October is “Small Business Month” in BC, and there is no shortage of networking events to attend in Vancouver and all over BC. Whether you have your own small business, work for a small business, or are considering a start-up, these great networking events can benefit all entrepreneurs.
Small businesses are important for a thriving local economy - and that’s definitely something to celebrate!
We’ve compiled a list of our favourite local workshops, seminars and networking events that can appeal to a wide range of industries in October 2015, that are taking place here in Vancouver, BC. We’ve also included a few events taking place in other areas within BC.
Events in Vancouver:
LOCO BC First Tuesday Mixer by Fashion Capsule & Vancouver Fashion Week Main Street Retailers
Tuesday Oct. 6, 2015 @ 5:30-8:30pm
Our events are hosted by our members. Think factory, store and warehouse tours with good local food, drink and business connections old and new. It’s a chance for our members to get to know each other, strengthen community and leverage our network to support a stronger local economy.
Small Business, Big Opportunity - Panel Discussion Breakfast
Wednesday Oct. 7, 2015 @ 7:30-9:30 am
Did you know that only 16 percent of small businesses have a succession plan? Planning for change and attrition is just as important as knowing how to start your business. Join BCBusiness for a breakfast and panel discussion with industry experts and small business owners on how to plan for the future of your small business.
Discover the Secrets of Successful Community Engagement
Thursday Oct. 8, 2015 @ 7:30-10:30 am
Direct from Australia, Bang The Table’s CEO Matt Crozier, will deliver a free, fun & interactive workshop where he will reveal the Top 10 Best Practices of Community Engagement, distilled from thousands of events held by communities across Canada.
Fastest Growing Companies Reception
Thursday Oct. 8, 2015 @ 6:00-8:00 pm
Join us for a fantastic opportunity to meet and mingle with some of BC's fastest growing companies when Business in Vancouver presents the 2015 Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies Reception.
TechBrew - BCTIA Innovation Hub
Thursday Oct. 8, 2015 @ 5:00-8:00 pm
Join fellow members of the B.C. tech community, including investors, top talent and local service providers, for an evening of inspiration, networking... and beer!
Coffee, Conversations & Connections
Tuesday Oct.13, 2015 @ 9:00-10:30am
These “Confidential Conversations”” are designed to offer a combination of brainstorming, education, peer accountability and support in a group setting to sharpen your business and personal skills and to connect you with smart, savvy business women.
Women Entrepreneurs are Changing the Business World - Like Nobody’s Business
Wednesday Oct.14, 2015 @11:30am-2:00pm
October is Small Business Month! To celebrate, we’re inviting you to join Westminster Savings and Women’s Enterprise Centre for this inspirational event about women in business. You’ll see highlights from the Canadian Business Owner’s Strategy webinar on women-owned businesses, and then hear a live panel discussion by successful women who have made positive changes to grow their own businesses. Each panelist will share their unique business journey, including the successes and failures that got them where they are today. Don’t miss this celebration!
A Conversation with David Brooks
Wednesday Oct.14, 2015 @ 6:00-9:30pm
With the wisdom, humor, curiosity, and sharp insights that have brought millions of readers to his New York Times column and his previous bestsellers, David Brooks has consistently illuminated our daily lives in surprising and original ways. In The Social Animal, he explored the neuroscience of human connection and how we can flourish together. Now, in The Road to Character, he focuses on the deeper values that should inform our lives
Palme Bleue Small Business Awards
Thursday Oct.15, 2015 @ 6:30-10:30pm
Canadian Federation of Independent Business “The top 5 challenges faced by SMB’s and how to overcome them?”
For the third year, the Vancouver Francophone Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the Palme Bleue Small Business Awards on October 15, 2015.
Hosted during the Small Business Month in Canada, the Palme Bleue Small Business Award recognizes the entrepreneurial excellence and the achievements of our local french speaking SMEs in two categories...
Business Excellence Series: Family Business
Thursday Oct.15, 2015 @ 7:00-10:00am
Family-controlled businesses are significant contributors to B.C.’s economic wealth. Their efficiency and performance can be impacted by unique circumstances that are often not factors for other businesses. For example, would your business model be viable if you were no longer there to oversee day-to-day operations?
Friday Oct. 16 @ 9am-5pm
The SME Business Expo is a one day celebration during Small Business Month, uniting thousands of business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and marketing professionals to connect, collaborate and do business. Learn from the most proficient and insightful business experts and open the door to new technology and key products/services that will streamline your processes and help you overcome your biggest business challenges. We strive to deliver the most unique and valuable event experience that will motivate, inspire and drive your business success. Don’t miss the party!
Saturday Oct. 17 @ 9am-4pm
The C3 Marketing Conference features a full day of interactive breakout workshops and keynote speakers on the pillars of Caring, Connecting, and Contributing, while also challenging students at the Langara Undergraduate Case Competition.
Tuesday Oct. 20 @ 7:00-8:30 pm
The way people work is changing.
Workplace research shows that organizations around the world are getting huge operational and strategic advantages by embracing trends, fostering diversity, creating opportunities for collaboration and encouraging innovation.
Making Sense of Cross Border Business
Wednesday Oct. 21, 2015 @ 7:30-10:30 am
This seminar, featuring 2.5 hours of Professional Development credit, will provide information to our colleagues in Canada on the important steps to take when expanding business across the border.
Multicultural Etiquette for Business
Wednesday Oct.21, 2015 @ 7:00-8:30pm
Awareness of cultural differences in international business dealings are key to successful professional relationships.
Come ready to talk about variances in cultural values, etiquette, and interpretations of professional conduct at this exciting discussion about what it takes to be successful here in Richmond, BC and abroad.
BC Economic Forum: Women as a Catalyst for Growth. Presented by Deloitte
Friday Oct. 23, 2015 @ 7:45am-2:15 pm
B.C.'s economy needs more women leaders — in business, on boards and in growing industries.
The inaugural forum in October 2014 highlighted opportunities here in B.C. to support women in business and to advance the conversation into action strategies for economic growth
Wednesday Oct. 28 @ 3:30-7:00pm
Last year was a sell-out — book early to ensure you don't miss your opportunity to connect with the Greater Vancouver business community.
Events in BC:
Wednesday Oct 7 @ 8:30am-5:00pm
Join us on October 7, 2015 at Prince George Civic Centre to discover resources and programs available to your small business.
This FREE full-day event includes a mix of educational workshops, interactive panel sessions, exhibitors and networking.
Wednesday Oct 21 @ 8:30am-5:00pm
Join us on October 21, 2015 at Vancouver Island Conference Centre in Nanaimo to discover resources and programs available to your small business.
This FREE full-day event includes a mix of educational workshops, interactive panel sessions, exhibitors and networking.
Organizational Health and Wellness Summit in Kelowna
Thursday Oct 22 - Friday Oct 23
The Summit’s objective is to help you develop integrated, comprehensive and cost effective solutions to reduce workplace absenteeism, presenteeism, and rising disability costs. Employees’ health and wellness is crucial to the success of any corporation. The Summit will provide a unique opportunity for business leaders, union leaders, OH&S, frontline practitioners, HR professionals, researchers, and physicians to learn about the latest strategies for improving mental and physical health in Canadian workplaces.
Saturday Oct 24-Sunday Oct 25
The Kelowna Wellness Fair is a two day event which will be held from the 24th of October to the 25th of October, 2015 at the Parkinson Recreation Centre in Kelowna, Canada. This event showcases products, services and modalities in the Ayurvedic and herbal trade events industry.
The 9th Annual State of the Island Economic Summit in Nanaimo
Wednesday Oct 28-Thursday Oct 29
What is the ‘State of the Island’ Economic Summit?
The Economic Summit is an annual gathering of business, community and government leaders sharing ideas, asking questions, networking, learning about new initiatives, and exploring opportunities. Anyone is welcomed to register and participate in the broad range of sessions which revolve around VIEA’s core principals of collaboration to add vitality to the Vancouver Island economy.
If your small business is evaluating a strategic plan, we have custom resources that can help. Our Strategic Planning Pre-Questionnaire is a great way to begin your new strategic plan.
Get Strategic Planning Pre-Questionnaire
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