Canadian Small Business Women

Connection, Synergy, Community

Canadian Small Business Women, in partnership with Volition, presents 2021 Young Entrepreneur’s Pitch Conference

August 29, 2021 – We are thrilled to announce that we will be partnering with Volition for a second year to present the 2021 Young Entrepreneur’s Pitch Conference. 

This virtual conference is taking place November 20, 2021, and will showcase women-lead companies across Canada in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) space. Building on the success of the 2020 Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Conference, you can expect a variety of panel discussions and workshops from industry experts, as well as speed networking, a vendor hall, and pitch competition.

While all are welcome to attend the conference, pitch applications (opening this fall) will be open to young entrepreneurial women (aged 19-45) in the CPG industry, from across Canada. All applicants will gain access to a Volition Pitch Bootcamp, and audience members will have the opportunity to cheer on and vote for their favourite Finalist pitching at the Pitch Conference.

“Last year, we were honoured to partner with Volition to bring our dreams of hosting a pitch conference to life. The success of last year’s event was evident in the responses of our pitchers, speakers and guests. This year, we are back together again and the theme is Consumer Packaged Goods. With the expertise of hundreds of pitch competitions under their belt and our conference producing history, this year’s event will not disappoint. I am looking forward to hearing this year’s pitch submissions!” 

– Dwania McLarty-Peele, Founder Canadian Small Business Women 

 

“We are so excited to be working with CSBW yet again to support and advance Canadian women in business. This past year put incredible strain on CPG companies–and women-led businesses in particular–as they have had to juggle shifting demands, supply chain issues, employee needs, and intense and variable growth patterns. We have seen such innovation and some really amazing new companies emerge this past year, and want to provide space to acknowledge, celebrate, and support this sector and the young women within it.” 

– Melanie Ewan, Managing Partner Volition 

 

If you are interested in getting involved as a partner, sponsor, or speaker, and are looking for more information, please reach out to info@canadiansmallbusinesswomen.ca

 

For conference details: https://canadiansmallbusinesswomen.ca/2021-young-entrepreneurs-pitch-conference/

 

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!

Press Release: Peel Region Small Business Seminar 2018

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

THEME: Leadership – The Art of Effectively Leading a Team and Running a Successful Business

Canadian Small Business Women, is proud to host our 12th Small Business Seminar.  This time around, we will be in coming back to home to Mississauga. The Leadership Edition will offer hands-on business building workshops delivered by industry experts with 30+ vendors showcasing their business!

The event is being held on August 22nd, 2018 at the Mississauga Grand Banquet & Event Centre, 35 Brunel Road, Mississauga Ontario from 9am – 5pm.  Admission Tickets are $40.00CDN and entitles you to full entrance of workshops, exhibitor hall and a hot buffet lunch.

 

Who should attend?

  • All entrepreneurs (men and women)
  • Start-ups
  • People seeking advice on how to grow their businesses

Why should you attend?

  • Receive business building tips from our experts
  • Attend workshops to help propel your business
  • Network with industry leaders
  • 30+ Vendors, showcasing local businesses.
  • Featured workshops by local experts!

 

The featured Keynote Speaker is Yvonne Ruke-Akpoveta of OliveBlue Inc and the workshops will feature Adele Spraggon, Peninsula Employment Services Inc, and BDC.  Guests will receive full access to all workshops, swag bags (for the first 100), access to door prizes, unforgettable networking opportunities and a hot buffet lunch.  Only 150 advance tickets will be sold for this event.

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 , info@canadiansmallbusinesswomen.ca or call us at 1-888-526-9366

 

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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

Exhibitor 101: How to be an exemplary exhibitor at your next tradeshow

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Many business owners, like myself are always trying to find ways to promote our businesses.  One of the best ways to get face time with potential clients is through the tradeshow circuit.  We try to maintain our business presence in the community by attending tradeshows as an exhibitor.  We also host a minimum of 5 tradeshows each year and we find that there are a few guidelines that our exhibitors are usually unaware of.  Below are some tips that we have put together to help with determining what shows are right for you and how to get the best of your exhibitor experience.

  • Before being an exhibitor, let us back it up a bit.
    • How do you source events?
    • How do you plan for your events? How many per year?
    • Budget
      • Event booth cost
      • Promotional product cost
      • Literature cost
    • You have booked your exhibitor space, now let’s prepare.
      • Ask about choosing your booth location
      • Swag bag opportunities (inserts and swag bag sponsors)
      • Advertising exchange (if you have a large mailing list, offer to be an advertising sponsor). Ask about sending a certain number of emails, tweets, Facebook posts, Google + in exchange for mentions at the event, logo placement in handouts, etc
      • Promote the event!! If each exhibitor brings 10-20 guests from their network to the tradeshow, imagine how many more potential clients will be in the room to help grow your business.
      • Ask the organizer if there are ways to make your exhibitor fee back? (affiliate ticket sales, affiliate exhibitor sales, etc)
      • Preparing your table/booth layout
        • Preplan what items you will display
        • Ensure that you have literature about your product or service pre-printed
        • Ensure that you have the appropriate display for your product.
          • If you are a jeweler, how do you effectively display your item
          • If you are a clothing company bring a model or offer to have certain pieces worn by other exhibitors
          • If you are an author how will you display your books
        • Decide if you will do draws/raffles at your table, how frequent and at what cost?
        • Will you offer an event only discount?
        • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Dress appropriately for the event and remember that you are your brand.
      • It is the day of the event
        • Be on time: You want to not only make an impression on the planner, but also on the other exhibitors
        • Spend your first moments setting up – not socializing with other exhibitors. Ensure that your space is set up exactly how you envisioned.  Stand back and look at it from every angle to make sure that it is visually appealing, but also that it meets your marketing expectation.
        • With your remaining time, mingle with other exhibitors, exchange business cards, discuss event partnerships (ex, cupcakes with teacups at an event) – clothing company partnering with a jewelry company to wear their clothing
        • Ensure that you have eaten prior to event startup. Try to have small snacks and beverages with you (in a bag under the table). Do not clutter your table with food and beverages.
        • Once the doors are open, smile and be ready to be somewhat aggressive. Work the room.  You don’t always have to be behind your table, just stay in your space and do not impede traffic to your other exhibitors.
      • The event is over. Next steps
        • Event feedback.
          • If the organizer has a feedback form/email, take part. If not, relay your experience to the organizer. Be truthful and constructive
          • Follow up with your contacts
          • Asses if you would take part in the event in the future and let the organizer know. Right of first refusal!!
          • Connect with other exhibitors to find out about events they normally attend.

You have your tips and now it is time to execute.  Enjoy your experience.  Ask us about our upcoming shows or find out more on our website.

Dwania is the Founder and Executive Director of Canadian Small Business Women Contact Canadian Small Business Women:

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Are you having some fun on your journey?

Uchechi

Wow, it’s crazy how much the year has progressed. Periodically, I like to reflect on my goals and accomplishments and determine where adjustments are needed. What’s come up for me today is the need to enjoy my journey as I reach towards my goals.

Those that know me well know that I always have something on the go, with ideas and programs to develop. However, along with this, is the calling to take time to reflect on my accomplishments and ensure that the journey towards the attainment of my goals in an enjoyable one. Being a wife and a mother of 2 has made this even more essential in my life!

As humans, we are meant to stretch and take on challenges. Most of us don’t always stretch past our comfort zone, which is needed to grow and succeed, but that yearning to be and want more is a human desire that we all have in common. What we tend to do is focus solely on the end goal (destination) that we don’t sit and consider how much growth and accomplishments we’ve had along the way.

Enjoying the journey also includes adding ways to make accomplishing your goals fun and exciting. This is important because at some point, we will get to the part where things start to become difficult or mundane and the beginner’s excitement is gone and we need to work at it to stay inspired and motivated. As business owners, we know this part very well! This is when enjoying the journey and infusing some fun and excitement into it helps to sustain your energy.

It could a relaxing massage for dedicating a full day to business development for your business and gaining more leads. You can also reach out to someone you admire and ask them to mentor you, spending an afternoon at your favourite restaurant ‘picking their brain’. Another great thing is to attend an inspiring event (like Hay House I Can Do It) or join a mastermind group with like-minded people. There are so many ways to add some fun and excitement to the process of reaching your goals. One of the things I personally plan to do in the future is get together with some great ladies and do a wealth creation mastermind that includes a fun day of pampering, yoga, masterminding and talk on personal development.

Yes, there are some tedious and difficult tasks that we must do consistently to turn our dreams into a reality. However, it is equally important to have time to reflect and inject some fun into your life and business. After all, that’s the reason why you established your goals and do the work in the first place. You wanted to share your unique talents and create something that will improve your life and make you happy, while serving others. It’s important to make the effort to enjoy the ride and be happy during the process and not just after the goal is reached. As we all know, once one goal is reached, you will have a need to establish another. Therefore, it truly is all about the journey!

Uchechi Ezurike-Bosse is a Business & Lifestyle Strategist, Speaker and Writer, but most importantly, a proud Mother and Wife. Uchechi is Founder of My Empowered Living (http://www.myempoweredliving.com) a website aimed at helping women shift their mindset and live their passion! Whether it’s starting and building their dream business, or helping them create a lifestyle they crave, Uchechi is the modern woman’s secret to success! Visit Uchechi at www.myempoweredliving.com to get her FREE online video training series The 4 Keys to your Business Success! This free 4-day business training reveals her 4 key strategies needed to build a profitable and successful business, and how to put them to work in your business!

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