BC Small Business Workshops & Events - May 2019

Last Updated: June 6, 2019

Every month we seem to find more and more great events available to support entrepreneurs and small business owners in BC! See below for our round up of favourites for May, most of which are free to attend. 

We also recommend visiting smallbusinessbc.ca and reviewing their full event calendar and seminar line up.

Please note details are accurate at time of publication, all summaries have been reproduced from host descriptions.


Build Grow Thrive
Host: Small Business BC
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 1 May 2019
Time: 8.30am – 3pm
Location: Surrey City Hall
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: Discover resources and programs available to help build and maintain a strong and resilient small business.


Starting a Business Information Session
Host: Women’s Enterprise Centre
Target audience: Female entrepreneurs
Date: 2 & 16 May 2019
Time: 12.00 – 1.00pm
Location: Phone in session
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: Free phone-in for those thinking of starting a business.The session is broken into 2 parts. In Part 1, we explain how to write an effective business plan. We cover each section of the business plan and provide strategies and resources to ensure your plan is well organized and consistent. In Part 2 we uncover how to make your business official.


Build Your Business Success – 5 Part Webinar Series
Host: Women’s Enterprise Centre
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: Various, throughout May
Time: 12.00 – 1.00pm
Location: Phone in session
Cost: $100 for all five webinars, or $25 per webinar
Register
Summary: 
May 1 – Stepping Up: Uncover Your True Leadership Potential.
May 8 – The Power of one: How small Changes Can Increase Sales
May 15 – Financial Understanding
May 22 – Setting New Goal Posts: Growing Your Business from a Tactical Perspective
May 29 – 6 Keys to Common Sense Marketing


Startup Basics: Accounting & Legal 
Host: Kamloops Innovation
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: May 2 2019
Time: Accounting 5.00-6.00pm; Legal 6.30-7.30pm
Location: Kamloops
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: In this workshop, mentors will give you the tools and knowledge you need to prepare yourself as an entrepreneur for the accounting and legal side of the business.


Startup Basics: Resources 
Host: Kamloops Innovation
Target audience: Female entrepreneurs
Date: 3 May 2019
Time: 5-6pm
Location: Kamloops
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: This session will provide you with an overview of the tools, resources, mentorship, workshops, events, and support available to you through Kamloops Innovation, the TRU Generator, and other organizations in our network.


Writing a Business Plan for Permanent Residents
Host: Vancouver Public Library
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: May 4 2019
Time: 10.30am  - 12.30pm
Location: Central Library, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: Are you a Permanent Resident interested in starting a small business? Want some tips on how to produce a clear and effective business plan? This hands-on workshop helps you map out your business idea in a well-structured plan that will put you one step closer to small business success!


2019 ThriveNorth Business Challenge Finals and Awards Ceremony
Host: Futurpreneur Canada
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: May 7 2019
Time: 5.00-8.30pm
Location: Terrace
Cost: $5
Register
Summary: Hosted by the incredible Carolina de Ryk of CBC Daybreak North, you'll hear from current and aspiring business owners in your community as 12 finalists pitch their business ideas and compete for up to $10,000. Be a part of the action by casting your vote in person for the People's Choice Award - an additional $5,000 prize up for grabs!


Early Stage Financing and Resources for Entrepreneurs
Host: Small Business BC
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: May 9 2019
Time: 1.00-2.30pm
Location: Vancouver or online
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: In this seminar, representatives from Vancity Microfinance and Futurpreneur Canada will walk you through the steps of accessing early stage financing.


Tech Vancouver May Edition
Host: Tech Vancouver
Target audience: Vancouver tech community 
Date: May 14 2019
Time: 6.00-9.00pm
Location: Yaletown, Vancouver
Cost: $25
Register  
Summary: TechVancouver helps the city’s technologists expand their knowledge and network in the community.  Every month a set of highly curated leaders & innovators come together to share their expertise & experiences through panels and presentations.


How to Apply for a Business Loan with Women’s Enterprise Centre 
Host: Women’s Enterprise Centre
Target audience: Female entrepreneurs
Date: 14 May 2019
Time: 12.00 – 1.00pm
Location: Phone in session
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: Learn how to apply for a loan from Women’s Enterprise Centre. In this FREE session, the facilitator will review our lending criteria, answer your questions, advise you on how to apply and provide you with a resource package. At the end of the session, your Advisor will work with you to determine if you are eligible for a loan with us and ensure that you receive an application.


Kamloops Small Business Information Expo
Host: Office of Small and Medium Enterprises – Pacific Region
Target audience: All welcome
Date: 15 May 2019
Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm
Location: Kamloops
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: The 2019 Kamloops SBIE will feature face-to-face opportunities to interact with experts from government and not-for-profit support programs who provide valuable resources to small businesses.


Kelowna Small Business Information Expo
Host: Office of Small and Medium Enterprises – Pacific Region
Target audience: All welcome
Date: 16 May 2019
Time: 10.00am – 2.30pm
Location: Kelowna
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: The 2019 Kamloops SBIE will feature face-to-face opportunities to interact with experts from government and not-for-profit support programs who provide valuable resources to small businesses.


Start Smart Series
Host: Small Business BC
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: May 22 2019
Time: 9am – 4pm
Location: Vancouver or online
Cost: $49+GST
Register 
Summary: The Start Smart Series provides a step-by-step guide to starting your business right. This series includes two seminars where five industry experts provide their knowledge and tips to help you start your business smart.    


Market Research for Your Business
Host: Small Business BC
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: May 22 2019
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Location: Vancouver or online
Cost: $119+GST
Register
Summary: This package is designed for new and existing business owners who want to develop their business strategy by gathering information about current and potential customers, industry trends and competition. 


Small Business Tour
Host: Vancouver Public Library
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: May 25 2019
Time: 10.30am  - 12.00pm
Location: Central Library, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Details  
Summary: Thinking of starting a small business? Already running a business, but need more information? Drop in to this free workshop and learn where to find help with small business planning, market research, financial assistance and more.


Langley Popup
Host:  Small Business BC
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: May 27 2019
Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm
Location: Langley
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: Our free Popups give you the opportunity to learn the key steps in the business startup and growth process and introduce the support services available to you. Come on by and chat with us about the key steps in the business start-up and growth process, while learning about the support services available to you at every step of the way. If that’s not enough, there’s also the opportunity to book a FREE 15-20-minute consultation with one of our business advisors (subject to availability).


Nanaimo Business Resource Forum
Host: City of Nanaimo
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date:  30 May 2019
Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm
Location: Nanaimo
Cost: Free
Register
Summary: Whether you’re a new start-up or looking to grow, this event is for you! This unique gathering offers small to medium sized business owners the opportunity to learn valuable tips, access many resources and network with professionals with similar goals of growing successful businesses.

 

Photo by Jo Szczepanska on Unsplash

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