Upcoming Events
Rising Tides: A Pitch Night
Rising Tides is an opportunity for 4 local entrepreneurs to share what they’ve been working on and ask an audience of community supporters for whatever they need to get their business to the next level! After all, a rising tide lifts all boats.
You Should Attend If You Are:
an entrepreneur with experience to share
a lover of the South Georgian Bay and your fellow SGBers
an investor looking for unique opportunities
a consumer of local goods and services
Get you tickets starting April 23rd
AI Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs (Virtual)
The AI Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs is hosted by the Town of Innisfil, in partnership with Nottawasaga Futures and the County of Simcoe Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund.
Event Details:
Dates: May 30, June 6, June 13 (weekly sessions on Thursdays )
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom Meeting)
Registration Deadline: May 28, 2024
Visit the link for information on what will be covered in all three sessions.
Georgian Bay Accelerator Community Meetup
On May 30th, we’re hosting the first GB Accelerator Community Meetup.
This event will bring together our community of mentors, alumni, current companies and startup ecosystem players to connect and spark magic.
This meetup will be a casual way for you to connect with high-growth South Georgian Bay companies, meet our pool of incredible mentors, and ultimately, nurture collaboration in our local entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Hosted in partnership with the Small Business Development Centre and The Collingwood Foundry, this event will be a great mix of networking, fun and mutual support!
The details
One drink ticket per guest
Light appetizers will be provided
Refreshements and food available for purchase
Limited space available so grab your ticket asap
AI Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs (Virtual)
The AI Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs is hosted by the Town of Innisfil, in partnership with Nottawasaga Futures and the County of Simcoe Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund.
Event Details:
Dates: May 30, June 6, June 13 (weekly sessions on Thursdays )
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom Meeting)
Registration Deadline: May 28, 2024
Visit the link for information on what will be covered in all three sessions.
AI Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs (Virtual)
The AI Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs is hosted by the Town of Innisfil, in partnership with Nottawasaga Futures and the County of Simcoe Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund.
Event Details:
Dates: May 30, June 6, June 13 (weekly sessions on Thursdays )
Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Location: Online (Zoom Meeting)
Registration Deadline: May 28, 2024
Visit the link for information on what will be covered in all three sessions.
Rising Tides: A Pitch Night (Application Deadline)
It is time to make a BIG step for your business growth. Whether you have an established business with big plans to grow or you have been working to launch a new business, we want to give you the spotlight.
That is why the Collingwood Foundry is hosting the Rising Tides Pitch Night. This event will be a chance for 4 local entrepreneurs to share what they’ve been working on and ask an audience of community supporters for whatever they need to get their business to the next level!
This event will provide a comfortable space for you to gain practical experience and valuable feedback on your 5-minute pitch and presentation, and tangible solutions to barriers you are currently facing.
Eligible entrepreneurs have:
- Been working on their business for at least one year (starting from when you had the idea)
- Have growth goals for the business
- Are looking for support and new perspective to reach those goals
Selected pitchers will have 5 minutes to pitch and up to 15 minutes for feedback, questions, and gives from the audience.
The pitches will take place on Tuesday, May 14 at 7:00pm
Innovation Unleashed: Turbocharge Your Business with AI
If you attened this event in February, this will be an exact repeat for those who were on the waitlist. Tickets will open to the waitlist first, and then to the public on March 18th.
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Join us for a morning of inspiration and networking at the "Entrepreneur Breakfast Meet-up", hosted by Georgian Bay Accelerator and the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Center!
Whether you've never used AI or have been exploring it since it exploded into the business world last year - this event will be an opportunity to learn how to leverage AI as a growth tool for your business.
Our speaker, Jon Gillham from Collingwood-based Originality.AI will answer questions like:
Which AI tools should you be exploring?
What should you use AI for? What shouldn't you?
Where is the best place to start?
Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit with coffee and pastries while mingling with like-minded individuals.
Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 18th from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, at the Collingwood Library (room TBA). Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and take your business to the next level!
Admission to this event is $10 and includes coffee and pastries.
Common Ground
A weekly entrepreneur meetup that takes place on the main floor of The Foundry every Wednesday from 9-10am.
Entrepreneurs from around South Georgian Bay gather at the long table to share wins, discussion challenges, and support each other. You don't have to be a Foundry member to attend.
The heart of it is what they call "netgiving over networking", and thats the value that establishes the foundation of the conversations that take place.
TARA TALKS: WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Unlock your potential at the Sandbox Centre’s vibrant event for women in business!
Experience electrifying keynotes, business upskilling, and dive into the latest social media and marketing trends. Network with inspiring women, enjoy a delicious lunch, and embrace mental wellness techniques for success. Step into a day of growth and connection!
Hype or opportunity? What AI means for your business
Join BDC for this virtual event.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize your business. But between media noise and misinformation, how do you identify real business opportunities?
Answer these questions by attending BDC’s free webinar and learn how to separate fact from fiction.
The event will be hosted by Chrystal Healy, Assistant Vice-President of Corporate Sustainability, who will be joined by Samuel Easto-Lefebvre and Ki Young Son, two colleagues specializing in technology and digital strategies.
Small Biz Professional Panel
Join the Small Business Enterprise Centre on March 20 for an educational quickfire panel covering small business topics pertaining to law, human resources and accounting.
Meet the panel:
Vanessa Locicero – Business Lawyer at Locicero Legal Professional Corporation
Lil Rourke – CEO and Chartered Professional Accountant at The Rourke Group
Maha Zaki – Human Resources Management Consultant at Consulcoach
The panel will cover things like:
Common queries and hurdles in your business
Setting yourself up for success
How to be a better client when hiring industry professionals like HR, lawyers and accountants
Small business tips + tricks
There will also a Q+A period to give you a chance to dig deeper and ask questions related to your business.
Marketing Your Business with AI Tools
As businesses continue to explore new and innovative ways to improve efficiency and stay ahead of the competition, AI is becoming an increasingly important tool. In particular, Chat GPT, an advanced form of natural language processing, has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses communicate with customers and drive marketing efforts. If you're looking to enhance the effectiveness of your marketing strategies or create efficiencies in your marketing and business tasks, then you won't want to miss our upcoming webinar. We will provide valuable insights into the benefits of Chat GPT as well as other AI tools and explain how this technology can help your business achieve its goals. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable knowledge that can take your marketing efforts to the next level.
Common Ground
A weekly entrepreneur meetup that takes place on the main floor of The Foundry every Wednesday from 9-10am.
Entrepreneurs from around South Georgian Bay gather at the long table to share wins, discussion challenges, and support each other. You don't have to be a Foundry member to attend.
The heart of it is what they call "netgiving over networking", and thats the value that establishes the foundation of the conversations that take place.
Common Ground
A weekly entrepreneur meetup that takes place on the main floor of The Foundry every Wednesday from 9-10am.
Entrepreneurs from around South Georgian Bay gather at the long table to share wins, discussion challenges, and support each other. You don't have to be a Foundry member to attend.
The heart of it is what they call "netgiving over networking", and thats the value that establishes the foundation of the conversations that take place.
Making Connections: A Celebration of International Women's Day
Join the Small Business Enterprise Centre, Onward Consulting & Community Futures for an inspiring, interactive evening of honouring and celebrating entrepreneurs as we mark International Women’s Day together with a beautiful dinner at downtown Collingwood gem, Sol Kitchen.
Meet growth-minded entrepreneurs and business owners in a fun, friendly environment
Mingle and share in dynamic, lightly-facilitated breakouts
Celebrate your successes, get help with struggles, and gather new ideas and inspirations
Hosted by local facilitator, Sandra Kahale, this popular annual event is a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, enjoy engaging, authentic conversations, and share a great meal with like-minded business owners.
Industry Panel: Optimize Your Business Using AI
Join Lakehead University for an insightful industry panel on harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support your business. Discover innovative strategies and practical applications as industry leaders share their expertise on leveraging AI for growth and efficiency.
Location:
OA 1022, Simcoe Hall
4 to 6 p.m.
The details:
Free parking
Refreshments will be provided
Opportunity to network prior to the panel discussion
Get The Most Out Of Google Analytics
Presented by your Local Digital Service Squad.
Unlock the full potential of your online presence with our Google Analytics webinar. Whether you're a seasoned user or new to the platform, join us as we delve into essential topics such as upgrading to Google Analytics 4 (GA4), exploring new features, interpreting data effectively, and gaining valuable insights through live Q&A sessions. Elevate your data-driven decision-making—register now and stay ahead in the world of digital analytics
Common Ground
A weekly entrepreneur meetup that takes place on the main floor of The Foundry every Wednesday from 9-10am.
Entrepreneurs from around South Georgian Bay gather at the long table to share wins, discussion challenges, and support each other. You don't have to be a Foundry member to attend.
The heart of it is what they call "netgiving over networking", and thats the value that establishes the foundation of the conversations that take place.
Video & Photography on a Budget
Join your local Digital Service Squad for their next free webinar.
Quality photo and video content is vital to businesses living online today. Want to learn how to bring your A-game without needing to invest thousands? We will be sharing tips and budget friendly gear suggestions to take your photos and videos to the next level.
Entrepreneurs Open Jam
Part business growth, part philathropy, and part networking, these morning coffee sessions are designed for collaborative conversations, and to explore new ideas and spark curiosity.
Join SaltWater Creative Space for discussion around themes posed by participants, problem solving for current business challenges you might be facing, and to help others with your own expertise.
You'll enjoy coffee and baked goods from one of the finest cafes and bakeries in Collingwood.
These events are curated by the participants, and hosted and faciliated by the team at Saltwater Creative Space. Further details, questions, and conversation prompts are shared with participants via email prior to the session.
Common Ground
A weekly entrepreneur meetup that takes place on the main floor of The Foundry every Wednesday from 9-10am.
Entrepreneurs from around South Georgian Bay gather at the long table to share wins, discussion challenges, and support each other. You don't have to be a Foundry member to attend.
The heart of it is what they call "netgiving over networking", and thats the value that establishes the foundation of the conversations that take place.
Canva for Small Business
Canva is a free design tool that is being continually upgraded with new easy-to-use features. Save time and money as you learn how to use what this amazing design app has to offer. In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of using Canva to create designs that represent your brand and communicate your message effectively. Beginners are welcome.
Innovation Unleashed: Turbocharge Your Business with AI
Please note: This event is currently sold out. You can join the waitlist.
Learn how to elevate your use of AI in your business at our in-person breakfast meetup on Feb 21 @ 10AM. Enjoy fresh coffee and pastries.
Join us for a morning of inspiration and networking at the "Entrepreneur Breakfast Meet-up", hosted by Georgian Bay Accelerator and the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Center!
Whether you've never used AI or have been exploring it since it exploded into the business world last year - this event will be an opportunity to learn to leverage AI as a growth tool for your business.
Our speaker, Jon Gillham from Originality.AI will answer questions like:
Which AI models should you be exploring?
What should you use AI for? What shouldn't you?
Where is the best place to start?
Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit with coffee and pastries while mingling with like-minded individuals.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, February 21st, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, at the newly opened Dorchester Hotel in their Dominion Room. Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and take your business to the next level!
Admission to this event is $10 and includes coffee and pastries.
Bookkeeping 101 – virtual
If you’re interested in learning important bookkeeping practices for your small business, join the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre virtually for the Bookkeeping Essentials Workshop, facilitated by Rhea Burns, Owner of the Clever Office, Certified Quickbooks Online Pro-Advisor and part of the CPB Canada – Certified Professional Bookkeepers of Canada.
The session will cover:
Tracking & Recording Income & Expenses, Cash Flow – Receivables & Payables, Monthly Bank / Credit Card Reconciliation, Allowable Business Expenses, Home Office Allowable Expenses, GST/HST Requirements, WSIB Requirements, Payroll & Source Deductions, T4’s, T4A’s and T5018’s, Income Tax Preparation for Sole Proprietor/Self-Employed, and Partnership and Incorporated Businesses.
SGB SBEC Business Planning Workshop
Learn how to create a succinct, clear and impactful business plan.
Join us for an interactive in-person event where we will dive into the art of crafting a succinct, clear and impactful business plan. This event is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners and those interested in our Starter Company Plus program.
Location: 105 Hurontario Street, Collingwood, ON, Canada
When: Thursday February 8, 2024 – 9:30am – 12pm
Cost: Free
SEO Strategies to Drive More Traffic
As a business owner, search engine optimization (SEO) is likely something that has been on your mind. SEO can be an incredibly powerful tool to help drive traffic and customers to your website, but it's also complex and constantly evolving. To get started with improving the SEO of your site, understanding both on-page and off-page strategies is key. In this webinar, we will walk through the fundamentals of these two approaches so you can start making informed decisions about how best to optimize your site for maximum visibility.
Bookkeeping 101 – in-person
If you’re interested in learning important bookkeeping practices for your small business, join the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre in-person for the Bookkeeping Essentials Workshop, facilitated by Rhea Burns, Owner of the Clever Office, Certified Quickbooks Online Pro-Advisor and part of the CPB Canada – Certified Professional Bookkeepers of Canada.
The session will cover:
Tracking & Recording Income & Expenses, Cash Flow – Receivables & Payables, Monthly Bank / Credit Card Reconciliation, Allowable Business Expenses, Home Office Allowable Expenses, GST/HST Requirements, WSIB Requirements, Payroll & Source Deductions, T4’s, T4A’s and T5018’s, Income Tax Preparation for Sole Proprietor/Self-Employed, and Partnership and Incorporated Businesses.
Create A Website That Converts
This workshop is presented by your Local Digital Service Squad.
As an entrepreneur, having a great website is essential for reaching and engaging your target audience. Whether you're selling products to customers or providing services to clients, having a website that looks professional and represents your brand well can help enhance your credibility and build trust with potential prospects. In this webinar, we'll explore how to build better websites that resonate with the people you’re trying to reach and that focus on conversions so you can expand your reach and grow your business.
The Trauma-Informed Entrepreneur: Resourcing Yourself to Serve Your Clients
Learn about the common traumas experienced by entrepreneurs and how you can resource yourself so you can better serve your client
This webinar will provide you with information on the role trauma (such as living through a pandemic!) can play in entrepreneurship. Learn about how trauma can manifest in your business and how you can take steps to identify and manage triggers. This presentation will help you understand how trauma may be affecting your entrepreneurial journey; how it can impact your relationship with your clients & customers; and how it can get in the way of decision-making and creativity. Most importantly, you will learn practical tips and practices to help you increase your “window of tolerance” so that you can access your entrepreneurial brain and better serve your customers.
Speaker: Jen Lawrence, MBA from Process Design Consultants Inc.
Hosted By Toronto Small Business Enterprise Centre
Creating a Successful Business Model Canvas Workshop
Join SBEC for an exciting in-person event where we will dive into the art of crafting a successful business model canvas. This event is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking to enhance their understanding of their business model moving into 2024.
Location: 105 Hurontario Street, Collingwood, ON, Canada
When: Thursday December 7 – 9:30am – 12pm
Cost: Free
During this interactive session, participants will delve into key examples, actively relating this knowledge to their own entrepreneurial endeavors. This workshop serves as an initial stride towards effective business planning, opening doors to SBEC mentorship and comprehensive support. Take this opportunity to crystallize your vision and construct a tangible representation of your business’s potential trajectory.
What exactly is the business model canvas?
Consider it as your business blueprint condensed onto a single page. This globally recognized standard has empowered millions across businesses of all scales, enabling them to describe, design, challenge, and adapt their business models.
Invest this time into fortifying your business’s foundations for success and sustainable growth.
Run Your Own Race Business Workshop Part 2
Once you’ve gained clarity on the life you want post-business, understand the steps you can take to drive business growth while positioning you (and your business) for a successful exit.
Over 70% of private businesses put up for sale don’t sell, and when they do 75% of owners deeply regret the decision within 12 months. It’s not an issue of money – it’s driven by the preparation business owners aren’t doing, and the questions they aren’t asking.
Join us for a 2.5-hour workshop where we’ll dig deeper into the factors that impact enterprise value; improving your business’s scalability and saleability.
We’ll cover:
Concept of enterprise value
Key factors that can drive value up (or down)
How you can make your business more saleable
What are some of the biggest levers you can pull in your business?
Location: Collingwood Public Library
Date + Time: Tuesday December 5, 2023
9am – 9:30am – coffee networker
9:30am – 12pm – workshop component
Cost: Free
Who should attend:
If you’ve ever considered that someday you may want to sell your business, this workshop is right for you
If you’ve ever wondered if you were doing things that are likely to add value to your business, this workshop is for you
Business Planning to Help You Win: Workshop for Entrepreneurs
The Georgian Bay Accelerator is thrilled to announce the next in our series of entrepreneurial workshops featuring the renowned startup expert, Laura Allan.
Meaford Dragons
The Meaford Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to present the 15th annual production of Meaford Dragons at the Meaford Hall. With the hilarious and ever-so-edgy Adrienne Fish as your host, this year's event promises to be bigger and even more exciting than ever. Modeled after the popular CBC television program, Meaford Dragons is a unique spinoff event that has kick-started many local businesses since its inception thirteen years ago. This event has assisted over 65 new Meaford new and expanding Meaford businesses with over $300,000 in cash and prizes, all injected into our local economy since 2009.
The show sees five new and expanding Meaford business entrepreneurs make their pitches to five local Dragons for their share of cash, prizes, and business opportunities. Get your business under the spotlight and earn cash, prizes, and amazing business mentoring opportunities from established successful business owners.
Mastering Your Pitch – Business Workshop
Are you an entrepreneur who is gearing up for a crucial pitch? Do you find yourself in need of expert guidance to create a winning pitch deck that stands out? Join us for Mastering Your Pitch, a workshop tailored to individuals who have little or no experience with pitching but are about to face the challenging task of presenting their business idea.
Whether you’re seeking funding, programs, or opportunities, crafting effective pitch materials are essential to impress and increase your chances of success.
Join us on Wednesday November 8th for a chance to work alongside David Bowden, MaRS Discovery Senior Business Advisor, and take the steps to creating a well-crafted business pitch. You’ll spend the day with other entrepreneurs learning tips and tricks with an opportunity to prepare, practice and present your pitch and receive live-action feedback, support and kudos. Get ready to make an impact.
Enjoy a locally catered lunch and light refreshments/snacks throughout the day.
What you’ll take away:
• Learn how to align your pitch with the specific needs of desired funding, program or opportunity
• You’ll learn how to bring clarity and succinctness to your story, presenting your ideas with confidence and impact.
• We will guide you through the process of crafting and delivering a compelling 3-minute pitch while receiving real-time feedback
• Identify the key elements of your business model that are essential to a winning pitch
• Gain practical tips and strategies to boost your delivery skills, ensuring you pitch like a seasoned professional.
Who should attend:
• Founders seeking to refine their pitch
• Startups
• Existing businesses run by curios and progressive operators
• Business owners with a vision/plan for growth in the mid term
Location: Collingwood Public Library – 55 St. Marie Street Collingwood, Community Rooms B/C – third floor
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm (Lunch, snacks, and refreshments included)
Investment: $10
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/mastering-your-pitch-workshop-tickets-742199718337?aff=oddtdtcreator
This event is presented to you by the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Georgian College Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre. Thank you to our fabulous sponsors, Community Futures South Georgian Bay, and the GB Accelerator.
Entrepreneur Breakfast Meetup
Join us for a morning of inspiration and networking at Georgian Bay Accelerator’s "Entrepreneur Breakfast Meet-up"!
Learn how to boost your ROI from your digital advertising spend with our Keynote speaker, Kristina Smith, Marketing Director at Springfed Creative and Mentor at Georgian Bay Accelerator. Whether you're growing an existing business or preparing for a holiday campaign, you will walk away from this event with actionable strategies to make your ad dollars work harder.
Fuel your entrepreneurial spirit with coffee and pastries while mingling with like-minded individuals.
Mark your calendar for October 18th, from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, at the newly opened Nottawa General Store. Don't miss this opportunity to network, learn, and take your business to the next level! Admission to this event is $5 and includes coffee and pastries.
The event has sold out! We are looking forward to meet all registered attendees at the event.