The festive season is upon us but there are still plenty of small business events happening in BC in December.
Whether you’re looking for help with business plans, marketing, finance or more, we’ve gathered a selection of free and low-cost business events for entrepreneurs and small business owners.
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.
How to Apply for a Business Loan with Women’s Enterprise Centre
Target audience: Female entrepreneurs
Date: 4 & 18 December 2018
Time: 12.00 – 1.00pm
Location: Phone in session
Cost: Free
Host: Women’s Enterprise Centre
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.
Social trends you can put into practice in 2019 - webinar
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 5 December 2018
Time: 11.00am
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Host: Hootsuite
Register
Summary: Get ready for our annual prediction of what’s in store for social in 2019. Discover our top 5 trends, see brand examples, and learn tactics you can use to adjust your strategy for success on social in 2019 and beyond.
Start Smart Series
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 5 December 2018
Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm
Location: Online webinar or Small Business BC Office Vancouver
Cost: $49+GST
Host: Small Business BC
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.
Self-Employment Program Info Session
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 5 December 2018
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Location: Central Library, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Host: Vancouver Public Library
Register: Registration not required, but more details are available
Summary: Want to start a business? Looking for help? Find out how to get funding, support and training through the Canadian government's self-employment program.
Instagram Marketing for Busy Entrepreneurs
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 7 December 2018
Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Location: Online webinar or Small Business BC Office Vancouver
Cost: $49+GST
Host: Small Business BC
Register
Summary: Want to learn how to attract customers and make sales through Instagram without spending money on ads? With over 500 million active users, Instagram offers a powerful tool for small businesses. If you’re a business-to-consumer enterprise and your ideal customer is under the age of 45, Instagram could provide an effective channel to reach your target market. Join us to learn simple, effective strategies and tactics you can apply without wasting time or money.
Constructing Pitches That Close: Engineer Your Story
Target audience: Co-founders of early stage start ups
Date: 11 December 2018
Time: 8.30am – 10.00am
Location: Online
Cost: Free
Host: Spring
Register
Summary: Crafting an effective elevator pitch; How storytelling fits in your pitch, and how you’re guaranteed to make it work; Tips & tricks + Dos and Don’ts; Standing out from the crowd and being memorable.
Doing business with the Government of Canada: Half Day Condensed
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 11 December 2018
Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm
Location: Online webinar or Small Business BC Office Vancouver
Cost: Free
Host: Small Business BC
Register
Summary: Are you interested in doing business with the Government of Canada? This comprehensive half-day seminar will guide you through the various aspects of doing business with the federal government.
Startup Learning Series: HR Basics for Startups
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 12 December 2018
Time: 12.00 – 1.00pm
Location: Downtown Vancouver
Cost: Free
Host: VentureLabs
Register
Join employment lawyer Chris Munroe from Roper Greyell LLP for a learning session on HR basics. In this mini-session, Chris will cover: what is the difference between employees and independent contractor; risks in mischaracterizing workers (a common issue for startups); HR policies every employer needs; how to implement effective performance management of employees.
Small Business Clinic
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 12 December 2018
Time: 12.00 – 4.00pm
Location: Richmond
Cost: Free
Host: Richmond Public Library & Youth BiiS
Register
Summary: Small Business Clinic is a drop-in start-up resource sharing opportunity. Community members can meet with S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Youth BiiS Business Coaches to troubleshoot general start-up queries. Coaches are available to share valuable resources and help you navigate a variety of business situations. The following topics can discussed in the clinic: general business start-up processes; business registration and licensing requirements; business ideas; business plan writing; business loan and government funding; buying a business; joining a franchise business system; commercial leasing and site selection; business start-up resources
Small Business Library Tour
Target audience: Anyone can attend
Date: 15 December 2018
Time: 11.00am – 12.00pm
Location: Central Library, Vancouver
Cost: Free
Host: Vancouver Public Library
Register: Registration not required, but more details are available
Summary: Thinking of starting a small business? Already running a business, but need more information? Learn where to find help with small business planning, market research, financial assistance and more.