blogs, Facebook help grow your business?  Come to this complimentary one hour session to discuss how social media has helped your bottom line. Learn from other small business owners throughout BC on how to leverage social media for business growth and prospecting. 

Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Human Resource Hiring and Strategies
Date: February 26, 2010
Time: 8:00 am PST to 9:00 am PST
Price: Free

Come to this complimentary one hour session to discuss your first steps into hiring your first employee. Share with other small business owners how you found good employees, what strategies and incentives you use to encourage business growth and where do you find the stars that help your business shine.  Our small business virtual network of business owners in 50 cities around BC invites you to share your human resource strategies, recruitment tips and employee engagement programs that keep your employees invested in your business.


Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart Series
Date: March 1, 2010
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

Congratulations you are starting a small business and want a step by step guide to starting right. The first seminar in the series, Start Smart 1, will help you understand the broad scope of the requirements that are required to register and run a small business in British Columbia as well as an introduction to evaluating your business idea. The second seminar in the series, Start Smart 2, discusses running a small business, intellectual property, patents, trademarks as well as employment standards and legalities for small business. The third seminar in the series, Start Smart 3, evaluates your business idea and looks at primary and secondary methods of research. Presented by Small Business BC representatives, eBusiness Connection, WorkSafe BC, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Oyen Wiggs Green and Mutala, LPP and the BBB.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Viability –Will Your Business Make Money
Date: March 1, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Business start-ups will introduce you to the concepts of a Starting Balance Sheet, a break-even Income Statement, an introductory Cash Flow Forecast. This seminar looks at the viability of your business idea from a financial perspective and helps you to decide if your business idea is worth pursuing. Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart 1
Date: March 1, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

This seminar covers basic small business start-up information and is designed for the client in the thinking stage of starting a business. Included in this seminar is an overview of all the basic requirements including: name registry, business structures, municipal licensing requirements, insurance, GST, PST, labour requirements, and employment standards. Small Business BC resources are highlighted with emphasis on business planning tools, eBusiness resources, market research, business planning and trade services, a demonstration of our website(s) and methods to evaluate your business idea and its viability in the market place.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Development Strategies
Date: March 1, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 2:30 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Are you asking for what you want in your business? Do you know your market? As a small business owner it’s common that you will try to be all things to all people, come to this seminar and learn to expand your market and plan for your success. In this seminar you will learn how to align your business opportunities within your network; no matter how successful your business is, you still need to put time into business development every week. Delivered by Fiona Walsh of FMWalsh and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Understanding Financial Statements
Date: March 1, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

This seminar is designed for the non financial business owner who is interested in knowing how to record and maintain financial records for your small business. Finance is a language, and once you understand the language you can better understand financial concepts. Learn how to read financial statements such as balance sheets, income statements, and gain a greater knowledge on retained earnings and how to make this money work for you in your business. You will identify the difference between market and book value, amortization and capital cost allowance as well as understand the difference between income and cash flow. Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Marketing on a Shoestring
Date: March 2, 2010
Time: 7:30 am PST to 8:30 am PST
Price: Free

Come to this complimentary one hour session to discuss your marketing strategies and learn from other small business owners throughout BC.  Our small business virtual network of business owners in 50 cities around BC invites you to share your marketing tips and learn from others around the province.

Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Getting Your Story Told: Making the Most of Media Opportunities
Date: March 2, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Advertising is expensive; publicity costs very little, and often offers far more benefit, because of the credibility that comes with having your name or business mentioned by an independent third party.In this seminar, you’ll find out the 7 best steps to a productive media relationship, 5 roadblocks to getting coverage, 3 secrets for a really, really good media interview, and the 1 thing you need to do in your media strategy. Seminar attendees will take away a checklist to use for drawing up a media strategy plan; a format to use in writing and sending out a news release; a list of “do’s and don’ts” to use if they are asked for an interview, and a self-evaluation tool they can use on an ongoing basis, as they develop their media skills. Deliverables include: tools to use for improving media skills; outline of a media strategic plan and planning process; understanding of ways in which media publicity can help attendees build their business and raise revenue; and techniques for developing or managing media attention for their business idea. Gail Hulnick of WindWord Communications Inc.
 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Social Media: What's in it for you and your small business?
Date: March 2, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

This workshop focuses on understanding social media, what is it and how it’s connecting people. A focus will be given to understanding what opportunities exist for small business owners to leverage social media for business growth and prospecting. Topics covered include privacy and control; social media pit falls and super stars and first steps to social media success. Some tools discussed will be Twitter, Blogs, Facebook, and creating social bookmarks.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Getting Incorporated – Essential Steps and Legal Tips You Need to Know
Date: March 3, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Attend this seminar to learn about corporations, how to get incorporated and legal tips that will help you with “life after incorporation”.  In this seminar you will learn the advantages of corporations and the roles of shareholders, directors, officers and others in the corporate structure, the essential steps that must be followed to properly create and organize your corporation and the additional steps that may be necessary if you’re incorporating an existing business, e.g. a proprietorship, and the common pitfalls to avoid and the mandatory corporate requirements that must be followed each year to keep your corporation alive and in good standing and some helpful legal tips for carrying on business as a corporate entity after the incorporation is done. This seminar is ideal for anyone who wants to get incorporated properly and learn how to carry on business as a corporate entity!

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Are You Thinking of Importing?
Date: March 3, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Are you considering importing as a component of your small business but don't know where to begin? Come to this introductory seminar to learn about some of the technical aspects of importing commercial goods into Canada. Topics include; developing an import business plan, dealing with customs brokers and international freight forwarders, means of payment, Incoterms, import regulations and documentation required by Canada Customs, along with relevant regulations on specific products. Delivered by Jonathan Sparks from TradeStart.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - My First Year in Business Bookkeeping and More
Date: March 3, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about financial statements, CRA requirements and basic bookkeeping procedures. Presented by SOMA Business Solutions this session brings to you a certified bookkeeper to explain the components and differences between the balance sheet, the income statement and how important understanding cash flow is to your business.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Retail Distribution- Move your Product Line to Retail Market
Date: March 3, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Come to this seminar and explore what should take priority in vendor sales calls to retailers and the methods retailers use to decide what products they will buy for their stores. This workshop will introduce you to the challenges retailers face, how and why they buy. You will learn a few cardinal rules that vendors should follow, especially if they are making their first sales pitches to prospective accounts. The information supplied will assist you in planning your call and crafting a crucial part of the blue print for your overall business plan. Learn the terminology, technology and measurements retailers use to decide which products will make the cut and a repeat buy. In addition to information about the retailer and their business, learn what other items should prepare you for a meeting with a prospective customer. Delivered by Gerry Spitzner.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Legal Tips for Your Small Business
Date: March 4, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

There are main things to consider when you first start a business - name registry, business structure, taxes, accounting and so on. Come to this seminar for legal tips to help you get started. Topics that will be covered are: limited liability to your investment in your company, incorporating your business, proprietorship and partnership considerations, the importance of insurance, confidentiality/non-competition agreements and more.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
How to Do Business with the Federal Government
Date: March 4, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: Free

Learn about the fundamentals of selling goods and services to the Government of Canada. This seminar provides information on how to market to the federal government, how the government does its buying, and how to keep track of opportunities to bid on Canadian government purchases. This the first seminar in the series of three seminars on information about working with the Public Works.

An introduction to the MERX and SRI systems is included.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Advertising Your Small Business
Date: March 4, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Thinking of advertising for your business but not sure where to start? Explore many popular advertising media such TV, Radio, Billboard and Newspaper. Topics such as expected costs and timelines for the most popular advertising media will be discussed. A focus on web based advertising methods will round out this highly informative workshop. Gail Hulnick of WindWord Communications Inc.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
The Proposed Transition to Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in British Columbia
Date: March 4, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: Free

The provinces of Ontario and British Columbia have announced their intention to harmonize the provincial sales tax with federal goods and services tax, the GST, on July 1, 2010. The Canada Revenue Agency is taking steps to ensure businesses are aware of the proposed harmonized sales tax in these provinces and has developed dedicated web site information at www.cra.gc.ca/harmonization.

Come to this complimentary session to learn how this tax will affect your business. This seminar is brought to our video conference partners by CRA and Small Business BC.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Finance Start-Up Series
Date: March 5, 2010
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

Starting a business is an exciting time, establishing your financial records and bookkeeping system should be one of the first orders of business.  You will need to establish a separate bank account, put together a filing system, decide how to Invoice your clients and understand tax does and don'ts.  Included in this series are:

* My First Year in Business – A Financial Overview
* Managing Your Balance Sheet
* Tax Tips from an Accountant
(see individual seminars for details)

Package price for all three seminars is $99, a savings of 20% off the individual seminar price. No refunds, cancellations or changes after the start date.
 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
My First Year in Business – A Financial Overview
Date: March 5, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Starting a business is an exciting time, establishing your financial records and bookkeeping system should be one of the first orders of business.  You will need to establish a separate bank account, put together a filing system, decide how to Invoice your clients. These are all parts of your business strategy. Come to this seminar to learn the different financial statements your company will need. Gain an understanding of the components and difference between the balance sheet, the income statement and understand what a cash flow statement is. Learn how daily business transactions affect your financial statements and review CRAs requirements for record keeping. Deliverd by Dianne Mueller of SOMA Business Solutions.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Greening Your Small Business
Date: March 5, 2010
Time: 10:30 am PST to 12:30 pm PST
Price: $10.00 per person + tax

Carbon neutral business...eco-efficiency, triple-bottom line management... What does all this jargon mean ...and why should you care? Consumers are becoming more discerning about the environmental performance of businesses; even in the midst of this economic down turn consumers are seeking green brands. How will this shift in public interest impact your business and how can you capitalize on it? This workshop will introduce you to opportunities and challenges of greening your business. We'll examine what businesses in BC are doing to go green and explore eco-efficiency options for your own business.Maureen Cureton, Green Business Manager for Vancity facilitates this session drawing on her experience with the local small business community. This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference. $10 registration fee is being donated to the David Suzuki Foundation.
 

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Young Entrepreneurs Start-up Financing
Date: March 5, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm PST to 1:30 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) and Small Business BC present to new entrepreneuars between the ages of 18-34 years start-up financing opportunities and business plan tips to start your business right. CYBF can assist with financing your dream to be your own boss. Come to this interactive workshop to hear about the CYBF model and how we can help the youth in your community. This joint initiative with Small Business BC will explain start-up financing, mentoring and educational resources and important business planning tips to start your business right.
 
1) Learn what you need to start the path to successful financing

2) Take the steps necessary to build a business plan that best positions you and your business

3) Get access to the Small Business BC resources to start your new venture right!

Presented by Brendan Cooper, Business Manager, BC Region CYBF and Belinda Mui, Small Business BC

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Young Entrepreneurs Start-up Financing
Date: March 5, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm PST to 1:30 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) and Small Business BC present to new entrepreneuars between the ages of 18-34 years start-up financing opportunities and business plan tips to start your business right. CYBF can assist with financing your dream to be your own boss. Come to this interactive workshop to hear about the CYBF model and how we can help the youth in your community. This joint initiative with Small Business BC will explain start-up financing, mentoring and educational resources and important business planning tips to start your business right.
 
1) Learn what you need to start the path to successful financing

2) Take the steps necessary to build a business plan that best positions you and your business

3) Get access to the Small Business BC resources to start your new venture right!

Presented by Brendan Cooper, Business Manager, BC Region CYBF and Belinda Mui, Small Business BC

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart 2
Date: March 8, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Life is risky; entrepreneurs know all about taking risk and reaping rewards. Protecting yourself and your business is an important factor to the success of your business. Legal requirements regarding intellectual property, trademarks, patents and designs will be discussed as well as employment standards including bonding, employees and running a small business.  This seminar is designed for the launching business client who is working on a business plan and is presented by WorkSafeBC, Insurance Bureau of Canada, BBB, Oyen Wiggs Green Mutala LLP and the BBB (Better Business Bureua).

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Buying a Business
Date: March 8, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Are you considering buying a business or starting one from scratch? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of both. Find out why buying a business could be the right thing to do and what to look for, why cash flow is important and what it means, the necessary steps in the buying process, who your key advisors should be, what’s involved in due diligence, how to make an offer, the keys to successfully buying a business and much more. Buying a business is a risky business and a serious investment. Educate yourself in the process and maximize your potential for success.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Buying a Business
Date: March 8, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Are you considering buying a business or starting one from scratch? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of both. Find out why buying a business could be the right thing to do and what to look for, why cash flow is important and what it means, the necessary steps in the buying process, who your key advisors should be, what’s involved in due diligence, how to make an offer, the keys to successfully buying a business and much more. Buying a business is a risky business and a serious investment. Educate yourself in the process and maximize your potential for success. Delivered by Pino Bacinello of Sunbelt Pacific Business Brokers.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - Business Plan and Market Research Tips
Date: March 8, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about market research and business plan tips for small business. Presented by Small Business BC market research specialist and business plan reviewers you will get the necessary tips to put a compelling business plan forward to get your business started and present to your financial institution. Learn what every banker wants to know about your business - a compelling executive summary, primary and secondary research studies, clear operations plan for growth and exit and financials that demonstrate your profit, loss and cash flow.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Marketing and Sales Business Toolkit Combo
Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

A strong marketing plan is essential for the success of any small business, yet too many business owners waste money on ineffective marketing.   The morning portion focuses on tools that allow you to identify profitable target markets and develop an efficient marketing system that will generate customers and revenue with less time and money. In the afternoon discover your own unique sales style and learn how to build rapport to strengthen your customer relations. Explore how to align your values, goals and unique sales strengths to sell more effectively. Whether selling a product or service learn the negotiating skills necessary to build your B2B and B2C client base. Delivered by Fiona Walsh of FMWalsh and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Marketing for Small Business
Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Marketing tells the market what you do and attracts customers to you.  A strong marketing plan is essential for the success of any small business, yet too many business owners waste money on ineffective marketing.   This 3 hour course focuses on tools that allow you to identify profitable target markets and develop an efficient marketing system that will generate customers and revenue with less time and money. Delivered by Fiona Walsh of FMWalsh and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Make More Money with What You Have
Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Are you reviewing your business strategy for 2010?  Want to learn how to focus your marketing budget to get more out of it?  Learn to think like your best customers to increase sales, referrals and client retention!  This seminar will show you how to identify and target the right client, the power of keeping more of your clients and how to do it.  There is an old saying in business “When you stop growing, you start dying”; we’ll discuss how to unlock your greatest opportunity for growth in 2010 and beyond. Delieverd by Andrew Robinson of Welcome Vancouver.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Make More Money with What You Have
Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Are you reviewing your business strategy for 2010?  Want to learn how to focus your marketing budget to get more out of it?  Learn to think like your best customers to increase sales, referrals and client retention!  This seminar will show you how to identify and target the right client, the power of keeping more of your clients and how to do it.  There is an old saying in business “When you stop growing, you start dying”; we’ll discuss how to unlock your greatest opportunity for growth in 2010 and beyond. Delieverd by Andrew Robinson of Welcome Vancouver.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Writing for the Web
Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm PST to 2:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Come to this seminar to learn how to write for the web. Studies show web viewers spend only seconds on websites reading the content. This seminar will help you condense your content and layout your website so you’re most important information is viewed first.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Writing for the Web
Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 12:00 pm PST to 2:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Come to this seminar to learn how to write for the web. Studies show web viewers spend only seconds on websites reading the content. This seminar will help you condense your content and layout your website so you’re most important information is viewed first. Delivered by Rick Sloboda of Webcopy Plus.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Sales for Small Business
Date: March 9, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Discover your own unique sales style and learn how to build rapport to strengthen your customer relations. Explore how to align your values, goals and unique sales strengths to sell more effectively. Whether selling a product or service learn the negotiating skills necessary to build your B2B and B2C client base. Delivered by Fiona Walsh of FMWalsh and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Managing Your Balance Sheet
Date: March 10, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

The ability to manage your finances and make effective management decisions is the basis for your business success. It requires solid information that good bookkeeping provides. Attending this seminar is a step in understanding how to grow your business. We will breakdown the components of both your balance sheet and income statement into account type. Review a general ledger and learn when it is a debit and when it is a credit. We will discover what information can be gleamed from a properly structured chart of accounts, and learn how to code expenses correctly. An introduction to accounting software that will assist you in managing your business successfully, and discuss why hiring a bookkeeper is a good investment in your company. Deliverd by Dianne Mueller of SOMA Business Solutions.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Tuning Up Your Business Plan
Date: March 10, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Creating a business plan and wondering how to make your business stand out? Come to this workshop and learn the importance of business planning and specific areas of your plan: primary and secondary market research, representing demand in the market place, identifying what your unique selling proposition is, what is a contingency plan and why you need one and how to present your plan with clarity; remember your plan will be read by different business plan experts but they may not have experience with your chosen field of business. The first hour of this workshop will be delivered by the business plan review team from Small Business BC; they will share a business plan checklist and tips from their many years of experience reviewing plans.  The second hour you will be introduced to a panel of small businesses owners who have implemented their business plan successfully and have tips to share with you on writing the plan and running your business. Come prepared with your questions.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Getting Your Business Online
Date: March 10, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

This is a workshop designed for the complete beginner. Learn the basic costs and steps necessary to register your domain, find a hosting company and have your website developed. This seminar will review the different types of websites and options on finding a web designer/developer.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Tax Tips from an Accountant
Date: March 11, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

You're researching the different types of business structures and wondering what the tax advantages and disadvantages are of sole proprietor, partnerships and corporations. Come to this workshop to understand more about taxable income, deductions, credits, employment income versus salary and wages, small business capital gains exemption, deferred tax and more. You will learn about accounting principles and terms that apply to you, learn more about financial statements, income tax and GST requirements. Delivered by Gabrielle Loren, CGA of Loren, Nanke and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
MERX - The Government Electronic Tendering Service
Date: March 11, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: Free

 

Pre requisite to this seminar is: How to Do Business with the Federal Government.

MERX is the most complete source of Government of Canada tenders. Access to these federal government tenders is free and this seminar explains how entrepreneurs can register in the system and quickly evaluate opportunities. MERX has leveled the playing field so that businesses of any size can have easy and affordable access to billions of dollars in contracting opportunities with the Government of Canada. Join us on a guided demonstration of the MERX system.

This seminar also includes:
*1 - an online demonstration of the Supplier Registration Information (SRI) service and
*2 - a demonstration of the Government Electronic Tendering system (MERX™).

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Asking Your Banker to Invest in Your Business
Date: March 11, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Come to this seminar to learn from the banking professionals what every banker wants to know about you and your business. The presentation will visit the importance of your credit history, networth, ongoing income and how all aspects of business tie together in a business plan. Ask yourself: Am I ready to present my business for financing, Who is my market, What primary and secondary research do I need to complete, What will my income and expenses for the business look like, What are my cash flow projections, How are you going to convince others to engage in your business? Answer these questions and others in this information packed seminar helping you create a compelling executive summary that inspires a banker to invest in your business. Presented to you by Coast Capital Savings representatives and relevant to all banking institutions.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Intellectual Property - Protecting Your Business IP
Date: March 11, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Come to this informational seminar and learn the steps to protecting your business brand. Understand who owns your IP - you, your business, your employees or the consultants you have hired to do work for you. Distinguish between copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. This seminar is designed to help those new to business protection, as a first step visit www.cipo.ic.gc.ca for an overview on different forms of intellectual property protection. For individual business needs please contact a qualified professional.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Intellectual Property - Protecting Your Business IP
Date: March 11, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Come to this informational seminar and learn the steps to protecting your business brand. Understand who owns your IP - you, your business, your employees or the consultants you have hired to do work for you. Distinguish between copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. This seminar is designed to help those new to business protection, as a first step visit www.cipo.ic.gc.ca for an overview on different forms of intellectual property protection. For individual business needs please contact a qualified professional.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart 1
Date: March 11, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

This seminar covers basic small business start-up information and is designed for the client in the thinking stage of starting a business. Included in this seminar is an overview of all the basic requirements including: name registry, business structures, municipal licensing requirements, insurance, GST, PST, labour requirements, and employment standards. Small Business BC resources are highlighted with emphasis on business planning tools, eBusiness resources, market research, business planning and trade services, a demonstration of our website(s) and methods to evaluate your business idea and its viability in the market place.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart 3 - Market Research
Date: March 15, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Come to this session ready to research your business and prepare the market research section of your business plan. You will be introduced to primary and secondary research methods that will continue to evaluate your business idea. Market research is an important part of your business plan since it offers an in-depth study of your business. It will save you time and money and give you a real sense of what your competitors are doing as well as what your customers need. Market research will also inform your marketing effort that is, after carefully studying your industry, competitors and customers; you will have a much clearer idea of how to target those areas most effectively.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Branding - More than Just a Logo
Date: March 15, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Why build a brand?  Brand is a promise made by a business that is consistently delivered to its customer. This promise is what builds trust and increases customer loyalty.  The rate at which a business succeeds is directly related to how CLEAR the vision is. Branding your business is your way to ensure your clients understand your corporate message. 

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Starting a Consulting Business
Date: March 15, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Do you have a special skill, ability; talent that you feel can serve others and earn an income? Consider the consulting and contracting field. Come to this session to learn how to transition your skills into an income stream, price your service, and learn where to find clients. Establish your business, build your market and hear from the experts about their many experiences of running a consulting business.  Presented by Dave Schulte and Ian Marshall of Vancouver Consultants, a membership organization with a mandate to provide the best vehicle to connect independent professional consultants to the market in order to facilitate and enhance opportunities for both.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - Legal and Tax Tips
Date: March 15, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about legal and tax requirments and tips for small business. Presented by Synergy Business Lawyers (1 hour) and Loren, Nanke and Company accountants (1 hour) this session brings the lawyer and accountant direct to small business owners in BC by video conference technology.There are many things to consider when you first start a business - name registry, business structure, taxes, accounting, taxable income, deductions, credits and more. 

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - Legal and Tax Tips
Date: March 15, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about legal and tax requirments and tips for small business. Presented by Synergy Business Lawyers (1 hour) and Loren, Nanke and Company accountants (1 hour) this session brings the lawyer and accountant direct to small business owners in BC by video conference technology.There are many things to consider when you first start a business - name registry, business structure, taxes, accounting, taxable income, deductions, credits and more. 

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Dynamics of Business Growth Introduction
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Are you moving your business to the next stage in your business growth? Struggling with finding time to do it all? This workshop will be the first step in helping you understand that sales in your business can actually be holding you back! Find out whether its HR, Sales or Operations that you need to help grow your business. This is the first workshop in a new series of workshops in the Dynamics of Business Growth Development Program.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Dynamics of Business Growth Introduction
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Are you moving your business to the next stage in your business growth? Struggling with finding time to do it all? This workshop will be the first step in helping you understand that sales in your business can actually be holding you back! Find out whether its HR, Sales or Operations that you need to help grow your business. This is the first workshop in a new series of workshops in the Dynamics of Business Growth Development Program.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Getting Started With Twitter
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 12:30 pm PST to 2:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Come to this session and learn how Twitter can help you network and build business.  This seminar will show you how to bring a community interested in sharing business and knowledge. Common questions about Twitter include, how relevant is Twitter to my business and how much energy do I need to dedicate to this tool? Brainstorm with other small business owners on how to engage a network of twitter followers and determine if Twitter is right for you and your business.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Getting Started With Twitter
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 12:30 pm PST to 2:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Come to this session and learn how Twitter can help you network and build business.  This seminar will show you how to bring a community interested in sharing business and knowledge. Common questions about Twitter include, how relevant is Twitter to my business and how much energy do I need to dedicate to this tool? Brainstorm with other small business owners on how to engage a network of twitter followers and determine if Twitter is right for you and your business.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Tradestart: An Introduction to International Trade
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Assess your degree of readiness and find out what kind of preparation is required for exporting. This workshop is designed to help you make that crucial exporting decision to start you off on your journey towards foreign markets while learning about the common pitfalls to be avoided. Learn the basics of international trade, understand the use of Incoterms, determine whether you should pursue international markets and gain the knowledge required to position your company to be a success in these markets. This workshop provides an overview of the key aspects of international trade and will also include the use a real-life case study. Objectives include: developing an international business plan applying the information acquired through this workshop, evaluating a company's overall business strategy to enhance its competitiveness in the global marketplace and acessing relevant and current online information for the business using the web sites recommended throughout this workshop.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Tradestart: An Introduction to International Trade
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Assess your degree of readiness and find out what kind of preparation is required for exporting. This workshop is designed to help you make that crucial exporting decision to start you off on your journey towards foreign markets while learning about the common pitfalls to be avoided. Learn the basics of international trade, understand the use of Incoterms, determine whether you should pursue international markets and gain the knowledge required to position your company to be a success in these markets. This workshop provides an overview of the key aspects of international trade and will also include the use a real-life case study. Objectives include: developing an international business plan applying the information acquired through this workshop, evaluating a company's overall business strategy to enhance its competitiveness in the global marketplace and acessing relevant and current online information for the business using the web sites recommended throughout this workshop. Delivered by Jonathan Sparks of TradeStart

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
eBC How to Get Started Series
Date: March 17, 2010
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

Register for all 5 of the How to Get Started eSeries and save 15%. Series price: $99. No substitutions, changes or refunds after the start date of the series. Included in the series:

  • The Good, the Bad and the Effective Website
  • Managing Your Website Using a Content Management System (CMS)
  • Legal Tips for Your e-Business
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
  • Measuring the Success of Your Website - Web Analytics

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Framing a Website: A look at design
Date: March 17, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

This workshop will examine current websites and identify strengths, weaknesses and design techniques. You will leave this seminar knowing the difference between a static site, dynamic site, use of eCommerce tools, SEO techniques and an introduction to Internet marketing. This is the first seminar in the "How To Get Started" series in the web development process.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business GPS – Growth, Planning and Succession
Date: March 18, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Every business has a life cycle and knowing when to transition the business is critical in creating maximizing business value for you and your business. Deciding to hold and grow or sell and go requires planning, in this seminar you will learn about the state of Change Readiness ™ necessary to make sound financial choices. Are you interested in attracting share holders to your business, planning for growth with tax advantages or planning for sale and seller advantages this seminar takes conscious knowledge + action to gives you the results for growth, succession and sale.  Understanding the value of capital assets, good will and the value drivers in your business will prepare to make right decisions for you and your family.
 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Idea to Venture – Analyze Your Business Idea
Date: March 18, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Come to this seminar and analyze your business ideas, discover new markets and answer the what if’s to the success of your new venture. Identify the full scope of your idea and assess the financial viability of your business idea. Learn how to create a profile of your customer, list and describe the features of your product or service; define the main geographic area you intend to sell to during your first year. Consider the opportunities for your business including - capitalizing on a growth trend, cover market gaps or shortages, transfer a concept from one industry to another or serve unique client groups.

Questions to get you thinking:

What is your immediately addressable market?
Who will be your first customer?
How will you move from that first customer to the 10th and 100th?
What is the cost of acquiring a new customer?
What if your direct competitors find a way to undersell you? What will you do to remain competitive?
 
This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference. Delivered by Ken Flanders of New Business Navigators

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business GPS – Growth, Planning and Succession
Date: March 18, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Every business has a life cycle and knowing when to transition the business is critical in creating maximizing business value for you and your business. Deciding to hold and grow or sell and go requires planning, in this seminar you will learn about the state of Change Readiness ™ necessary to make sound financial choices. Are you interested in attracting share holders to your business, planning for growth with tax advantages or planning for sale and seller advantages this seminar takes conscious knowledge + action to gives you the results for growth, succession and sale.  Understanding the value of capital assets, good will and the value drivers in your business will prepare to make right decisions for you and your family. Delivered by Pino Bacinello of Sunbelt Pacific Business Brokers.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Understanding the Government of Canada Procurement Process and Responding to Bids
Date: March 18, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: Free

Prerequisites to this seminar are: How to Do Business With the Federal Government and MERX - The Government Electronic Tendering Service

Understanding the Procurement Process and Responding to Bids provides businesses general advice and guidance on how to analyze the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and requirements, how to respond to a request to proposal (RFP), and how bids are evaluated.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
The Power of Distribution, Expanding Your Business Markets
Date: March 18, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Looking to expand your product beyond a local market to another province, the US or internationally? Come to this seminar and explore the methods necessary to manage the flow of goods, information, and finances. Working with the 4Ps of business this seminar will help evaluate if your product has a place in an international market. This workshop will introduce you to the benefits associated with managing a global supply chain and what happens to your cash flow when entering a global market. The information supplied will assist a company’s first attempts to move into international trade. Delivered by Ken Flanders of New Business Navigators

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Practical Tools for Managing Cash Flow in a Global Environment
Date: March 19, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Managing cash flow is one of the most critical elements of a running a business successfully.  When your company operates in a global environment, whether an exporter or an importer, cash flow management can become a significant challenge due the complexity of doing business in foreign currencies and the often extended payment cycles.  The seminar will review the potential impact of cash flow of international trade activities on a business and review some tools that allow a business to reduce the risk of non-payment, delays in receipts and unfavourable payment terms from foreign suppliers, while also increasing access to credit.  These tools will be examined in a practical format, leveraging real-world cases wherever possible.  Subjects covered will include foreign exchange hedging, credit insurance and other risk mitigation tools. In addition, ask your specific questions to our panel of existing trade business owners.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - eBusiness Startup Tips
Date: March 22, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about websites, web development, web marketing and how to analyze your website. Presented by eBusiness Connections (a division of Small Business BC) and industry experts you will learn the basics of getting started as well as a strategy to position your business in an online environment. Learn what web developers know about the web and its ROI for your business.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Surviving the First Year
Date: March 23, 2010
Time: 7:30 am PST to 8:30 am PST
Price: Free

Come to this complimentary one hour session to share how you survived your first year in business; how you balanced your business, work, family and somehow found time for you too.  Our small business virtual network of business owners in 50 cities around BC invites you to share how you learned to juggle all the balls necessary to run your business and learn some tips from others.

Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Building Profitable Strategic Alliances
Date: March 24, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Building your business through alliances and partnerships is part of a good marketing strategy. This business development tool has the ability to exponentially grow your business while developing healthy community alliances. Learn what constitutes a successful alliance, how to approach and measure the effectiveness of the relationship.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Building Profitable Strategic Alliances
Date: March 24, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Building your business through alliances and partnerships is part of a good marketing strategy. This business development tool has the ability to exponentially grow your business while developing healthy community alliances. Learn what constitutes a successful alliance, how to approach and measure the effectiveness of the relationship. Delivered by Fiona Walsh of FMWalsh and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Spring into Business Growth - A Panel Interview with Moms
Date: March 24, 2010
Time: 9:30 am PST to 11:30 am PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Join us to learn from and be inspired by successful women who have started and grown their business while balancing motherhood. Come to this workshop to learn from our panel of moms whose successful businesses have taken that step into growth; hiring an employee, expanding operations, refinancing, moving product lines cross border/overseas and introducing new products and services to their communities. Take away the knowledge and experience of others to help you make decisions that will help you expand your business. Our panel of Mom's will join us from many cities around BC by our video conference network.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Perfect Your Pitch
Date: March 24, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm PST to 9:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Learn the art of presenting and get valuable feedback through video and your peers, to better articulate your business message. This interactive workshop will be video taped at the beginning of the session and the end to review how you applied the techniques to your business pitch. Come prepared to explore the different ways to prepare and present. Learn how to use voice, speech and movement with a powerful and confident message and gain confidence in your ability to communicate. You will identify your market, enhance your research skills then practice and present for different business scenarios.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Perfect Your Pitch
Date: March 24, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm PST to 9:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Learn the art of presenting and get valuable feedback through video and your peers, to better articulate your business message. This interactive workshop will be video taped at the beginning of the session and the end to review how you applied the techniques to your business pitch. Come prepared to explore the different ways to prepare and present. Learn how to use voice, speech and movement with a powerful and confident message and gain confidence in your ability to communicate. You will identify your market, enhance your research skills then practice and present for different business scenarios.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Managing Your Website Using a Content Management System (CMS)
Date: March 24, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Do you plan on updating your own website? Would you like to add new content, remove pages, upload images or change the formatting of your site? Come to this workshop to learn how to pick the right CMS for your business needs. We will introduce you to a free (open source) system and full support system and their features.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Cash Flow in 2010
Date: March 25, 2010
Time: 7:30 am PST to 8:30 am PST
Price: Free

Cash flow is one of the biggest challenges for most small business owners. How do you manage your clients, accounts, products, promotion and ensure there is cash flowing in your business enabling you to grow yoru business? This complimentary one hour session to discussion with other small business owners on our virtual network of 50 cities around BC invites you to share tips on cash flow management and defining terms and contracts that ensure you get paid.

Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Forecasting Revenue and Expenses
Date: March 25, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Forecasting your revenues & expenses is a critical part of business planning.  Financial forecasting is goal setting with numbers attached. We cover the effects of external and internal factors on your business.  You learn how to plan for controllable and non-controllable expenses – the importance of the ‘middle line’ and the Hertzog method of forecasting revenues.  By developing a ‘case study’, you not only learn the theory, but also have the opportunity to develop a forecasting scenario and develop ‘what if’ type scenarios. Forecasting is part art, part science – part prognosticating and part goal setting.  It helps to provide a road map to ensure that the efforts you put in to your business are taking you where you want to go.
Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Growing Business Financing
Date: March 25, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 11:00 am PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Is it time to refinance your business? Get the monies you need to expand your operations with staff, location, product line or production? Come to this seminar to learn about consolidation of your finances and learn what a financer wants to know about investing in your growing business. Learn about all the resources open to your business expansion: government loans, private investing and bank financing. Delivered by Rita Kim of BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada).

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart Series
Date: March 25, 2010
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

Congratulations you are starting a small business and want a step by step guide to starting right. The first seminar in the series, Start Smart 1, will help you understand the broad scope of the requirements that are required to register and run a small business in British Columbia as well as an introduction to evaluating your business idea. The second seminar in the series, Start Smart 2, discusses running a small business, intellectual property, patents, trademarks as well as employment standards and legalities for small business. The third seminar in the series, Start Smart 3, evaluates your business idea and looks at primary and secondary methods of research. Presented by Small Business BC representatives, eBusiness Connection, WorkSafe BC, the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Oyen Wiggs Green and Mutala, LPP and the BBB.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Cash Flow and Your Growing Business
Date: March 25, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Profit is important – but the real danger for most businesses is cash flow. Cash flow problems are a symptom of a greater disease. Developing a cash flow forecast is an essential part of business planning, financial planning and loan applications. The cash flow forecast depends on the Revenue & Expense Forecast and the Capital Plan. We look at the factors that affect receipts and disbursements – how timing and seasonality affect cash flow – how poor debt management affects cash flow and the four leading causes of a cash flow crisis! We use a case study based on the information from Forecasting Revenue & Expenses and then turn the revenue & expense forecast into a monthly cash flow.  We can then apply cash flow strategies to improve cash flow and save the business.  You can apply these same techniques in your business as you plan for a profitable and liquid future. Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart 1
Date: March 25, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

This seminar covers basic small business start-up information and is designed for the client in the thinking stage of starting a business. Included in this seminar is an overview of all the basic requirements including: name registry, business structures, municipal licensing requirements, insurance, GST, PST, labour requirements, and employment standards. Small Business BC resources are highlighted with emphasis on business planning tools, eBusiness resources, market research, business planning and trade services, a demonstration of our website(s) and methods to evaluate your business idea and its viability in the market place.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
The Proposed Transition to Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) in British Columbia
Date: March 26, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: Free

The provinces of Ontario and British Columbia have announced their intention to harmonize the provincial sales tax with federal goods and services tax, the GST, on July 1, 2010. The Canada Revenue Agency is taking steps to ensure businesses are aware of the proposed harmonized sales tax in these provinces and has developed dedicated web site information at www.cra.gc.ca/harmonization.

Come to this complimentary session to learn how this tax will affect your business. This seminar is brought to our video conference partners by CRA and Small Business BC.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - Branding and Promotion
Date: March 29, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about brand positioning, marketing and ensuring your clients understand your brand identity. Presented by CADesign Group you will learn the basics how important your message is to your existing and new customers.  In this session you will develop strategies to keep your existing customers coming back while continuing to prospect new clients.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Tax Tips from an Accountant
Date: March 30, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

You're researching the different types of business structures and wondering what the tax advantages and disadvantages are of sole proprietor, partnerships and corporations. Come to this workshop to understand more about taxable income, deductions, credits, employment income versus salary and wages, small business capital gains exemption, deferred tax and more. You will learn about accounting principles and terms that apply to you, learn more about financial statements, income tax and GST requirements. Delivered by Gabrielle Loren, CGA of Loren, Nanke and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Moving From a Proprietorship to Corporation - Tax Concerns
Date: March 30, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

At what financial point in your business is it a good idea to incorporate and separate your bank account from your business? This seminar discusses the advantages of moving your proprietorship to a corporation. Learn about the taxable advantages of being a registered corporation. Delivered by Gabrielle Loren, CGA of Loren, Nanke and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Social Media and Web Marketing
Date: March 31, 2010
Time: 4:30 pm PST to 5:30 pm PST
Price: Free

Does your business need a social media campaign? Will Twitter, Blogs, Facebook help grow your business?  Come to this complimentary one hour session to discuss how social media has helped your bottom line. Learn from other small business owners throughout BC on how to leverage social media for business growth and prospecting. 

Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
Date: March 31, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Learn how to analyze your web site code, find out what keywords potential customers are searching for, analyze your web site traffic, and make sure you are listed in the right search engines. Get your web site working for you!

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Selling a Business
Date: April 1, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Selling your business could be the single most important decision you make, so it’s important to be prepared. You will learn the keys to successfully preparing your business for sale, possible options other than selling, the nuts and bolts of selling a business, who your key advisors should be, what to expect during the due diligence stage, at the offer stage and at closing. Explore the basics of valuations and understand what Buyers look for. This informative seminar will prepare you to maximize the successful sale of your business and manage your exit plan and strategy.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart 2
Date: April 1, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Life is risky; entrepreneurs know all about taking risk and reaping rewards. Protecting yourself and your business is an important factor to the success of your business. Legal requirements regarding intellectual property, trademarks, patents and designs will be discussed as well as employment standards including bonding, employees and running a small business.  This seminar is designed for the launching business client who is working on a business plan and is presented by WorkSafeBC, Insurance Bureau of Canada, BBB, Oyen Wiggs Green Mutala LLP and the BBB (Better Business Bureua).

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Selling a Business
Date: April 1, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Selling your business could be the single most important decision you make, so it’s important to be prepared. You will learn the keys to successfully preparing your business for sale, possible options other than selling, the nuts and bolts of selling a business, who your key advisors should be, what to expect during the due diligence stage, at the offer stage and at closing. Explore the basics of valuations and understand what Buyers look for. This informative seminar will prepare you to maximize the successful sale of your business and manage your exit plan and strategy. Presented by Pino Bacinello of Sunbelt Pacific Business Brokers.


This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Understanding Financial Statements
Date: April 6, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

This seminar is designed for the non financial business owner who is interested in knowing how to record and maintain financial records for your small business. Finance is a language, and once you understand the language you can better understand financial concepts. Learn how to read financial statements such as balance sheets, income statements, and gain a greater knowledge on retained earnings and how to make this money work for you in your business. You will identify the difference between market and book value, amortization and capital cost allowance as well as understand the difference between income and cash flow. Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Getting Your Story Told: Making the Most of Media Opportunities
Date: April 6, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Advertising is expensive; publicity costs very little, and often offers far more benefit, because of the credibility that comes with having your name or business mentioned by an independent third party.In this seminar, you’ll find out the 7 best steps to a productive media relationship, 5 roadblocks to getting coverage, 3 secrets for a really, really good media interview, and the 1 thing you need to do in your media strategy. Seminar attendees will take away a checklist to use for drawing up a media strategy plan; a format to use in writing and sending out a news release; a list of “do’s and don’ts” to use if they are asked for an interview, and a self-evaluation tool they can use on an ongoing basis, as they develop their media skills. Deliverables include: tools to use for improving media skills; outline of a media strategic plan and planning process; understanding of ways in which media publicity can help attendees build their business and raise revenue; and techniques for developing or managing media attention for their business idea. Gail Hulnick of WindWord Communications Inc.
 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Panel Discussions for Regional Business Growth - Human Resource Hiring and Strategies
Date: April 7, 2010
Time: 7:30 am PST to 8:30 am PST
Price: Free

Come to this complimentary one hour session to discuss your first steps into hiring your first employee. Share with other small business owners how you found good employees, what strategies and incentives you use to encourage business growth and where do you find the stars that help your business shine.  Our small business virtual network of business owners in 50 cities around BC invites you to share your human resource strategies, recruitment tips and employee engagement programs that keep your employees invested in your business.


Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Human Resource Strategies for Small Business
Date: April 7, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Human Resource is quickly emerging as one of the most important aspects of small business growth.  Recruiting good people to work in the right environment is pinnacle in the growth of your business. Along with an extensive section on recruiting/ interviewing / motivating and growing productive employees, you will be introduced to Small Business HR Experts who can help you avoid bad hires and recommend good HR systems and strategies for your business.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Employment Law
Date: April 7, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Hiring employees for your business? Come to this seminar and learn the differences in employee versus independent contractors and the laws and CRA consequences for each. This seminar will explain the elements of employee law, termination notice periods, severance pay, human rights code, workers compensation board and constructive dismissal. This seminar will touch on intellectual property and the importance of employee agreements to ensure your company knowledge and resources are protected.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.
 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Idea to Venture – Analyze Your Business Idea
Date: April 7, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Come to this seminar and analyze your business ideas, discover new markets and answer the what if’s to the success of your new venture. Identify the full scope of your idea and assess the financial viability of your business idea. Learn how to create a profile of your customer, list and describe the features of your product or service; define the main geographic area you intend to sell to during your first year. Consider the opportunities for your business including - capitalizing on a growth trend, cover market gaps or shortages, transfer a concept from one industry to another or serve unique client groups.

Questions to get you thinking:

What is your immediately addressable market?
Who will be your first customer?
How will you move from that first customer to the 10th and 100th?
What is the cost of acquiring a new customer?
What if your direct competitors find a way to undersell you? What will you do to remain competitive?
 
This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference. Delivered by Ken Flanders of New Business Navigators

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Measuring the Success of Your Web Site – Web Analytics
Date: April 7, 2010
Time: 6:00 pm PST to 8:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Interested in clicks and click throughs? In this workshop you will learn how people arrive at your website, how they navigate through your site and how the user interacts with your online buying process? This seminar will help you understand more about your customer through the use of web analytics and server logs.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Start Smart 3 - Market Research
Date: April 8, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Come to this session ready to research your business and prepare the market research section of your business plan. You will be introduced to primary and secondary research methods that will continue to evaluate your business idea. Market research is an important part of your business plan since it offers an in-depth study of your business. It will save you time and money and give you a real sense of what your competitors are doing as well as what your customers need. Market research will also inform your marketing effort that is, after carefully studying your industry, competitors and customers; you will have a much clearer idea of how to target those areas most effectively.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Buying a Business
Date: April 12, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Are you considering buying a business or starting one from scratch? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of both. Find out why buying a business could be the right thing to do and what to look for, why cash flow is important and what it means, the necessary steps in the buying process, who your key advisors should be, what’s involved in due diligence, how to make an offer, the keys to successfully buying a business and much more. Buying a business is a risky business and a serious investment. Educate yourself in the process and maximize your potential for success. Presented by Pino Bacinello of Sunbelt Pacific Business Brokers.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Growing Business Financing
Date: April 12, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Is it time to refinance your business? Get the monies you need to expand your operations with staff, location, product line or production? Come to this seminar to learn about consolidation of your finances and learn what a financer wants to know about investing in your growing business. Learn about all the resources open to your business expansion: government loans, private investing and bank financing. Delivered by Rita Kim of BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada).

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Regional BC Small Business Startup Program - My First Year in Business Bookkeeping and More
Date: April 12, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

Small Business BC supports the start-up and growth of small businesses throughout British Columbia. As part of our Regional BC Small Business Startup Program we invite our video conference partners around BC to invite their clients to this 2 hour training session to learn about financial statements, CRA requirements and basic bookkeeping procedures. Presented by SOMA Business Solutions this session brings to you a certified bookkeeper to explain the components and differences between the balance sheet, the income statement and how important understanding cash flow is to your business.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
How to Do Business with the Federal Government
Date: April 13, 2010
Time: 3:00 pm PST to 5:00 pm PST
Price: Free

Learn about the fundamentals of selling goods and services to the Government of Canada. This seminar provides information on how to market to the federal government, how the government does its buying, and how to keep track of opportunities to bid on Canadian government purchases. This the first seminar in the series of three seminars on information about working with the Public Works.

An introduction to the MERX and SRI systems is included.

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Social Media: What's in it for you and your small business?
Date: April 14, 2010
Time: 2:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

This workshop focuses on understanding social media, what is it and how it’s connecting people. A focus will be given to understanding what opportunities exist for small business owners to leverage social media for business growth and prospecting. Topics covered include privacy and control; social media pit falls and super stars and first steps to social media success. Some tools discussed will be Twitter, Blogs, Facebook, and creating social bookmarks.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Writing for the Web
Date: April 14, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Come to this seminar to learn how to write for the web. Studies show web viewers spend only seconds on websites reading the content. This seminar will help you condense your content and layout your website so you’re most important information is viewed first. Delivered by Rick Sloboda of Webcopy Plus.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Starting a Consulting Business
Date: April 15, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Do you have a special skill, ability; talent that you feel can serve others and earn an income? Consider the consulting and contracting field. Come to this session to learn how to transition your skills into an income stream, price your service, and learn where to find clients. Establish your business, build your market and hear from the experts about their many experiences of running a consulting business.  Presented by Dave Schulte and Ian Marshall of Vancouver Consultants, a membership organization with a mandate to provide the best vehicle to connect independent professional consultants to the market in order to facilitate and enhance opportunities for both.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Getting Your Business Online
Date: April 15, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

This is a workshop designed for the complete beginner. Learn the basic costs and steps necessary to register your domain, find a hosting company and have your website developed. This seminar will review the different types of websites and options on finding a web designer/developer.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Branding - More than Just a Logo
Date: April 15, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Why build a brand?  Brand is a promise made by a business that is consistently delivered to its customer. This promise is what builds trust and increases customer loyalty.  The rate at which a business succeeds is directly related to how CLEAR the vision is. Branding your business is your way to ensure your clients understand your corporate message. 

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
My First Year in Business – A Financial Overview
Date: April 16, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Starting a business is an exciting time, establishing your financial records and bookkeeping system should be one of the first orders of business.  You will need to establish a separate bank account, put together a filing system, decide how to Invoice your clients. These are all parts of your business strategy. Come to this seminar to learn the different financial statements your company will need. Gain an understanding of the components and difference between the balance sheet, the income statement and understand what a cash flow statement is. Learn how daily business transactions affect your financial statements and review CRAs requirements for record keeping. Deliverd by Dianne Mueller of SOMA Business Solutions.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Young Entrepreneurs Start-up Financing
Date: April 16, 2010
Time: 12:30 pm PST to 2:00 pm PST
Price: $20.00 per person + tax

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) and Small Business BC present to new entrepreneuars between the ages of 18-34 years start-up financing opportunities and business plan tips to start your business right. CYBF can assist with financing your dream to be your own boss. Come to this interactive workshop to hear about the CYBF model and how we can help the youth in your community. This joint initiative with Small Business BC will explain start-up financing, mentoring and educational resources and important business planning tips to start your business right.
 
1) Learn what you need to start the path to successful financing

2) Take the steps necessary to build a business plan that best positions you and your business

3) Get access to the Small Business BC resources to start your new venture right!

Presented by Brendan Cooper, Business Manager, BC Region CYBF and Belinda Mui, Small Business BC

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Legal Tips for Your Small Business
Date: April 16, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

There are main things to consider when you first start a business - name registry, business structure, taxes, accounting and so on. Come to this seminar for legal tips to help you get started. Topics that will be covered are: limited liability to your investment in your company, incorporating your business, proprietorship and partnership considerations, the importance of insurance, confidentiality/non-competition agreements and more.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Intellectual Property - Protecting Your Art Business
Date: April 17, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Are you a Graphic, Web, Animation, Film or Fashion Designer or are you a small business owner in a traditional arts? Come to this informational seminar and learn about IP and who owns your IP - you, your business, your employees or the consultants you have hired to do work for you. Distinguish between copyrights, industrial designs, trademarks, patents, confidential information and trade secrets. This seminar is designed to help those new to business protection, the seminar is specifically designed to help art based business owners understand how to protect intellectual property that is a creation of your skills and talent. Specific contractual issues regarding copyright licenses and non-disclosure agreements will be discussed. This is an information seminar only for specific business needs please contact a qualified professional. Delivered by David H. Takagawa, Lawyer, Oyen Wiggs Green & Mutala LLP ; Western Canada’s largest independent intellectual property law firm.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Marketing and Sales Business Toolkit Package
Date: April 19, 2010
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

Marketing includes everything from understanding your customers to product development, distribution and pricing. This workshop focuses on tools that allow you to identify profitable target markets and develop an efficient marketing system that will generate customers and revenue with less time and money. Discover your own unique sales style and learn how to build rapport to strengthen your customer relations. Explore how to align your values, goals and unique sales strengths to sell more effectively. Whether selling a product or service learn the negotiating skills necessary to build your B2B and B2C client base.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Marketing and Sales Business Toolkit Combo
Date: April 19, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

A strong marketing plan is essential for the success of any small business, yet too many business owners waste money on ineffective marketing.   The morning portion focuses on tools that allow you to identify profitable target markets and develop an efficient marketing system that will generate customers and revenue with less time and money. In the afternoon discover your own unique sales style and learn how to build rapport to strengthen your customer relations. Explore how to align your values, goals and unique sales strengths to sell more effectively. Whether selling a product or service learn the negotiating skills necessary to build your B2B and B2C client base. Delivered by Fiona Walsh of FMWalsh and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Marketing for Small Business
Date: April 19, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Marketing tells the market what you do and attracts customers to you.  A strong marketing plan is essential for the success of any small business, yet too many business owners waste money on ineffective marketing.   This 3 hour course focuses on tools that allow you to identify profitable target markets and develop an efficient marketing system that will generate customers and revenue with less time and money. Delivered by Fiona Walsh of FMWalsh and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Sales for Small Business
Date: April 19, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Discover your own unique sales style and learn how to build rapport to strengthen your customer relations. Explore how to align your values, goals and unique sales strengths to sell more effectively. Whether selling a product or service learn the negotiating skills necessary to build your B2B and B2C client base. Delivered by Fiona Walsh of FMWalsh and Associates.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Intellectual Property - Protecting Your Business IP
Date: April 20, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Come to this informational seminar and learn the steps to protecting your business brand. Understand who owns your IP - you, your business, your employees or the consultants you have hired to do work for you. Distinguish between copyrights, trademarks, patents, and trade secrets. This seminar is designed to help those new to business protection, as a first step visit www.cipo.ic.gc.ca for an overview on different forms of intellectual property protection. For individual business needs please contact a qualified professional.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
MERX - The Government Electronic Tendering Service
Date: April 20, 2010
Time: 3:00 pm PST to 5:00 pm PST
Price: Free

 

Pre requisite to this seminar is: How to Do Business with the Federal Government.

MERX is the most complete source of Government of Canada tenders. Access to these federal government tenders is free and this seminar explains how entrepreneurs can register in the system and quickly evaluate opportunities. MERX has leveled the playing field so that businesses of any size can have easy and affordable access to billions of dollars in contracting opportunities with the Government of Canada. Join us on a guided demonstration of the MERX system.

This seminar also includes:
*1 - an online demonstration of the Supplier Registration Information (SRI) service and
*2 - a demonstration of the Government Electronic Tendering system (MERX™).

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Greening Your Small Business
Date: April 21, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $10.00 per person + tax

Carbon neutral business...eco-efficiency, triple-bottom line management... What does all this jargon mean ...and why should you care? Consumers are becoming more discerning about the environmental performance of businesses; even in the midst of this economic down turn consumers are seeking green brands. How will this shift in public interest impact your business and how can you capitalize on it? This workshop will introduce you to opportunities and challenges of greening your business. We'll examine what businesses in BC are doing to go green and explore eco-efficiency options for your own business.Maureen Cureton, Green Business Manager for Vancity facilitates this session drawing on her experience with the local small business community. This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference. $10 registration fee is being donated to the David Suzuki Foundation.
 

 

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
eCommerce and Understanding Online Payment Systems
Date: April 21, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 3:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Considering selling your product online?  Concerned about security online? Are you already using PayPal? Do you need a merchant account? This seminar will take you behind the scenes of an online payment system and show you how transactions are processed, credit cards are charged and how to handle taxes and shipping.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Legal Tips for Your eBusiness
Date: April 21, 2010
Time: 5:00 pm PST to 7:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

This workshop covers legal principles and concerns applicable to internet-based businesses/operations. Topics include creating contracts online, including terms and conditions for use of your web site and contracting with your online buyers. Discussion about terms and conditions will include intellectual property claims, limitations of liability and disclaimers regarding use of the site.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Viability –Will Your Business Make Money
Date: April 23, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Business start-ups will introduce you to the concepts of a Starting Balance Sheet, a break-even Income Statement, an introductory Cash Flow Forecast. This seminar looks at the viability of your business idea from a financial perspective and helps you to decide if your business idea is worth pursuing. Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Managing Your Balance Sheet
Date: April 23, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

The ability to manage your finances and make effective management decisions is the basis for your business success. It requires solid information that good bookkeeping provides. Attending this seminar is a step in understanding how to grow your business. We will breakdown the components of both your balance sheet and income statement into account type. Review a general ledger and learn when it is a debit and when it is a credit. We will discover what information can be gleamed from a properly structured chart of accounts, and learn how to code expenses correctly. An introduction to accounting software that will assist you in managing your business successfully, and discuss why hiring a bookkeeper is a good investment in your company. Deliverd by Dianne Mueller of SOMA Business Solutions.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Pricing and Costing Your Product
Date: April 23, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Setting prices is both an art and a science.  The science is determining  your costs … and the art is understanding the underlying role price makes on customer buying behavior.  This seminar is both a marketing and a financial topic as we get to the heart of how pricing plays an important part in your overall business success.  Topics include:

·         Costs, Constraints, Customers & Competition (the 4 C’s of Pricing)

·         Fixed Costs, variable costs and total absorption costing

·         Pricing as a comparative

·         Pricing for sales vs. pricing for profits

This session will make you question your assumptions about pricing, costing and how they fit into your business strategies.  Whether you are experienced in business or you just want to get started on the right foot, pricing and costing is time … and money well spent! Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Plan FastTrack Workshop
Date: April 24, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $495.00 per person + tax

The backbone of every successful business is a solid business plan. The Business Planning Fast Track Workshop is designed for the entrepreneur who has an established business idea and is ready to fast track their business plan. This program covers the following key steps:

1.    Introduction to the business plan and executive summary
2.    Business Viability including a break even analysis of your product or service
3.    Business Risk and Operations
4.    Market Research & Strategies
5.    Financial Planning and Strategies

Included in the Business Plan FastTrack program is an eText reference book, the Financial Planning Template with the opportunity to develop multiple financial formulas for your business, the costing workbook to cost your products and services and one to one consulting with an experienced business advisor.

Introduction to The Business Plan And Business Viability - Janaury 23
You will be introduced to the concepts of a business plan and executive summary, a Starting Balance Sheet, a break-even Income Statement, an introductory Cash Flow Forecast. This seminar looks at the viability of your business idea from a financial perspective and helps you to decide if your business idea is worth pursuing. Business Risk and Operations will conclude the day.

Market Research & Strategies - January 30
Present your market research and analysis in a way that shows that there is a clear understanding of the target market(s) you are selling to. This is one of the most difficult and time-consuming sections of the business plan to prepare, yet it is one of the most important.  The success of your business will depend on how well it can meet the needs of the target market(s). Defining the size of your target market will assist in calculating the required level of production, distribution channels, promotion strategy and other marketing decisions.

Financial Planning and Strategies - February 6
To examine the business from a financial point of view means determining the amount of money needed to get the business running and carry it until it can support itself through positive cash flow, estimating the amount of time this will take, and projecting the income potential of the business is a first step in planning.  The financial plan is basic to the evaluation of the viability of the business opportunity.  It is very important that your financial projections represent you’re best estimates, and that you take an honest, realistic look at the business.  Once operations begin, a well-prepared financial plan can be used to provide benchmarks by which the company’s progress can be measured, calling attention to the areas where performance is not as expected. 
 

BONUS - Tuning UP Your Business Plan - a disucssion with Small Business BC business plan review experts and chance to hear from small buisness owners who have implemented their business plan successfully and have tips to share with you on writing the plan and running your business. January 29th from 10-12pm. complimentary for BP FastTrack registrants.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
SEO, Web Writing and Web Analytics Intensive
Date: April 24, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $99.00 per person + tax

Get your web sites working for you! Studies show web viewers spend only seconds on websites reading the content. This seminar will help you condense your content and layout your website so your  most important information is viewed first. Learn how to analyze your web site code, find out what keywords potential customers are searching for, analyze your web site traffic, and make sure you are listed in the right search engines. Interested in clicks and click throughs? In this seminar you will learn how people arrive at your website, how they navigate through your site and how the user interacts with your online buying process? This seminar will help you understand more about your customer through the use of web analytics and server logs.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Plan FastTrack Workshop - Day 1
Date: April 24, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $189.00 per person + tax

Day 1 –  April 24, 2010 Introduction to The Business Plan And Business Viability
You will be introduced to the concepts of a business plan and executive summary, a Starting Balance Sheet, a break-even Income Statement, an introductory Cash Flow Forecast. This seminar looks at the viability of your business idea from a financial perspective and helps you to decide if your business idea is worth pursuing. Business Risk and Operations will conclude the day.

This 1 day workshop can be taken individually at $189 or as part of the Business Plan FastTrack series at $495 for all 3 days

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Understanding the Government of Canada Procurement Process and Responding to Bids
Date: April 27, 2010
Time: 3:00 pm PST to 5:00 pm PST
Price: Free

Prerequisites to this seminar are: How to Do Business With the Federal Government and MERX - The Government Electronic Tendering Service

Understanding the Procurement Process and Responding to Bids provides businesses general advice and guidance on how to analyze the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and requirements, how to respond to a request to proposal (RFP), and how bids are evaluated.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Syndication: Distribute Your Knowledge - RSS, Blogs
Date: April 28, 2010
Time: 10:00 am PST to 12:00 pm PST
Price: $25.00 per person + tax

Wanting to find new ways to interact with your customer online? This seminar will give you some tools that will help you share news and information about your company. RSS Feeds -What are they, how to put one on your website? Blogs and their types, content, comments, RSS, SEO benefits and distribution methods.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Growing Your Consulting Business
Date: April 30, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $59.00 per person + tax

Come to this seminar to learn how to take the next steps in growing your consulting business, learn how to leverage your client base, invest in your clients work and how to get your clients to help build your network for you. This workshop visits costing the value of your time, creating products and services that compliment the work you already do and extending your services beyond the face to face consulting work you already do. Presented by Dave Schulte and Ian Marshall of Vancouver Consultants, a membership organization with a mandate to provide the best vehicle to connect independent professional consultants to the market in order to facilitate and enhance opportunities for both.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Plan FastTrack Workshop - Day 2
Date: May 1, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $189.00 per person + tax

Day 2 –May 1, 2010 Market Research & Strategies
Present your market research and analysis in a way that shows that there is a clear understanding of the target market(s) you are selling to. This is one of the most difficult and time-consuming sections of the business plan to prepare, yet it is one of the most important.  The success of your business will depend on how well it can meet the needs of the target market(s). Defining the size of your target market will assist in calculating the required level of production, distribution channels, promotion strategy and other marketing decisions.


This 1 day workshop can be taken individually at $189 or as part of the Business Plan FastTrack series at $495 for all 3 days

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Perfect Your Pitch
Date: May 6, 2010
Time: 1:00 pm PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $39.00 per person + tax

Learn the art of presenting and get valuable feedback through video and your peers, to better articulate your business message. This interactive workshop will be video taped at the beginning of the session and the end to review how you applied the techniques to your business pitch. Come prepared to explore the different ways to prepare and present. Learn how to use voice, speech and movement with a powerful and confident message and gain confidence in your ability to communicate. You will identify your market, enhance your research skills then practice and present for different business scenarios.

This seminar is hosted at Small Business BC in Vancouver and delivered to other locations via live video conference.

To register, click one of the participating locations below:
   
Business Plan FastTrack Workshop - Day 3
Date: May 8, 2010
Time: 9:00 am PST to 4:00 pm PST
Price: $189.00 per person + tax

Day 3 - May 8, 2010 Financial Planning and Strategies
To examine the business from a financial point of view means determining the amount of money needed to get the business running and carry it until it can support itself through positive cash flow, estimating the amount of time this will take, and projecting the income potential of the business is a first step in planning.  The financial plan is basic to the evaluation of the viability of the business opportunity.  It is very important that your financial projections represent you’re best estimates, and that you take an honest, realistic look at the business.  Once operations begin, a well-prepared financial plan can be used to provide benchmarks by which the company’s progress can be measured, calling attention to the areas where performance is not as expected.

This 1 day workshop can be taken individually at $189 or as part of the Business Plan FastTrack series at $495 for all 3 days

To register, click one of the participating locations below:

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