Canadian Small Business Women

Connection, Synergy, Community

Welcome to December: A Season of Reflection, Opportunity & Community Support

There’s something special about December. It’s a month filled with celebration, gratitude, and a collective sense of renewal as we prepare to close out one chapter and step boldly into the next. For entrepreneurs, it’s also a powerful moment to reflect on the year behind us—what worked, what didn’t, what surprised us—and to plant the seeds for a stronger, more aligned year ahead.

At Canadian Small Business Women, December’s theme is Growth Through Community. Because no matter where you are in your business journey, one thing is always true: you go further when you don’t go alone.

And this month, we’re thrilled to help you do just that.

✨ December Feature: Exclusive Offer from CollabHive

We know that building your business requires the right tools, the right network, and the right support system. That’s why we’re excited to highlight a special December offer from our community partner, CollabHive.

If you’ve been meaning to get more structure in your operations, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, or simply find a space where collaboration is encouraged, now is the perfect time.

Here’s what’s waiting for you at CollabHive:
Private & Virtual Offices – Build a professional presence that inspires trust.
Co-Working & Flex Spaces – Collaborate with ambitious entrepreneurs like you.
Meeting & Event Rooms – Impress clients and host powerful sessions.
Buzz-Cast Studio – Create podcast magic in our pro recording studio.
Annual Membership Perks – Monthly events, workshops & a vibrant community.

CSBW Member Exclusive: To show our support, we are offering all CSBW members
5% OFF all CollabHive services
FREE 1-Day Trial of a private or flex office
But hurry — this limited-time offer until Dec 31, 2025

Claim Your Free Trial when you book online or call +1 (855) 265-4483 and mention promo
code CSBWA5 to activate your exclusive discount.

This is your chance to elevate your workflow, expand your network, and step into 2026 with intention and clarity.

Don’t Forget: Explore Our Partner Perks Page!

If you haven’t visited our Partner Page yet, you’re missing out on a full marketplace of savings, opportunities, tools, and support designed specifically for Canadian entrepreneurs.

👉 Explore all exclusive offers here:
https://canadiansmallbusinesswomen.ca/partners/

From software discounts to legal resources, branding tools, marketing support, and business development perks—these partnerships exist to help you grow smarter, save money, and work more effectively.

And with 2025 just around the corner, this is the perfect moment to invest in the systems, services, and tools that will set you up for success.

A Final Word for the Month

As we wrap up the year, remember that December isn’t just an ending—it’s a powerful beginning. A chance to realign with your goals, strengthen your foundation, and step into the new year with confidence.

We hope you’ll take full advantage of CollabHive’s offer and the many perks available on our partner page. These resources were created with you in mind, and we’re proud to bring them to our community.

Here’s to a month of reflection, growth, and inspired action.

Cheers to closing 2025 strong—and starting 2026 even stronger.

September: A Season of New Beginnings for Your Business

September has always been known as a time of fresh starts. Students sharpen their pencils, gather their notebooks, and head back to school. Parents shift routines, the pace of life changes, and there’s a collective energy in the air that whispers renewal. But what about us as entrepreneurs? What does September mean for our businesses?

Just like the back-to-school season, September is a perfect opportunity to embrace new beginnings in business. It’s the reset button we sometimes need after a busy summer. Here are a few ways to harness this season of fresh starts:

1. Revisit Your Business Goals

Think of September as your second “New Year.” Pull out the goals you set back in January—what’s working, what needs adjusting, and what’s no longer relevant? This is your chance to realign and create a focused plan for Q4.

2. Refresh Your Brand Presence

Just like kids show up to school with new clothes and supplies, maybe it’s time for your business to get a fresh look. New headshots, updated social media graphics, or even a website refresh can give your brand a confident new energy.

3. Reinforce Your Systems

School success depends on structure and organization, and so does business success. Use September as a reminder to tidy up your systems—streamline your workflows, organize your files, or adopt tools (like AI or automation) that will help you work smarter. (Check out our last blog post)

4. Reconnect with Your Community

Summer often pulls us in different directions, but September brings people back together. This is the perfect time to network, attend events, and re-engage with your audience. Strengthen those connections and spark collaborations that will carry you into the end of the year.

5. Renew Your Confidence

New beginnings aren’t just about strategy—they’re about mindset. As a woman entrepreneur, stepping into September with confidence is key. Show up boldly, trust your expertise, and embrace the opportunities that await.

Final Thought

September is more than just back-to-school season—it’s back-to-business season. Take this chance to restart, refresh, and reimagine your path forward. With renewed energy and intention, you’ll not only finish the year strong—you’ll step into your boldest self yet.

✨ Pro tip: If you’re ready to give your business a fresh look this fall, join us for Content Day—a day of confidence, connection, and curated content to help you step into this new season with boldness.

Why Women Entrepreneurs Should Embrace AI Tools to Work Smarter, Not Harder

As a woman entrepreneur, you already know what it feels like to wear a dozen hats at once—CEO, marketer, bookkeeper, social media manager, customer service rep, and sometimes even IT support. When resources are limited, the pressure to “do it all” can leave you drained and constantly stretched thin.

This is where AI tools can be a game-changer. Artificial intelligence isn’t just for big corporations with huge budgets—it’s accessible, affordable, and designed to help small business owners like you. By leveraging AI, you can free up time, reduce stress, and focus on what actually matters: growing your business and serving your clients. It can also allow you to holiday with ease and allow your business to function smoothly without your daily involvement.

How AI Can Ease Your Workload

1. Streamline Content Creation
Struggling to keep up with social media? Tools like Later can help with post scheduling.  Restream and Streamyard can make streaming to multiple platforms a breeze. Email marketing platform can be beneficial when creating marketing funnels. Aweber , Brevo and ConvertKit are some of the most popular. 

2. Smarter Customer Service
Use chatbot technology like ManyChat to support online interactions leading to more sales! Use Zonka Feedback to pool all online reviews in one place and make sense of them.

3. Simplify Finances
AI-driven accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks can automatically categorize expenses, track invoices, and help you stay tax-ready without endless spreadsheets.

4. Smarter Scheduling & Productivity
Tools like Google Workspace can help manage your calendar, reminders, and to-do lists so you can stay organized.

5. Smart Growth Tools
Tools like Thrivecart can be used to convert existing traffic into sales or use LearnWorlds to create online courses

Many women-owned businesses start small and grow lean, often without the luxury of large teams. That makes every minute and every dollar count. AI tools can help:

  • Save you time on repetitive tasks.

  • Save you money by reducing the need for extra hires.

  • Build confidence, because you’re supported by systems that work efficiently.

  • Allow you to focus on vision and strategy, instead of just admin work.

At the end of the day, your value as an entrepreneur isn’t in juggling endless admin tasks—it’s in the unique ideas, skills, and services you bring to the table. AI tools give you the breathing space to focus on creativity, strategy, and building relationships—the parts of business that truly move the needle.

So, if you’ve been holding off on incorporating AI into your business, now is the time to start. Begin small: try one tool, master it, and see how much time and energy it gives back to you.

Because as women entrepreneurs, our greatest power lies not in doing it all alone—but in working smarter, not harder.

Check out some of our tools from our Partners on our PARTNER PAGE

Confidence Sells: Why Showing Up Boldly Can Transform Your Business

Let’s be real—people don’t just buy products or services. They buy confidence. They buy energy. They buy you.

As a business owner, the way you show up matters just as much as what you’re selling. And nothing fuels that more than confidence.

When you’re confident, it shows in your pitch, your social media presence, your sales conversations, and even how you follow up with clients. Confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s a strategy. It builds trust, establishes credibility, and gives your audience a reason to believe in what you’re offering.

Confidence is the energy that draws clients in. It’s the unspoken message that says:
“I know what I’m doing. I’m worth the investment. Let’s work together.”

As a woman entrepreneur, confidence can be your most powerful business tool—and yet, it’s often the one we’re taught to downplay. We’re told to stay humble, stay quiet, not be too bold. But here’s the truth:
🚫 Confidence is not arrogance.
✅ Confidence is clarity.
✅ Confidence is conviction.
✅ Confidence is knowing the value you bring to the table—and inviting others to experience it.

So what does confidence look like in business?

  • You speak clearly and proudly about what you offer.

  • You show up online and in real life with energy and authenticity.

  • You charge your worth—and stop apologizing for it.

  • You follow up, show up, and close deals with certainty.

And guess what? Confidence isn’t just an internal thing—it can start with something as simple as a fresh new look for your business image.

So, how do you build that confidence?

One powerful way: freshen up your image.

New, professional headshots and high-quality content can make a world of difference in how you see yourself—and how others see your business.

When you look the part, you feel the part. And when you feel the part, you sell the part.

That’s where our upcoming Content Day comes in.

We’re hosting a day packed with:
✅ Stunning headshots and lifestyle photos
✅ A confidence-boosting space filled with fellow entrepreneurs
✅ Opportunities to network and create content you can use immediately
✅ A vibe that makes you feel like you can take on the world

This isn’t just about pretty pictures (though you’ll get those too). It’s about investing in the version of you that’s ready to grow, connect, and close that sale.

If you’ve been hiding behind outdated photos, inconsistent branding, or waiting for “the right time”—this is it.

Your confidence is your best marketing tool.

Let us help you show it off.

Let’s make confidence your competitive advantage.

Tips for Crowdfunding Success

As we continue our June theme of being Powerful, Purposeful, and Productive, we’re diving into one of the most accessible — yet often misunderstood — ways to raise money for your business: Crowdfunding.

In a time where traditional funding can feel out of reach, crowdfunding empowers entrepreneurs to raise capital with the support of their community — whether that’s friends, family, customers, or strangers who believe in your vision.

💡 What is Crowdfunding?

Crowdfunding is a method of raising money by collecting small contributions from a large number of people, typically online. In return, supporters (also called backers) may receive perks, rewards, early access, equity in your company, or simply the satisfaction of supporting a mission they believe in.

It’s not just about money — it’s also about building a movement around your business idea.

💼 Types of Crowdfunding

  1. Reward-Based Crowdfunding
    Backers receive a product, discount, or exclusive perk. Best for pre-launch products or creative projects.
    Popular platforms: Kickstarter, Indiegogo

  2. Equity Crowdfunding
    Supporters become small investors and receive equity in your company.
    Popular platforms: SeedInvest, Republic

  3. Donation-Based Crowdfunding
    Used for causes or community-based businesses; backers give without expecting anything in return.
    Popular platforms: GoFundMe, IFundWomen

Tips for Crowdfunding Success

Crowdfunding isn’t just “post a link and wait.” It requires strategy and consistency. Here are a few proven tips:

1. Start with a strong story.
People don’t just back products — they back people. Share why you started, who you’re helping, and what impact their support will have.

2. Build your audience before launching.
Success depends on how much traffic you can drive to your campaign. Start marketing early using social media, your email list, and word of mouth.

3. Create a campaign video.
Videos boost trust and conversions. Show your face, explain your mission, and invite people to be part of your journey.

4. Offer great rewards.
Make sure your perks are enticing and sustainable. Think early access, limited edition offers, shoutouts, or behind-the-scenes access.

5. Keep the energy up.
Post regular updates, thank your backers, and create urgency. Momentum is key in the first 7–10 days.

6. Follow through.
After your campaign, be transparent about timelines, fulfillment, and next steps. Keep communication open even if things change.

Let this be your Powerful, Purposeful, and Productive funding season.

Welcome June: A Month to Be Powerful, Purposeful & Productive

As we step into the heart of the year and the early days of summer, it’s the perfect time to reflect, reset, and refocus. June often brings a natural slowdown—vacation plans, longer days, and a shift in pace—but that doesn’t mean your business growth has to pause.

In fact, this can be the most strategic season of all.

That’s why our theme for this month is centered around three words that will guide everything we do in June: Powerful, Purposeful, and Productive.

💥 Powerful

This is your reminder that your ideas, your voice, and your vision have impact. You don’t need a massive team or a huge budget to make waves—you need clarity, confidence, and the courage to show up boldly. This month, lean into your strengths, make powerful decisions, and trust your ability to lead.

🎯 Purposeful

Everything you do this month should move you closer to your “why.” Whether it’s the content you post, the offers you create, or the connections you build—do it with intention. Purpose helps you stay grounded, especially when the world around you is moving in vacation mode.

📈 Productive

We’re not talking about hustle culture—we’re talking about smart, sustainable progress. June is the time to create systems, wrap up lingering projects, and prepare your business to thrive in Q3. Productivity looks different for everyone. For you, it might mean simplifying, outsourcing, or finally launching that thing you’ve been sitting on.

This Month’s Focus: Small Business Funding 💰

Throughout June, we’ll be diving into a topic that’s often a game-changer (and sometimes a stressor) for many entrepreneurs: small business funding.

We’ll cover:
✔️ Types of funding available
✔️ Where to find grants and loans
✔️ How to make your business “funding-ready”
✔️ Common mistakes to avoid

Stay tuned for valuable tips, resources, and real talk on getting the capital you need to grow.

Let this be the month you tap into your power, reconnect with your purpose, and make meaningful progress—on your terms.

Here’s to a Powerful, Purposeful, and Productive June 💼✨

Spring Cleaning for Your Business: Refresh, Refocus, and Thrive!

Spring isn’t just for cleaning out closets and reorganizing your home—it’s the perfect time to refresh and revamp your business too! As the seasons change, take a moment to declutter, streamline, and set yourself up for a stronger, more efficient year ahead.

Here are 7 powerful ways to “spring clean” your business and bring in fresh energy for success:

1. Declutter Your Finances 

🔹 Review your business expenses—are there subscriptions or tools you no longer use? Cancel them!
🔹 Reconcile your bank accounts and ensure all invoices are up to date.
🔹 If you’re still mixing personal and business finances, now’s the time to separate them! (Need help? Check out our latest blog on why this is a must!)

2. Organize Your Digital Space 

🔹 Clean up your desktop and organize important files into clearly labeled folders.
🔹 Delete unnecessary emails and unsubscribe from junk mail.
🔹 Backup your business data to a secure cloud service (Google Workspace, Dropbox, etc.).

A clutter-free digital space = a clearer mind and better productivity!

3. Refresh Your Brand & Marketing 

🔹 Update your website—check for broken links, refresh outdated content, and improve your SEO.
🔹 Review your social media bios and branding—does it reflect where your business is today?
🔹 Give your email marketing a fresh start with new visuals, content, and a revised strategy. (Email Marketing Platforms: AWeber, ConvertKit, Constant Contact)

4. Re-evaluate Your Business Goals 

🔹 Look at your Q1 progress—are you on track with your goals?
🔹 Adjust strategies that aren’t working and double down on what is.
🔹 Set new targets for the upcoming months based on your business growth.

Spring is the perfect time to realign with your vision and make necessary pivots!

5. Streamline Your Operations 

🔹 Are you using the right tools to automate tasks and save time?
🔹 Check your workflow—can you simplify or delegate anything?
🔹 Consider outsourcing areas that drain your time so you can focus on growth.

Efficiency = more time to focus on your big picture goals!

6. Check In With Your Customers 

🔹 Send a customer satisfaction survey to gather feedback.
🔹 Revamp your customer service processes based on what your audience needs.
🔹 Send a spring promo or appreciation email to re-engage past customers.

Happy customers = repeat business + referrals!

7. Invest in YOUR Growth 

🔹 Sign up for a new course, workshop, or networking event.
🔹 Join an entrepreneurial community (like Canadian Small Business Women!) to connect with like-minded business owners.
🔹 Take time to reflect on your wins and set new personal development goals.

Your business can only grow as much as YOU do! 🌱

New U.S. Tariffs on Canada – Implications & Strategies for Small Businesses

On February 1, 2025, the United States implemented a 25% tariff on imports from Canada, citing concerns over illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and trade imbalances. This move has significant implications for Canadian small businesses engaged in cross-border trade.

Potential Impacts on Small Businesses:

  1. Increased Import Costs: The 25% tariff elevates the cost of importing U.S. goods, leading to higher expenses for Canadian businesses that rely on these products.

  2. Supply Chain Disruptions: Tariffs may cause delays and necessitate finding alternative suppliers, potentially leading to shortages or longer lead times.

  3. Competitive Disadvantages: Businesses exporting to the U.S. might face reduced demand as American consumers opt for less expensive domestic alternatives.

  4. Industry-Specific Challenges: Sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, and retail, which are heavily dependent on cross-border trade, could experience significant disruptions.

  5. Risk of Retaliatory Tariffs: The Canadian government has indicated plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports, which could further strain businesses involved in bilateral trade.

Preparation Strategies for Small Businesses:

  • Stay Informed: Regularly consult official sources like the Government of Canada’s trade updates to stay abreast of policy changes. Knowing all the facts will help you to make sound decisions.  Additional resources to follow are BDC, Global Affairs Canada and local news outlets to stay in the know.

  • Explore Local Suppliers: Investigate domestic alternatives to U.S. suppliers to mitigate tariff-related costs.

  • Advocate for and Research Fair Trade Policies: Engage with industry associations to support initiatives aimed at fair trade practices. Look into Made In Canada directories, or Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) for domestic alternatives. Engage with organizations such as the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Startup Canada to be a part of their advocacy.

  • Diversify Revenue Streams: Consider expanding into new markets or offering new products to reduce reliance on U.S. trade. Learn more through Export Development Canada (EDC) or by using e-commerce platforms like Shopify for global sales.  Use Canada Tariff Finder to find countries with free-trade agreements with Canada.

By proactively addressing these challenges, small businesses can better navigate the evolving trade landscape and maintain resilience in their operations.

Young Entrepreneur’s Pitch Conference Press Release

Setting the Stage for Success: Young Entrepreneur’s Pitch Conference featuring Diverse Canadian Women

Canadian Small Business Women(CSBW) and Volition Highlight 6 Startups from Across Canada

Wednesday, November 18, 2020

(Toronto, Ontario)

A virtual event, Young Entrepreneur’s Pitch Conference, aims to connect inspirational young entrepreneurs with experienced business owners and government organizations by having a pitch conference. This event is sponsored by Women Entrepreneur Knowledge Hub, Songbird Marketing & Communications, Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada. We are proud to have Community Partners like Futurpreneur Canada and Startup Canada. The event will be held virtually on a unique conferencing platform on November 21st, 2020 starting at 1PM EST (10AM PST). RSVP to join us.

In this inaugural union, CSBW and Volition will bring to you a full scale conference that offers an electrifying Dragon’s Den style pitch contest featuring 6 incredible woman-identified entrepreneurs as our finalists. Canadians coast to coast will get the opportunity to build their network through our speed networking and build their businesses using information received from three workshops and virtual vendors. A government information panel featuring BDC, EDC, OSME and FedDev Ontario as well as an Influencer Panel, featuring Karlena Waugh, Praveeni Perera, Shakera Martin and Yaa Birago will round out the event.

“This has been a tough year for entrepreneurs. Some businesses were fortunate enough to pivot quickly in order to avoid the “COVID blow.” There were even some new businesses that formed out of this crisis and managed to soar. Throughout the first 4 months of the pandemic, we were able to highlight businesses across Canada and listen to entrepreneurs speak of their challenges and their unique pivots during this time on our Instagram platform.” – Dwania Peele, Founder of Canadian Small Business Women

Our Pitch Conference Sponsors and partners will be providing our top pitchers with prizes and experiences such as:

  • Premium Branding Packages
  • Premium Coaching Packages
  • Customized Marketing Programs
  • Podcast Appearances
  • Digital Strategy Programming
  • Cash Prizes

Our Pitch Judges who will have the esteemed honour of selecting our winners are Karen Greve Young, CEO of Futurpreneur, Paul Brassard, Managing Partner of Volition, Kookai Chaimahawong, VC Associate of Pangaea Ventures.

 

About the Organizers

Canadian Small Business Women was created to provide a place for aspiring Canadian business women to find the necessary resources to take their business from the planning stage to a reality. We also provide business directory, event information, and advertising opportunities for existing Canadian Small Business Women. Through our blogs, social media pages and our related articles, we hope to connect our experts to aspiring and current business women of Canada and provide the information needed to take their businesses to the next level.  We are proud to have delivered over 40 conferences serving over 5000 guests worldwide! Our network has a digital reach of over 15,000 diverse women.

Our founder, Dwania Peele has been recognized as a Top 40 Under 40, Canada’s 100 Black Women to Watch, IWAA Entrepreneur of the Year, and RBC Entrepreneur of the Year Nominee. She has curated unique events spanning Niagara Region to Ottawa as well as the successful Immigrant Women Small Business Expo (Toronto & Ottawa). She is a Chemist by day and a lover of entrepreneurship and strives to help those who seek resources to reach their business goals.

 

Volition elevates entrepreneurs by providing space for conversations, connections, and practical skill-building. They believe that you never know what can come from a conversation and continually look for ways to create opportunities for collaboration. Their team of 11 international advisors brings lived experience and domain expertise to their community and clients, building strategies and supporting entrepreneurs through their ‘now what?’ moments. Volition has hosted almost 100 Pitch Events across Canada, the U.S., and Europe, with 5000+audience members and over 630 startups pitching at these events. 

Canadian Small Business Women and Volition welcome all to attend and enjoy the event with us. The event will start from 1 P.M. – 6 P.M. EST/ 10 A.M. – 3 P.M. PST, on Saturday, November 21, 2020.

More details of the event can be found on the Canadian Small Business Women’s website:

Website: https://canadiansmallbusinesswomen.ca/

For bookings and interviews of our Pitchers, Judges, Workshop Hosts, Panelists and our Organizers:

info@canadiansmallbusinesswomen.ca

416-528-5453

Press Release: Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo Ottawa 2018

In light of current undertones towards immigrants and refugees in Canada, the expo promotes peace, hope and success for all business women

 

Ottawa…Now in its fifth year, the one-day, experiential Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo (IWSM Expo) celebrates the aspirations and achievements of immigrant women, taking place in Ottawa on Sunday, September 30th, at the Ottawa City Hall. Under the theme “The Minimum Wage & The Impact on Immigrant Businesses,” IWSBE offers women an opportunity to get informed, empowered and enlightened, while providing access to business building services, networking opportunities and entrepreneur workshops.

Expos are a crucial factor in helping new businesses acquire the leads, networks, information and polish they need to succeed in the business world.

This is according to Dwania Peele, founder of Canadian Small Business Women (CSBW) and the IWSB expo who notes that women owned small and mid-sized businesses generate around $117 billion to the Canadian economy annually.

“We’ve always championed the fact that women matter, and we’ve sought to celebrate all the roles they fill in their family, career and community,” said Peele. “Immigrants, specifically, struggle in Canada’s labour market despite their many skills, and we are more than excited to be in Toronto with this rallying cry of support for immigrant women entrepreneurs across Ontario.”

Another advantage of a business-focused event is that it presents practically unlimited opportunities for information-sharing, says Peele. “We have found there is significant demand for practical advice and insights that help would-be immigrant entrepreneurs and small businesses to run their businesses effectively. Expos bring together stakeholders from across a niche spectrum and present an ideal platform for workshops, demonstrations and seminars that help participants grow their businesses.”

ISWB expo offers a rich experience with informative seminars and a panel discussion presented by notable speakers.  Our Minimum Wage Panel includes industry professionals such as Karla Briones, of Karla Briones and Invest Ottawa, Gabriela Laverty, of Los Cantores Tortilla Chips, MPP Goldie Ghamari  and Roda Muse School Board Trustee.  The seminars and workshops will be far ranging and engaging, featuring topics that impact women’s daily lives addressing such issues as health & wellness, marketing and social media tips, career advancement, business/entrepreneurship, the welfare of our children and much more. While IWSB expo targets immigrant women, there are elements for all women business owners.

IWSB expo offers a one-stop business platform to gather information, exchange ideas and network for anyone considering starting their own business, and for those already in business and looking to expand.

Admission runs for $5 / person including access to seminars, panel discussions and the handmade market.

What: Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo

Where: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, ON, K1P 1J1

When: Sunday, September 30, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cost: FREE

Website: http://ottawa.immigrantsmallbizexpo.ca

Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo – Toronto 2018

In light of current undertones towards immigrants and refugees in Canada, the expo promotes peace, hope and success for all business women

 

Toronto…Now in its sixth year, the one-day, experiential Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo (IWSM Expo) celebrates the aspirations and achievements of immigrant women, taking place in Toronto on Sunday, September 16th, at the Ontario Science Centre. Under the theme “The Minimum Wage & The Impact on Immigrant Businesses,” IWSBE offers women an opportunity to get informed, empowered and enlightened, while providing access to business building services, networking opportunities and entrepreneur workshops.

Expos are a crucial factor in helping new businesses acquire the leads, networks, information and polish they need to succeed in the business world.

This is according to Dwania Peele, founder of Canadian Small Business Women (CSBW) and the IWSB expo who notes that women owned small and mid-sized businesses generate around $117 billion to the Canadian economy annually.

“We’ve always championed the fact that women matter, and we’ve sought to celebrate all the roles they fill in their family, career and community,” said Peele. “Immigrants, specifically, struggle in Canada’s labour market despite their many skills, and we are more than excited to be in Toronto with this rallying cry of support for immigrant women entrepreneurs across Ontario.”

Another advantage of a business-focused event is that it presents practically unlimited opportunities for information-sharing, says Peele. “We have found there is significant demand for practical advice and insights that help would-be immigrant entrepreneurs and small businesses to run their businesses effectively. Expos bring together stakeholders from across a niche spectrum and present an ideal platform for workshops, demonstrations and seminars that help participants grow their businesses.”

ISWB expo offers a rich experience with informative seminars and panel discussions presented by notable speakers. The STEM Panel includes influential women from all backgrounds and is sponsored by hERVOLUTION.  Our Minimum Wage Panel includes industry professionals such as Radha Tailor, Candidate for School Board Trustee Wards 3/4, Shalini Dharna CPA and moderated by Emily Mills of How She Hustles. Throughout the day attendees can view educational exhibits and corporate displays from Canada Business Ontario and the Government of Canada. The seminars and workshops will be far ranging and engaging, featuring topics that impact women’s daily lives addressing such issues as health & wellness, marketing and social media tips, career advancement, business/entrepreneurship, the welfare of our children and much more. While IWSB expo targets immigrant women, there are elements for all women business owners.

IWSB expo offers a one-stop business platform to gather information, exchange ideas and network for anyone considering starting their own business, and for those already in business and looking to expand.

Admission runs for $5 / person including access to seminars, panel discussions and the handmade market.

What: Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo

Where: Ontario Science Centre, 770 Don Mils Road, North York, ON M3C 1T3

When: Sunday, September 16, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cost: Admission: $5 (Under 16 years of age free)

Website: http://toronto.immigrantsmallbizexpo.ca

 

Press Release: Small Business Seminar GTA East

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

C.S.B.W. HOSTS EXCITING SMALL BUSINESS SEMINAR

THEME: Small Business Made Easy – Technology & Marketing Tips

Canadian Small Business Women, is proud to host our 10th Small Business Seminar.  Once again, we are returning to Markham. The Small Business Made EAsy edition offers hands-on business building workshops delivered by industry experts from the GTA with 10+ vendors showcasing their business!

The event is being held on February 21st , 2018 at the Park Inn by Radisson, 555 Cochrane Drive, Markham Ontario from 9am – 5pm.  Admission Tickets are $40.00 at the door.  Ticket entitles you to full entrance of workshops and exhibitors. This year’s workshops are How to Master Social Media Engagement in 15 Minutes a Day by Empowerpreneur Books and Leveraging Mobile Technology for Small Businesses 
– Strategies, Tools and Techniques to Acquire & Retain Users by Guarana

 

Who should attend?

  • All entrepreneurs (men and women)
  • Startups
  • Companies seeking Marketing & Technology tips

Why should you attend?

  • Receive business building tips from our experts
  • Attend workshops to help propel your business
  • Network with industry leaders
  • 10+ Vendors, showcasing local businesses.
  • Featured workshops by local experts in Marketing and Technology

 

Canadian Small Business Women understands the challenges women entrepreneurs encounter when starting and growing a business.  Gaps in access to financing and services for women entrepreneurs have been identified, and Canadian Small Business Women wants to help.  We are committed to helping women find the necessary resources to take their businesses from the planning stage to a reality.

 “If you cannot reach 100%, start with 10% and build on it until your original dream is realized.” – Dwania Peele, Owner & Executive Director of Canadian Small Business Women.

Established in 2013, Canadian Small Business Women, is a network that aims to provide aspiring small businesswomen a place to find all the resources required to start a business.  We provide women with on-line support and advice from industry experts at our seminars and workshops. Our vision is to provide women with the tools and confidence to successfully start and grow their business.

 

 

To learn more visit www.canadiansmallwomen.ca , or call us at 416-528-5453

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North Aware Founder Jamil Khan Gives Inside Look at Kickstarter Crowdfunding

north aware - jamil kahn - kickstarter - smartparka

People who live in cold climates need outerwear to protect them from often harsh elements. Jamil Khan lives in Canada and has experienced his share of frigid winters. That was the driving force behind his idea to found North Aware, an apparel company that came out last year with the Smart Parka – the first winter coat to include built-in gloves, a removable liner, length extension and separate pockets for your hat, glasses, and technology.

“People who live in cold weather understand a good coat is a necessity, not a luxury,” Jamil Khan explains. “You need to know your winter coat will protect you.”

Taking his idea from concept to reality, however, was challenging to say the least. The first hurdle he had to cross was to secure start up capital, and for this reason, he turned to Kickstarter, a popular crowdfunding platform.

“Our product was really well-suited for the platform,” Khan says. “The Kickstarter community is very supportive of new products.”

North Aware’s Kickstarter campaign, which was launched in January of 2016 and ran until late March, raised over $3.25 million, more money than any other crowdfunding campaign in Canadian history, in fact. With an original goal of generating $30,000 in start up capital, it’s safe to say the results of the campaign exceeded Khan and North Aware’s wildest expectations.

However, North Aware’s story is far from typical and the vast majority of Kickstarter campaigns fail to reach their initial funding goals. While Khan was genuinely amazed by the positive response, he is quick to acknowledge a host of factors that contributed to the campaign’s success.

“Prior to launching our campaign, we advertised on different platforms to build momentum,” Khan said. After building a base of interested subscribers, the North Aware team contacted them to promote the campaign launch. Once the campaign launched, word spread rapidly, with people sharing it with their friends and social networks at an unprecedented rate.

“We reached our goal on the second day. It felt great, but it was a mixture of joy and responsibility. We immediately got busy taking the campaign to the next level,” he explains. “We really didn’t have time to celebrate.”

The campaign continued to raise funds at record breaking speed, but there were some pitfalls along the way.

Launching a successful Kickstarter campaign is “a learning process, all along the way,” Khan adds. “Whatever you do, the first time you will do it wrong. Don’t be afraid of mistakes.”

Khan says that the majority of backers pledged their support in the last ten days, with the bulk of supporters hailing from Toronto and New York.

“If you look at our photos and videos on the site, they’re all set in metropolitan areas,” Khan says, a marketing decision he explained was intentional. Additionally, all of the photography and videography used as part of the Kickstarter campaign was professional in nature, another conscious choice.

“With Kickstarter, it’s really important how you present photos and videos. Do it professionally. Spend time on how you display your products.”.

Obviously pleased by the overwhelming success of North Aware’s campaign, Khan would “absolutely recommend Kickstarter for people starting out” trying to market a new product.

“Kickstarter is great for publicity. You can start playing with the big boys right away,” he says, which isn’t necessarily true of other funding sources.

Khan’s advice to those considering a Kickstarter campaign is “to create a really good product people need and want,” and then “get the word out anyway you can, as quickly as you can. If you have 100 ways to get the word out, you do all of them.”

 

Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo returns to Toronto, September 17, 2017

 

In light of current undertones towards immigrants in Canada, the expo promotes peace, hope and success for all business women

 

Toronto…Now in its fifth year, the one-day, experiential Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo (IWSM Expo) celebrates the aspirations and achievements of immigrant women, taking place in Toronto on Sunday, September 17th, at Daniels Spectrum. Under the theme “The Changing Face of the Immigrant Community,” IWSBE offers women an opportunity to get informed, empowered and enlightened, while providing access to business building services, networking opportunities and entrepreneur workshops.

Expos are a crucial factor in helping new businesses acquire the leads, networks, information and polish they need to succeed in the business world.

This is according to Dwania Peele, founder of Canadian Small Business Women (CSBW) and the IWSB expo who notes that women owned small and mid-sized businesses generate around $117 billion to the Canadian economy annually.

“We’ve always championed the fact that women matter, and we’ve sought to celebrate all the roles they fill in their family, career and community,” said Peele. “Immigrants, specifically, struggle in Canada’s labour market despite their many skills, and we are more than excited to be in Toronto with this rallying cry of support for immigrant women entrepreneurs across Ontario.”

Another advantage of a business-focused event is that it presents practically unlimited opportunities for information-sharing, says Peele. “We have found there is significant demand for practical advice and insights that help would-be immigrant entrepreneurs and small businesses to run their businesses effectively. Expos bring together stakeholders from across a niche spectrum and present an ideal platform for workshops, demonstrations and seminars that help participants grow their businesses.”

ISWB expo offers a rich experience with informative seminars and panel discussions presented by notable speakers including the Honorable Gagan Sikand, MP for Mississauga-Streetsville,  and entrepreneur Julie Suen, President and CEO of Chinese Canadian Voice. Throughout the day attendees can view educational exhibits and corporate displays from Canada Business Ontario and the Government of Canada. The seminars and workshops will be far ranging and engaging, featuring topics that impact women’s daily lives addressing such issues as health & wellness, marketing and social media tips, career advancement, business/entrepreneurship, the welfare of our children and much more. While IWSB expo targets immigrant women, there are elements for all women business owners.

In addition, ISWB expo offers ample opportunity for shopping and sampling from local artists and artisans showcasing their handmade wares at the Craftadian pavilion, formerly the Made by Hand Show.

 

IWSB expo offers a one-stop business platform to gather information, exchange ideas and network for anyone considering starting their own business, and for those already in business and looking to expand.

Admission runs for $5 / person including access to seminars, panel discussions and the handmade market.

What:                                   Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo

 

Where: Daniels Spectrum, 585 Dundas St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2B7

When: Sunday, September 17, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Cost: Admission: $5 (Under 16 years of age free)

Website: http://toronto.immigrantsmallbizexpo.ca

 Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/immigrant-womens-small-business-expo-toronto-2017-tickets-31623796627

Tips to Save on your Energy Bill when you work from home

Written by Canadian Small Business Women on behalf of our sponsor, Just Energy.

 

Households and small businesses in Ontario pay time-of-use prices for electricity that change according to the TIME OF DAY and DAY OF THE WEEK. The peak periods also change by SEASON. What this means though, is that households have to pay attention to the on-peak and off-peak schedule for Electricity rates and schedule their appliance use in the home around this schedule. For those of us who work from home, this means that we are often using the majority of the electricity in our house during on-peak hours.

Follow these tips to reduce your energy usage and save money:

  1. Upgrade to energy efficient appliances. Since 1992, the US Environmental Protection Agency initiative, Energy Star, has reviewed and rated energy efficiency in appliances, products and companies. Look for the blue star on new appliances to ensure that you are purchasing energy efficient appliances. Old home appliances that should be upgraded include heaters, hot water tanks, dishwashers and laundry machines.
  2. Use energy efficient light bulbs. LED light bulbs use up to 90% less energy and last 15-25 times longer than standard bulbs, meaning they need to be replaced less often.
  3. Reduce heating and cooling costs by using proper insulation, and using blackout or heat absorbing curtains on the windows.
  4. Unplug electronic devices that are not in use. All electronic devices will still consume electricity when they are turned off. Unplugging devices that are not in use, or using power bars that can be turned off will prevent your electronics from over-using electricity. Unplugging laptops and mobile devices that have already reached full charge will also help save their batteries by not over-charging.
  5. Compare electricity and natural gas costs with companies other than your local utility.

Just Energy now offers “My Time”, a unique electricity product which provides you with a single rate, no matter what time of day. Furthermore, with My Time the price you pay for your electricity will always be lower than mid-peak and on-peak rates.

Switching from your local utility to Just Energy ensures a hassle-free and cost-effective way to manage your home’s energy usage. Please call your Trusted Energy Advisor at 416.937.5090 for more details about this offer. Alternatively, visit justenergydeals.com/csbw to learn more and sign up today on more offers.

Just Energy is a proud sponsor of Canadian Small Business Women. Talk to a Just Energy representative at one of our upcoming events. Sign up today to win a Just Energy Office Package at NorthSpace in North York. Offer lasts until 23rd August*