It's October and that can mean only one thing: it's Small Business Month in BC! Whether you're still in the planning stages, hoping to expand your business, or somewhere in between, there is an event going on this month that you'll want to check out. Here is a list of just some of the small business events taking place around BC.
Vancouver Events
2014 BC Aboriginal Award Gala
October 15, 6pm-10pm
This dinner is held annually to celebrate and honour Aboriginal entrepreneurship in the areas of community owned; joint venture; small, medium, and large business; and individual achievement. Over 550 Aboriginal and community business leaders and entrepreneurs connect to communicate and celebrate Aboriginal business achievements in British Columbia.
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Small Business is Big Business in BC
October 16, 8am-10am
To celebrate Small Business Month in British Columbia, and in support of the BC Small Business Accord, the Honourable Naomi Yamamoto, Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business, will be the featured speaker at this interactive breakfast. The Minister will receive the Small Business Roundtable’s 9th Annual Report to the Government, and will address the government’s commitment to BC’s small business sector. A panel discussion with Minister Yamamoto and small business leaders will highlight the benefits they have experienced through government collaboration.
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Women in Biz National Conference
October 20
The 4th Annual Women in Biz Conference is a day of networking, relationship building, and a mini MBA in small business growth. This year’s theme is: Passion to Profit – Smart Growth Strategies. Attend brainstorming sessions; learn new skills related to financing, sales, PR, marketing, and more; meet new people; and work on plans and goals for your business and your life. Free childcare provided with registration.
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BC Economic Forum: Women as a Catalyst for Change
October 24
This economic forum will highlight opportunities to support women in business in BC in order to advance the conversation into action strategies for economic growth. Feedback from the forum will help create practical recommendations for government, business, and individuals to shape policy and ultimately create change. The forum will focus on generating an Action Plan with clear steps for growing the number of women in senior leadership positions, women entrepreneurs, and women in non-traditional jobs and emerging sectors.
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SME Business Expo
October 30, 8am-4:30pm
In previous years the SBA has been part of the SOHO|SME Expo, "the #1 event for small and medium size businesses" currently in its 18th year. This day-long event will include keynote sessions, workshops, business coaching, contests, and the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs, executives, business and marketing professionals, and leading experts.
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BC Events
Community Futures BC Provincial Conference
October 5-7
Community Futures volunteers, managers, business analysts, and staff will come together for three days in October to discuss “Leading in Our Communities”. Conference sessions include “Building an Ecosystem of Local Entrepreneurship” and “Leadership in a Changing Environment”. The conference will conclude with a gala and awards presentation.
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Fraser Valley Small Business Information Expo
October 9, 10am-2pm
Interested in selling to the public sector? Looking for sources of capital? This tradeshow brings together various organizations and government departments that support small businesses. Attend the event to meet with representatives from government programs and non-profit organizations. Free drop-in panels will discuss Public Procurement and Financing.
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E-Series North
October 15
An intensive and educational workshop presented by the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs, this day-long event will focus on the economic opportunities for female entrepreneurs in northern BC, covering business law, marketing and branding, accounting, staffing for success, growth strategies, raising capital, and more. Afterwards, FWE will host a reception with local entrepreneurs, business organizations and the Honourable Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour.
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Building Your Social Enterprise Workshop
October 21, 9am-3pm (Lillooet)
October 29, 9am-3pm (Chilliwack)
Is your non-profit looking to enhance delivery on programs, respond to increasing local community needs, or improve self-sustainability options? This workshop offers staff, board, and volunteers of non-profit organizations a day of learning about the “what” and “how” of social enterprise, and gives an overview of planning, developing, and evaluating the readiness of your organization. Attending the workshop qualifies your registered charity to apply for a social enterprise development grant from enp-BC.
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Small Business Saturday
October 25
When you shop small, it makes a big difference. Shop Small Biz is a made-in-Canada business directory that connects small and medium independent businesses with thousands of potential customers. The directory is free to use for consumers as well as businesses. Business owners wanting to set up a listing are required to register, then can add their business details, as well as photos, links, even special deals. Consumers looking for deals in their area can search keywords or browse by type of business. The directory has a mapping function and is mobile-friendly.
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State of the Island Economic Summit
October 29-30
Do you have investment or economic development interests on Vancouver Island? The Summit is an important business development and networking opportunity with hundreds of business, government, and community leaders participating from across Vancouver Island and beyond. The summit will be two days of tradeshows and sessions on a range of topics from aerospace to aquaculture to crowdfunding and much more.
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Small Business Month Event Series
Educational Seminars
Throughout October
In celebration of Small Business Month, Small Business BC is offering free seminars held at the Small Business BC Education Centre in Vancouver and broadcast as webinars to business owners throughout BC. If you want to grow your business, Small Business BC will be sharing practical advice to help you succeed.
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Business Information Sessions
Throughout October
Looking for opportunities to meet, network, and learn? Women’s Enterprise Centre will host a number of small business events and workshops and special events for women entrepreneurs in partnership with women’s business organizations, and offer webinars through Small Business BC.
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Small Business Events Presented by Vancity
Throughout October
Vancity is presenting various business events in October to support Small Business Month. Whether you’re thinking about starting a business, already own one, or are considering growing your business, check out what’s happening in October and some of the resources that can support your business needs.
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