Elevate your business strategy with SBEC’s Value Proposition Workshop! This dynamic session is tailored to help you clearly define and articulate the unique value your product or service brings to the market. Through interactive exercises and expert-led discussions, you'll learn to pinpoint what sets you apart from competitors and how to communicate this effectively to your target audience.

Location: Wasaga Beach Public Library - Learning Lab - 544 River Rd W, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2P1
When: Thursday August 22 - 1pm - 3:30pm
Investment: Free

Unlock your business potential with SBEC’s Customer Discovery Workshop! Designed for forward-thinking entrepreneurs and businesses, this in-person intensive session delves deep into understanding your target market and identifying your key customer needs. Through hands-on activities and expert guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights that drive product market fit. Transform your ideas into actionable strategies and achieve sustained growth.

Location: Wasaga Beach Public Library - Learning Lab
When: Thursday July 25 - 1pm - 3:30pm
Investment: Free

Missed getting tickets to our Advanced AI Workshop on June 27?

Join us after the workshop for a networking BBQ! This will be an opportunity to connect with other local entrepreneurs with the same dedication to innovating in their business.

Why Attend?

1. Enjoy a delicious BBQ meal provided by Living Water Resort (gluten free and veggie options available)

2. Connect with the GB Accelerator team to learn more about our programs

3. Ask workshop participants what they learned and connect with our AI Mentors.

📅 Thursday, June 27

🕛 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

📍 Atoka House, Collingwood ON

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.