The Enhanced Language Training (ELT) Program provides workplace language training to internationally trained and/or newcomers and immigrants with related experience. Through the program individuals, attend classes focused on providing students with training and work-related terminology to assist them in finding employment that matches their skills and qualifications.

Contact WEST directly to register:

REGISTRATION CONTACT

Advertising in the digital space can be complicated, especially with different ad formats, multiple platforms, budgeting, and running your own business! If you are not sure where to begin, or are confused on what kind of ad to run, this session is for you! In this webinar, the Digital Service Squad from Toronto will share key insights into Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads.

You will learn about:

• Google Ads
• Facebook ads
• Facebook pixel
• Instagram ads
• Targeting audiences
• Which ads to run for your business
• Key terminology in ad platforms

Join us to learn why you should consider paid advertising for your business and how you can easily get started.

Join us at The EPICentre for an in-depth exploration that shines a spotlight on pioneering leaders who have weathered uncharted industries and learn how to harness their expertise to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.

Topics of Discussion & Opportunities

• Inclusive Entrepreneurial Strategies: Engage in insightful conversations about practical strategies that BIPOC entrepreneurs can employ in industries that are yet to be fully explored. Learn how to leverage your distinctive viewpoints to drive innovation and seize untapped opportunities.
• Embrace Uncertainty: Navigate uncharted territories with confidence. Understand how innovation is born from embracing the unknown, and glean wisdom from those who’ve deftly navigated through unfamiliar landscapes.
• Overcoming Challenges: Learn how to transform challenges into stepping stones. Our speakers share their personal experiences of overcoming obstacles, arming you with valuable insights for your journey.
• Interactive Round Table: Engage in a dynamic round table dialogue that encourages collaboration. Share your thoughts, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and forge meaningful relationships.
• Network of Possibilities: Connect with peers, mentors, and potential collaborators who can propel your entrepreneurial dreams forward. Expand your network and unlock opportunities for growth.

Uncover the expertise of these distinguished speakers, who are uniquely equipped to guide you through the intricate pathways of uncharted entrepreneurship. Gain transformative insights that pave the way for your success.

Wen Teoh: Director, EPICentre | Entrepreneurship Champion As the Director of EPICentre, Wen is the driving force behind entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Windsor. With a comprehensive background in entrepreneurship, project management, and information technology, she brings a unique perspective to the table. Wen's involvement in global ventures and her role in shaping the community landscape positions her as an expert in harnessing innovation. Her insights offer a valuable roadmap for BIPOC entrepreneurs embarking on journeys in uncharted industries.

Laurie A. Tannous: Expert in Global Business & Legal Affairs | Inspirational Speaker Discover unparalleled insights from Laurie A. Tannous, a distinguished legal mind with a remarkable track record in navigating complex global business landscapes. With a dynamic career spanning diverse industries, Laurie is sought after by industry leaders and government officials alike for her expertise in cross-border management, security, and immigration law. As an esteemed speaker, she imparts her extensive knowledge to guide aspiring BIPOC entrepreneurs through the intricacies of uncharted industries.

Donna Stoney: Founder of Stoney Wines | Pioneer of BIPOC Representation a trailblazing entrepreneur whose journey from dream to reality has ignited the path for others to follow. As the founder of Stoney Wines and the driving force behind the International Association of BIPOC Winemakers, Donna is at the forefront of reshaping the wine industry. Her commitment to unity, family, and heartfelt happiness resonates in both her social service initiatives and her winemaking endeavors, making her an exceptional source of inspiration for budding BIPOC entrepreneurs.

Rakesh Naidu: CEO & President, Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce | Industry Strategist Rakesh Naidu, the visionary CEO & President of the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce. With a wealth of experience in economic development and entrepreneurship, Rakesh has cultivated an impressive network of industry leaders. As the founder of AyeWork, an innovative recruiting platform, he understands the nuances of uncharted industries and guides BIPOC entrepreneurs towards maximizing their potential in diverse sectors.

Elevate your marketing and branding game in our dynamic Education and Tech Workshop - an EmpowerUP Skills session that promises to equip you with top-tier insights and tools. Join us as we explore the essence of effective marketing and branding strategies through engaging discussions and practical guidance.

Workshop Highlights:

🚀 Mastering Marketing Tools: Dive into the world of marketing as industry experts reveal their top two tools for creating impactful campaigns and building powerful brands. Uncover the secrets behind their choices and gain a firsthand understanding of how these tools can drive success.

🗣️ Insights and Challenges: Delve into candid conversations that unveil the challenges, thrilling moments, and key takeaways from navigating the branding and marketing landscape. Learn how these experts have overcome hurdles, harnessed opportunities, and reaped the rewards of their efforts.

🤝 Pros and Cons Unveiled: Explore the strengths and limitations of various marketing and branding tools. Gain a comprehensive view of their pros and cons, allowing you to make informed decisions when implementing them in your own strategies.

🎙️ Purpose of Branding and Marketing: Understand the true essence of branding and marketing in the eyes of our seasoned presenters. Discover how these crucial elements contribute to business growth, customer engagement, and overall success.

Elevate Your Marketing Game: Whether you're a business owner, marketing enthusiast, or someone passionate about brand building, this workshop is your gateway to enhancing your skills and knowledge. Unleash the potential of marketing and branding through expert insights and practical advice.

Reserve Your Spot: Secure your spot today to gain access to a transformative workshop that empowers you to wield marketing and branding tools like a pro. Don't miss this chance to empower your strategies and level up your branding game.

his session is for you if you want to know how to price your food or beverage product appropriately.

In this free 60-minute online seminar learn about:

• Understanding your COGS
• Cash Flow Management
• Planning for Profits

If you want to run a successful business it’s important for you to know the ‘numbers’. Learn how to cost and price your products and services for profitability and how the decisions you make about your operations and production processes affect your bottom line. Understand how to budget and spend money so you can pay all your bills and still have money left in your pocket at the end of the year.

Each participant will receive an Excel Financial Forecasting spreadsheet (blank) and completed examples for both a product and service business to assist you through the process. Use the spreadsheet to develop your individual timeline, operating and capital costs, and pricing calculator to create a cashflow projection and income statement for your business.

You will leave with a better understanding of how to properly cost and price your product to make a profit in the food and beverage industry! (This session is offered four times per year)

REGISTER

Explore how to maximize your online presence by leveraging an e-commerce solution. Get e-commerce ready with Digital Main Street!

Your goal is to grow your business, and achieving this objective has become increasingly challenging recently. As we recover from an exceptionally tough period, it's essential to concentrate on actionable steps that can propel your business forward. In this webinar we’ll discuss: · Immediate actions you can take to grow your business. · Strategies to effectively monitor your growth. · Marketing, sales, and strategy.

REGISTER

Join the University of Windsor Entrepreneurship, Practice, and Innovation Centre (EPICentre) for a Startup Mixer! This event is being held as a part of our Connect For series, a series of events that build a bridge between students, community, and entrepreneurs to create lasting connections.

Connect For: Startup Mixer aims to make connections between the Lancer student body and our vibrant, local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply curious about the startup scene in Windsor, this mixer is the perfect opportunity to connect with local businesses, explore what our city has to offer and learn more about EPICentre programs that can help kickstart your journey.

At Connect For: Startup Mixer, you'll have the chance to engage with a diverse range of local startups, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals making waves in Windsor's entrepreneurial landscape. Meet entrepreneurs from various industries and learn how they turned their passion into a viable business model.

This event will take place at the University of Windsor EPICentre, located on the second floor of the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre. EPICentre is a renowned hub for entrepreneurship and innovation that provides a supportive environment for students and recent graduates by providing resources, mentorship, and programs designed to nurture entrepreneurial ideas and ventures.

Mark your calendars and get ready to connect with Windsor's entrepreneurial community at EPICentre's Connect For: Startup Mixer!

Presented by the Canada Revenue Agency’s Liaison Officer Service Program

This seminar is offered to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals who need help in understanding their tax obligations. The presentation is geared towards unincorporated businesses and will provide participants with the basic principles and resources needed to navigate the tax system.

During the seminar, the Liaison Officers will:

• Explain common tax errors
• Demonstrate how to use financial benchmarks for relevant industries
• Provide information on various tools and services offered by the CRA
• Explain general bookkeeping concepts and best practices

Presented by the Canada Revenue Agency’s Liaison Officer Service Program

The presentation is geared towards small incorporated businesses and will provide participants with the basic principles and resources needed to navigate the tax system.

During the seminar, the Liaison Officers will:

• Explain common tax errors
• Demonstrate how to use financial benchmarks for relevant industries
• Provide information on various tools and services offered by the CRA
• Explain general bookkeeping concepts and best practices

EPICentre’s VentureU skills-bootcamp is a unique learning opportunity for students looking to put their problem-solving skills to use. Over the course of 5 days, selected students will learn the fundamentals of idea validation and to work collaboratively in teams to develop an innovative solution for a real-world problem. Participants that complete the program will receive a $200 participation award and have a chance to win one of two $500 prizes during the pitch competition.

This webinar is intended to give you:

• A basic overview of the VentureU skills-bootcamp
• Detailed event schedule and syllabus
• Review of program eligibility and requirements
• Opportunity for Q&A

If you’re unable to attend the LIVE session, we still encourage you to register. A recording of the webinar will be sent post-event.

More information about VentureU can be found using this link: https://www.epicentreuwindsor.ca/ventureu

REGISTER

Did you know that on average, companies that export have 120% greater sales than non-exporters, are 13% more productive and experience double the rate of growth?

Ontario’s “First Steps in Exporting” program helps companies that are new to exporting familiarize themselves with key steps in growing your international sales in the U.S. and beyond.

In this three-part series, trade experts from the Government of Ontario and professional service providers will guide you through everything you need to know to get started in global markets:

Module 1

Export Readiness, Market Research and Market Entry Strategy

REGISTER

Do you have an idea and you want to start your own small business, but you aren’t sure where to start? Attend this free seminar to find out information such as:

• How to register your business
• Business structure
• Government support programs
• Other services and programs available to you

Often you will hear about needing to optimize for search engines or SEO. But what is it, and how does it impact your digital presence? In this webinar, the Digital Service Squad will explain search engine optimization and the best tactics you as a business can use towards increasing your ranking in the search engine result pages.

What you will learn:

• What is SEO?
• Importance of keywords
• Copywriting for SEO
• On-page tactics
• Off-page tactics
• Technical SEO
• Auditing your website for search engines

Join us to learn why you should consider e-commerce for your business and how you can easily get started.

Join StrikeUP Connects for a FREE webinar session on Mythbusting Federal Government Procurement, presented in partnership with Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC).

Please note, you will receive the link to the event content in your order confirmation email and in a reminder email before the event starts.

Webinar details: 

Did you know that the Government of Canada buys $15-20 billion worth of goods and services each year? Do you think they only buy from big companies? Would you be surprised to learn that many of these contracts are awarded to small businesses in Canada? Let us help you decide if selling to the Government of Canada is appropriate for you.

Join StrikeUP Connects and Procurement Assistance Canada-Ontario Region for a special webinar session on Mythbusting Federal Government Procurement where we will dispel some common myths about selling to the Government followed by a virtual walkthrough the tendering site to help you access these opportunities.

Attendees will learn:

• What the government buys

• Who the government buys from

• How the government buys

• Where to find resources and free support for small businesses

• Linguistic resources

Guest Speakers

Delores Sui; Supply Specialist, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) – Procurement Assistance Canada – Ontario Region

Nujhat Bashir; Policy Analyst, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) – Procurement Assistance Canada – Ontario Region

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

About Procurement Assistance Canada

Procurement Assistance Canada (PAC) - Ontario Region was established in August 2006 within Public Services and Procurement Canada to support the Government of Canada’s commitment to a procurement system open to small and medium and regionally based businesses. PAC’s mandate is to ensure fairness, openness and transparency in federal government procurement.

The Government of Canada is committed to giving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) access to compete for government business. PAC supports SMEs by working to reduce barriers and by simplifying the process for SMEs that want to do business with the Government of Canada.

About StrikeUP Canada

StrikeUP is Canada’s flagship digital conference convening women entrepreneurs and the women entrepreneurship ecosystem, with a united vision of equity and inclusive economic growth through entrepreneurship. Learn more about StrikeUP's mission, vision, and community by visiting strikeup.ca.

Have you ever thought about investing in a franchise? Or perhaps you have the wrong idea about franchising and believe its extremely costly and cumbersome. This webinar will change the narrative on the franchise business model! Learn how franchising can be a safe, and relatively easy process to start your business.

This webinar, presented by Mohammed Al Moutaem, Franchise Consultant, will cover the following:

• The history behind franchising
• Modern franchising for todays business model
• Industry legal factors
• What are franchise disclosure documents (FDD) and franchise agreements
• Different types of franchises and business models
• Key statistics around starting a franchise
• The benefits of starting a franchise
• Selection tactics and critical considerations
• Investment levels
• Outlook into the industry future

The Government of Ontario, in collaboration with the Trade Commissioner Service, is hosting a webinar which will be of interest to Ontario companies in diverse sectors interested in entering and/or expanding their current business in the US market. 

The speakers will include representatives from Global Affairs Canada, Mohawk Global, DBA Accounting, Fiegel, Carr & Joyce Law Firm and Borderworks who will provide information about the following topics: 

o             U.S. immigration and business visa requirements;

o             Federal and state tax liability issues;

o             Currency exchange strategies;

o             Corporate and legal considerations

o             U.S. Customs clearance documentation requirements

o             Logistics and warehousing

o             Advice about how to prepare for US market entry will be addressed

The webinar will be of particular interest to all companies planning to enter or grow their actual business in the US.

Note: If you are a member of the Municipal, Provincial or Federal Government, please do not register via this link. Contact the event organizer directly to participate in the event.

REGISTER

Our next Wednesday Wisdom is going to be on September 13^th at Tabouli by Eddy’s.

A special thanks to the staff at Chapter Two for hosting us earlier this month with another good turnout!

Remember to bring your business cards, share your story and make new connections. This networking event is FREE to attend.

RSVP via e-mail to:

Frank Abbruzzese
CEO & President
frank@alphakor.com

REGISTER

Application Required!

Thank you for your interest in WEtech Alliance's upcoming Investment Readiness Day. While we wish this could be an open event for everyone, capacity is limited and we want to ensure we are helping to make the right connections at the right time for our clients. As a result, we ask that you apply to join this event using the form link below. It should only take a few moments and will help us determine if the program material will provide a value to your business.

Please note that if you are not chosen, our team has an abundance of resources that can still assist you in reaching your fundraising goals. We will notify all applicants within a week of submission admission. If approved, you'll then be given a special link to complete your registration and reserve your spot for this session.

Investment Readiness Application

Investment Readiness Day will feature two-panel discussions - One offering investor insights from prominent firms like Redstick Ventures, WECAN, OMERS Ventures, Inovia Capital, and Libro Credit Union, and the other showcasing success stories from an entrepreneur who has raised funds for their startup, with a networking lunch to connect with panelists and fellow attendees.

 This event is tailored to assist entrepreneurs and founders in Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent in developing an investment strategy, navigating the investment landscape, and ensuring their startup is investment-ready. This will include education on the investment process, funding options at different business growth stages, considerations for optimizing investment and growth strategies, and valuable networking opportunities for accessing capital and resources.

Program Schedule:

Panel 1: Investor Insights | Featuring investors and experts from HockeyStick Ventures, Windsor-Essex Angel Capital Network (WECAN), OMERSs, Innovia Capital, and Libro Credit Union

Panel 2: Success Stories | Learn from a founder who has successfully raised funds for their startup, and hear their key lessons learned, pitfalls to avoid, and strategious to help keep your investors joyously engaged in your journey.

Networking Lunch | Enjoy a delicious lunch while networking with our panelists and fellow attendees

Seats are limited so apply today to ensure your spot! Note: Priority will be given to existing WEtech Alliance clients along with clients of regional ecosystem partners.

This session is for you if you have a food or beverage product that needs the perfect brand to suit the right market.

In this free 60-minute online seminar learn about:

• Why YOU are your brand as a new food or beverage business
• What to consider when creating a visual identity for your company
• What does marketing your product in 2023 look like?

Amanda DeVries of Eye Candy Design specializes in branding food and beverage companies. In this webinar, Amanda will share her expert insight, from how to create your brand, how to retain and grow your brand to what sort of colours and typography styles are right for your product. You will learn the difference between designing for store shelves vs. food markets vs. digital spaces. She will also cover tips for working with a graphic designer and determining exactly who your product is for. As Amanda advises, “if your product is for everyone, then you are selling to no one”. Know your target market.

You will leave with a better understanding of how to brand and market your product in the food and beverage industry! (This session is offered four times per year)

REGISTER

Attention business owners:

• Have you been operating for 3 or more years?
• Working in your business full-time?
• Do you work with contractors or have employees?
• Are you looking to explore operation improvements, expand revenues and excel within your field?

We invite you to join us.

5 sessions Saturday's between 9:00am & 12:00pm

• September 16th
• September 23rd
• October 14th
• October 28th
• November 4th

This course is action-oriented. Each session is designed for you to leave with the tools to reach your current goals. The program was developed based on the areas identified by business owners.

Investment for the program has been determined based on a sliding scale. Please see the ticket description and select the category which best fits your business.

Program fee starts at $249 +HST

Did you know that on average, companies that export have 120% greater sales than non-exporters, are 13% more productive and experience double the rate of growth?

Ontario’s “First Steps in Exporting” program helps companies that are new to exporting familiarize themselves with key steps in growing your international sales in the U.S. and beyond.

In this three-part series, trade experts from the Government of Ontario and professional service providers will guide you through everything you need to know to get started in global markets:

Module 2

Trade Finance, Freight Logistics and Digital Asset Protection

Note: If you are a member of the Municipal, Provincial or Federal Government, please do not register via this link. Contact the event organizer directly to participate in the event.

 REGISTER

Your customers are on the web. Having a strategy for your online presence allows you to market your small business online so customers can easily find you. In this workshop hosted by the Toronto Digital Service Squad we’ll discuss the importance of getting your business online and where to start with developing your online presence.

What you will learn:

• What is web presence and what platforms you can use to set up your website
• How to create a professionally-designed, responsive website for your business
• How to optimize website content to improve your search engine ranking (SEO)
• Setting up your Google My Business listing and other online directories
• Getting started with social media
• How email marketing can grow your business and encourage repeat customers
• Developing a cohesive brand voice online
• Engaging with customers virtually and building relationships on the web

Join us to learn how to build the foundation for your business’ web presence.

EPICentre’s VentureU skills-bootcamp is a unique learning opportunity for students looking to put their problem-solving skills to use. Over the course of 5 days, selected students will learn the fundamentals of idea validation and to work collaboratively in teams to develop an innovative solution for a real-world problem. Participants that complete the program will receive a $200 participation award and have a chance to win one of two $500 prizes during the pitch competition.

This webinar is intended to give you:

• A basic overview of the VentureU skills-bootcamp
• Detailed event schedule and syllabus
• Review of program eligibility and requirements
• Opportunity for Q&A

If you’re unable to attend the LIVE session, we still encourage you to register. A recording of the webinar will be sent post-event.

More information about VentureU can be found using this link: https://www.epicentreuwindsor.ca/ventureu

REGISTER