T1 General Small Business Tax Literacy Seminar
2025-04-04 09:30 - 11:30 (America/Toronto)
Location: Online.

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 general bookkeeping concepts and best practices

Explain common tax errors

Demonstrate how to use financial benchmarks for relevant industries

Provide information on various tools and services offered by the CRA

Ten Steps To Starting A Business (Virtual Resource)
2025-04-07 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-14 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-21 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-04-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-05-16 10:00 - 11:30 and 2 more dates
Learn how to start a small business at your own pace anywhere, anytime!

Ten Steps to Starting a Business is an online guide written with the intent of pointing you, the potential entrepreneur, in the right direction – faster and easier! Now available in over 120+ languages.

Jam-packed with information and resources for new business owners, Ten Steps is broken down into 10 easy-to-follow steps available 24/7, with both written and video resources available.

Topics covered include:

Conducting Market Research

Preparing a Business Plan

Choosing a Business Structure

Registering your Business

Business Number (BN)

Licensing Requirments

Zoning Regulations

Additional Regulations

Financing your Business

Additional Resources

Please note this is a virtual online guide only, no Zoom link will be sent.

To access the written guide and videos, please register using the form below and you will receive a link to the email address provided. If you do not receive a link within a few minutes, please check your Junk or Spam folders.

Web Presence 101 – Ensuring Your Foundation Is Set (Webinar)
2025-04-08 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-20 10:00 - 11:00
Delivery: Online.

Join us to learn the fundamentals of your online web presence, and to make sure you are putting yourself in the best position possible!

About this Event:

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’s web presence. To join this webinar please register below.

Learn How to Scale, Package, and Market a Food Product
2025-04-09 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-04-24 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-05-06 13:30 - 15:00, 2025-05-16 13:30 - 15:00
Have you ever wanted to launch your own food or beverage business but didn’t know how or where to start? Do you have a food product that is ready to be developed and brought to market right now?

Whether you are a restaurant owner, selling from a local farmer’s market, or a foodie making and baking from home – this free 5-part video series will help get your favourite recipe retail ready! Led by Business Coach, Professor, Six Figure Entrepreneur, and Top 20 Under 40, Nicole Haney.

Topics covered include:

Introduction to The Food and Beverage Industry

Packaging and Labelling Your Food Product

Making Your Food Product More Attractive to Retailers

How to Approach and Secure Retailers

Supporting In-store Sales and Scaling Your Food Business

Please note this is a virtual resource, no Zoom link will be sent. To access the free 5-part video training series and quizzes, please register using the form below and you will receive an email with a link to the videos.

Access To Professionals (Business Legal): Virtual Sessions
2025-04-10 13:00 - 16:00, 2025-05-08 13:00 - 16:00
Are you looking for business legal advice?

When running your own business there are many legal issues you’ll need to consider. Whether it’s how to best develop your business structure, protect your brand, review contracts, or deal with human resources questions. The Access to Professionals series provides an opportunity for you to meet with a professional for a 30-minute, one-on-one meeting and gives you the opportunity to ask any of those burning questions you may have about your business.

A to P business legal professionals can address most common questions such as:

I’m starting a business. Do I need to incorporate?

Should I operate as a sole proprietorship or a corporation?

I’m starting a business with someone else. Should we operate as a partnership or a corporation?

Should I incorporate federally or provincially?

How do I start a not-for-profit?

What rules do I have to follow when naming my business?

Do I have to register my business name?

What should I look out for when signing a commercial lease?

I’ve been asked to stop using my company’s name or logo

What records do I have to keep or file to maintain my corporation?

I need help writing or reviewing a business document or contract

How to book a session:

Sessions are free (Zoom, phone), booked in 30-minute intervals (1-4 pm).

Those wishing to participate MUST complete the form found by clicking on the “Register Now” button below. Once received, a Hamilton Business Centre representative will then reach out to schedule your 30-minute, one-on-one meeting time.

What The Trade Commissioner Service Can Do For You
2025-04-11 10:00 - 11:00
Location: Online.

With globalization reaching new heights every day, some of the most thriving small businesses begin their entrepreneurial growth by learning to export to international markets.

Thankfully, you are not alone in your journey. For more than 120 years, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service has helped organizations of all sizes grow to operate internationally. With a network of Trade Commissioners in more than 160 cities around the globe, they are an invaluable resource to help Canadian small business trade, grow and succeed. By the end of this presentation, you will know more about preparing yourself for international business and finding global opportunities.

The presentation will answer the following questions:

What is the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)?

How do I qualify to be a client of TCS?

What services does the TCS offer?

What funding programs are available? What do I need to apply for them?

What programs does the TCS offer to support my business?

What other resources should I know about to become export-ready?

Join us to learn what TCS can do for you!

Speaker Bio:

Vanessa Donia is a Trade Commissioner with the Ontario Regional Office of the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS), Global Affairs Canada. Vanessa has been helping Ontario based companies export abroad since 2021. She holds a Master’s in Public & International Affairs and an International Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from York University, Glendon College as well as a Bachelor in Business Administration in Global Business from Emlyon School of Business (France). Vanessa is currently working towards her Professional International Business Certification (CITP) at the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).

Social Media for Your Business
2025-04-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-05-27 10:00 - 11:00
Delivery: Online.

Social media is an invaluable tool for today’s business, whether you are just starting out or have been established for years. Not understanding how to use social media effectively can leave you overwhelmed and ultimately hurt your bottom line as your potential customers can easily find your competitors. This workshop hosted by the Toronto Digital Service Squad will leave you with a better understanding of how to leverage the power of social media to grow your online community, drive sales and reduce marketing costs.

What you will learn:

How to choose the right social media platform(s) for your business

How to set up and optimize social media profiles

The basics of Instagram & Facebook shopping and how to utilize shoppable feeds

Best practices for engagement on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest

Growing your social media community using both organic and paid strategies

Planning and curating your social media content

Tools for managing platforms and scheduling posts to save you time and energy

Join us to learn the ropes of building an engaging and profitable social media presence for your business.

To join this webinar please register below.

eCommerce 101: What, Why, and How (Webinar)
2025-04-22 10:00 - 11:00
Delivery: Online .

More consumers than ever before are turning to online shopping for greater convenience, safety, and variety. In this webinar, the Toronto Digital Service Squad will teach you the basic steps to setting up an online store. We will cover everything from what you need to prepare before launching a store, to choosing an e-commerce platform, to providing excellent customer service online. You’ll finish this session feeling excited about how e-commerce can help you reach new customers and expand into different markets.

What you will learn:

What is e-commerce, why it’s important, and the benefits of selling online

What platforms are available and how to pick the right one for you

The basics of inventory management, choosing the right solution and streamlining point-of-sale for both in-store and online

Optimizing your website content, choosing the right themes, and the basics of search engine optimization (SEO)

How to set up secure payments and various shipping options & costs

Look at the basics of driving traffic to your store and boost sales through a variety of digital marketing channels

How to provide excellent customer service throughout the e-commerce purchase funnel

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

Register today!

WSIB: Laws & Regulations for Small Businesses
2025-04-25 09:30 - 11:00
Delivery: Online.

Workplace injuries are an important issue and can be costly for small business. Many employers do not understand their Health and Safety responsibilities and legal obligations.

Please join Enterprise Toronto in this free webinar provided by Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, Health and Safety Excellence Program Consultant Lesia Conneely who will explain how to keep your workplace healthy and safe and in compliance with health and safety laws.

Bank Ready: How to Secure the Financing Your Business Needs
2025-05-01 12:00 - 13:00
Location: Online.

Presented by: FirstOntario Credit Union, Small Business Services.

Join us for an engaging online workshop designed to empower small business owners with key insights into securing business financing. Led by Queenette Martins, Account Manager at FirstOntario Credit Union, and Colin Cyr, Senior Manager of Business Services, this session will cover essential topics including:

What lenders look for in prospective borrowers

The importance of personal credit

Financial statements and positioning

Creating a solid business plan

Building strong banking relationships

Gain valuable advice from industry professionals with a passion for supporting small businesses. Whether you’re seeking funding for growth or want to strengthen your financial foundation, this workshop will equip you with practical tools and strategies to succeed.

Speakers:

Queenette MartinsQueenette Martins is a Small Business Account Manager at FirstOntario Credit Union, dedicated to helping small business achieve financial and operational success. With a career spanning nine years in the banking industry and academic credentials in Economics and a Global Business Management, she has managed diverse portfolio of clients, consistently delivered exceptional customer service and customized business strategies. Passionate about supporting businesses and giving back to her community, Queenette actively empowers young girls, supporting those in need in our society and foster growth through her commitment to making a positive change.

Colin CyrColin Cyr is the Senior Manager, Business Services (Small Business) at FirstOntario Credit Union. He is a proud supporter of small business and the cooperative principles of the credit union system. Colin leads a team of business banking advisors dedicated to delivering exceptional, advice-driven service, with a focus on improving the health of businesses and supporting their growth. He is a proud Hamilton, having lived here for over 20 years, and is committed to fostering a healthier and stronger business community within the city. In his spare time, Colin enjoys running, watching films, and spending time with friends and family.

Please note: This session will be delivered virtually. A Zoom invitation link will be sent to you in the registration confirmation email. Please be sure to check your email after registering.

If you are running late or unable to attend, please cancel your registration via email or call 905-540-6400.

Allergy Awareness: How to Boost Consumer Loyalty in Food Businesses
2025-05-08 10:00 - 11:00
Location: Online.

Food allergies drive consumer choices and loyalty in the Canadian dining scene for more than 3 million Canadians impacted. With food allergy affecting 1 in every 13 people, foodservice establishments that prioritize allergy awareness have an opportunity to capture a loyal and underserved market. This webinar will share key consumer insights and introduce Food Allergy Canada’s Think Food Allergy program, offering fast, easy and free tools to help businesses become more allergy aware.

What you will learn:

How food allergies influence Canadian consumers on where to eat

What steps food businesses take to become allergy aware

How allergy awareness drive consumer loyalty and trust

Actions foodservice operators can take to become more allergy aware

Available tools and resources that support your business

Join us to learn about how prioritizing allergy awareness can set your business apart, boost consumer confidence, create inclusive dining experiences, and help you serve a growing market of Canadian diners.

Speaker Bio:

Kate Reid joined Food Allergy Canada in 2023 to oversee strategy and initiatives focused on the foodservice sector. She has worked closely with the foodservice industry since she was a teenager, from operations and most recently in risk management. Kate specializes in operational execution, specifically in food safety and health and safety, and has extensive experience in working collaboratively with government organizations and foodservice operators. In her previous experience, Kate specialized in executing innovative and strategic initiatives, program training and implementation, and developing actionable measures to drive improved safety and business results.

Coffee & Conversations (with Brodie Dawson, Dawson's Hot Sauce)
2025-05-13 10:00 - 11:30
You’ve got big ideas, but you’re also facing roadblocks – marketing strategies that aren’t working, financial decisions keeping you up at night, and questions about growth that no one seems to answer.

What if you could sit down with an expert, ask your toughest questions, and get real advice – without the sales pitch?

Welcome to Coffee & Conversations for Small Business.

Join us at Common House Cafe (1st Floor of Hamilton City Hall) for an informal meetup a with an industry professional who understands your struggles. No PowerPoints. No fluff. Just real talk, over coffee.

Topics Covered:

Food industry in general

Commercial packaged food products

Building a successful food brand

Getting started with commercial packaged food

Food industry regulations

And more!

Your Coffee & Conversations Business Expert:

Brody Dawson, Dawson’s Hot Sauce.

Dawson’s Hot Sauce is a family owned/operated company based out of Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Since 2013, founder Brodie Dawson has been crafting award winning sauces with the family name behind him.

Spots are limited to 20 small business owners. Reserve your seat today by registering and submitting your questions for Brodie. Only those registered will be admitted into the session.

Insurance for Small Business
2025-05-14 10:00 - 11:30
Location: Online

This informative webinar will provide you with working knowledge of small business insurance, demystifying all the jargon. It will also enable you to ask the right kinds of questions from insurance professionals.

What you will learn:

Why do I need business insurance?

What types of business insurance exist?

What are the right ones for my small business?

What questions should I ask insurance professionals to make sure my needs are met?

What other resources should I consider to ensure I get the right insurance policy?

Join us to learn all about insurance for your small business.

Speaker Bio:

Anne Marie Thomas is Director of Consumer & Industry Relations for the Insurance Bureau of Canada in Ontario. Anne Marie has over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. She has worked for some of Canada’s largest insurance companies and has extensive underwriting & management experience in Personal and Commercial Lines.

She was also a licenced personal and commercial insurance broker. She is experienced in the online insurance aggregator business where she engaged with consumers answering many of their insurance concerns. Anne Marie has many years of experience as an insurance spokesperson in television, radio, print & social media.

Established in 1964, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada’s private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies represent the vast majority of the Canadian property and casualty (P&C) insurance market. IBC works on a number of fronts to increase public understanding of home, auto, and business insurance.

Public understanding is also fostered through IBC’s five regional consumer centres, where trained personnel with years of industry and government relations’ experience answer tens of thousands of consumer inquiries each year.

Service Canada: Employment Insurance: Types of Leaves and Benefits
2025-05-21 11:00 - 12:00
Location: Online.

Learn how to access Service Canada programs and services as an employer or a business.

This session will include:

Different types of Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits

Record of Employment (ROE) and ROE Web

Employment Insurance for Self-Employed

Employment Insurance for Temporary Foreign Workers

Learning Outcome:

Different types of leaves and benefits for workers during layoff and life stages

Presenter:

Citizen Services Specialist, Service Canada

Getting Started with Intelectual Property (IP): Why is IP Important?
2025-05-28 10:00 - 12:00
Event location: Online.

Innovation starts with an idea – your idea. Are you developing your idea into something tangible such as building a brand for your business or creating a product to sell? If so, then you need to know about intellectual property (IP). This webinar will introduce you to trademarks, patents, trade secrets, industrial designs, and copyright, and explain how protecting your creations through IP rights can give you an advantage over your competition.

What you will learn:

What is intellectual property (IP)?

How may IP be valuable to a small business?

Why is IP important?

How can IP unlock the value of my idea?

What are the benefits of IP?

How do you know if you have IP?

What IP resources are available to me?

Join us to learn all about intellectual property rights and how they may apply to your small business.

Speaker Bio:

Elizabeth Collinson has worked with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO) for more than 20 years in a variety of roles, including trademark examiner and business development officer. She has a passion for helping entrepreneurs understand the importance and value of intellectual property and believes strongly in providing service excellence to clients. Elizabeth is also an inactive Trademark Agent, listed on the Canadian Patent Agent and Trademark Agent (CPATA) register.
