How many times have you entertained the idea of applying to receive funding for your business, but didn’t follow through because you were afraid of the process? 51% of Canadians say they are too afraid to try and apply for government funding. Why? Because they don’t know how to apply or where to go. There is a known perception that there are SO many government grants out there for your business to take advantage of, but in reality, SO little time for you to commit to what the process may entail to actually access the funds needed to accelerate your growth. Let us demystify that for you! Writing your first grant application may seem intimidating. Should you hire a grant writer? Possibly – but it’s not necessary. Did you know 60-80% of a grant application can be reused? Grant funding is a supportive way to grow your business, when the funding aligns with your business goals. Sandbox Centre, in partnership with MENTORnetwork, invites you to join us for a three part online program where you will develop a Funding Roadmap by aligning your business goals with government grants and accessing money to accelerate your growth. Live Online – 3 Weeks 1. Thursday, September 22nd from 3-4pm 2. Thursday, September 29th from 3-4pm 3. Thursday, October 6th from 2-4pm

Welcome to the World of Entrepreneurship! The Starting Your Business sessions are geared towards those considering entrepreneurship and those who have already decided to start their own business and are ready to take the next steps. Sessions are held in a small group setting and led by a Small Business Consultant. Topics include: Assessing the feasibility of your business idea The pros and cons of different forms of business (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation) Protecting yourself and the business HST Allowable deductions Sources of financing

Writing your first business plan is a major step in putting your small business on the map. The point of your plan is to articulate the concepts that inspired you to start your business as well as evaluate potential hurdles like competition and funding issues. Whether you are seeking start-up capital or just want a solid road map to guide you through the early years of your business, a workable small business plan will help you work toward your goals. In Part 1 we’ll cover an introduction to planning, the contents of a plan, Executive Summary, Company Overview, Marketing Strategy and an introduction to the library’s market research tools. *Please note that sessions are not recorded and presentation materials are only shared with those in attendance, after the presentation*

Writing your first business plan is a major step in putting your small business on the map. The point of your plan is to articulate the concepts that inspired you to start your business as well as evaluate potential hurdles like competition and funding issues. Whether you are seeking start-up capital or just want a solid road map to guide you through the early years of your business, a workable small business plan will help you work toward your goals. In Part 2 we’ll cover Operations, Financials, Critical Path and other library resources that can assist you with your business plan. *Please note that sessions are not recorded and presentation materials are only shared with those in attendance, after the presentation*

Welcome to the World of Entrepreneurship! The Starting Your Business sessions are geared towards those considering entrepreneurship and those who have already decided to start their own business and are ready to take the next steps. Sessions are held in a small group setting and led by a Small Business Consultant. Topics include: Assessing the feasibility of your business idea The pros and cons of different forms of business (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, Corporation) Protecting yourself and the business HST Allowable deductions Sources of financing

This year, Invest Barrie and Simcoe County have partnered to bring together the energy of the Manufacturing Innovation Summit with the engaging conversation from the Manufacturing Forum into one regional event. MIS 2022 is a must-attend, half-day conference for both manufacturers and service providers. The event will bring together industry leaders, executives, investors, and entrepreneurs from the Ontario manufacturing sector to learn firsthand what the future of manufacturing looks like within our region and beyond.

Xcelerate Summit Central Ontario’s Premier Business Event We are excited to be hosting the Summit live and in-person for 2022. Learn practical techniques and participate in business engagement opportunities through an agenda packed with a keynote presentation, workshops and a brand new lineup each year on the Presidents’ Panel. Learn more and register at: www.xceleratesummit.co