Monday March 12, 2012
Welcome to the March edition of Biz Beat, a free monthly newsletter courtesy of the Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre.

The purpose of these newsletters is to keep you informed of upcoming events, workshops & seminars offered by the SBEC and to offer relevant articles of interest to you and your business. 
Upcoming SBEC Events  

A Celebration of Business in Hamilton - Monday March 26 
Join the SBEC and fellow entrepreneurs for a valuable networking day. The day starts at 1pm with Salute to Small Business. Salute to Small Business is a luncheon featuring Ron Buist, former Marketing Director for Tim Horton's and author of "Tales From Under the Rim". Ron will share how Tim Horton's went from an unknown donut shop to a national iconic brand. Tickets are available individually or as part of a bundle with the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Awards (OBAA).  In addition all participants will have the opportunity to attend two complimentary training sessions the week before the event. The sessions include:
  • March 20 - Show Me The Money!
  • March 22 - Building Your Brand, delivered by kitestring Creative Branding Studio
Click here to buy tickets online.
Access to Professional Program: 
 
Need some professional guidance to help get your new business off the ground? The Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre has just what you are looking for in our Access to Professional program. Through this unique program, business receive legal, accounting, marketing, insurance and banking advisory services during a 45 minute one-to-one consultation. Consultations are available each month and typically take place during the second week of each month from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Here's a list of upcoming sessions:

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (Accounting)
Tuesday, April 10
(1:00pm - 4:00pm)

kitestring Creative Branding Studio
Wednesday, April 11
(9:45am-12:00pm)

Co-Operators (Insurance)
Thursday, April 12
(10:00am-12:15pm)

Simpson Wigle Law LLP (Legal)
Thursday, April 12
(1:00pm-4:00pm)

If you would like to be involved in one or more of these sessions, simply contact the Hamilton SBEC at 905-540-6400 and pre-register today. A non-refundable deposit of $25 +HST is due at the time of booking. All sessions are held at the SBEC.
Issue: 3-12
Upcoming Workshops

Monthly the City of Hamilton SBEC hosts the following workshops to facilitate your business needs: 

 

10 Steps to Starting a Business
Wednesday, April 4
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Contemplating starting a business and not sure what to do or where to start? Attend the 10 Steps to Starting a Business lunch session to learn more about the steps and requirements involved in starting a business. Cost for this session is $30.00 plus HST and includes all course material and a light lunch (please advise of any dietary concerns at the time of registration).

Business Planning and Marketing Strategies
Tuesday, March 27
9:30am - 3:00pm
Learn how to write a business plan and develop your marketing strategies.  Cost is $45.00 plus HST and includes full day session and all course material.

Bookkeeping Basics
Thursday, March 29
9:30am - 3:00pm
Learn how and why to keep good records, Discuss eligible tax write-offs and review case studies to help understand various methods of bookkeeping.  Cost is $45.00 plus HST and includes full day session and all course material.

Attend all sessions for $100.00 plus HST

 

Summer Company Program Invites Students to Be Their Own Boss
WATCH: Summer Company Program Invites Students to Be Their Own Boss
 
Article of the month:
Listening to your customers through Social Media
Opening a small business in Hamilton?  Looking to expand, or for advice?  Contact the Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre at 905-540-6400 or email mail@hamiltonsmallbusiness.ca.