This workshop gives small-business owners a clear, practical framework for negotiating service, supply, and other commercial contracts in British Columbia. Through proven strategies, live simulations, and BC-specific legal insights, participants will learn how to secure favorable terms, preserve business relationships, and reduce contractual risk.
Organizations can easily lose around ten percent of the expected value in a contract when negotiation planning and contract-management follow-through are weak. Preparation drives outcomes: a substantial share of negotiation success comes from disciplined pre-work, while only a small portion is won at the bargaining table itself. Some research suggests that 80 percent of negotiators’ efforts should focus on preparation and 20 percent on execution.
Participants are also encouraged to register for Key Elements of Service Contracts – Sept 8 @ 12pm
https://mycommunityfuturesbc.ca/webinars/1213/key_elements_of_service_contracts/
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Apply negotiation techniques that help capture financial value in contracts.
- Use a repeatable four-step framework to improve negotiation efficiency and outcomes.
- Identify common negotiation pitfalls and apply defensive tactics to reduce risk and avoid disputes.
- Apply interest-based, win-win strategies to preserve and strengthen business relationships.
Are you marketing a specific product or event and need more exposure on Instagram? Learn how to successfully navigate Instagram ads to help you get ahead of the game.
Although boosting posts on Instagram is inexpensive, you want to make your money count! Ensuring that your posts have the main points needed to grab attention and convert viewers into clients.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Create Instagram ads that capture attention and clearly communicate key messages.
- Apply best practices to convert viewers into clients.
- Make informed decisions to maximize the impact of their ad spend.
Get answers to your tax-related questions, find out what tax deductions you can claim, and learn to avoid costly mistakes! This workshop is hosted by a CRA Liaison officer to help you better understand your tax obligations and possible business deductions. Find out if you are doing things right, well ahead of tax preparation time.
Please note this session will not be recorded and will be held in Microsoft Teams (instead of Zoom).
Learning Outcomes:
This webinar is hosted by a CRA Liaison officer who will:
- Help you better understand your tax obligations and possible business deductions;
- Explain general bookkeeping concepts and best practices;
- Explain how to avoid common tax errors;
- Give you an overview of helpful online tools and electronic services offered by the CRA;
- Answer your tax-related questions and address concerns;
- Show you how to use the Financial Performance Data to compare your business revenues and expenses with others in the same industry.
If you are unable to attend, you can also book a private session with a CRA liaison officer on the Canada Revenue Agency’s website HERE.
Find the right grant to get the funding you need to grow your business!
This 3-part workshop provides information, resources and practical experience essential to writing successful grant proposals.
Did you know…
- BC businesses can receive 60% to 100% of employee training costs through government grants.
- Approximately 42% of business owners know about government grants but don’t know where to find them or how to apply.
- 32% of business owners are not aware of available grants – Granted! will help you find the right grant & how to apply.
Session 1: Find the Right Grant & Be Ready*the week between session 1 & 2, participants will be asked to find a potential grant and begin a draft proposal for discussion & feedback in the second session
Session 2: Let’s get Started
Session 3: Financials
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify which grants are right for their business or organization.
- Find relevant grant opportunities (with supporting handouts).
- Develop a formal grant proposal, including crafting a compelling story.
- Manage reporting requirements and build strong relationships with grantors.
Shine Online is your chance to step out of invisibility and into the spotlight. This high energy online workshop gives entrepreneurs the tools, strategy, and confidence to show up consistently, create content with ease, and attract the right clients. If you are ready to stop being the best kept secret, this is where it begins.
Did you know…?
- Visibility drives growth. Studies show that 82% of consumers are more likely to trust a business when its leaders are active on social media. Visibility builds credibility, which leads directly to more inquiries and sales.
- Consistency wins. Businesses that post consistently on social media experience a 2x higher engagement rate and up to 3.5x more website traffic compared to those that post irregularly.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will:
- Gain clarity and confidence in how to show up online and be seen as the go-to in their industry.
- Have a simple content system they can put into action to save time and energy while keeping their marketing consistent.
If you’ve been meaning to build a website but feel overwhelmed by the technical side of WordPress, this workshop is the perfect place to start.
Designed specifically for beginners, you’ll learn how to confidently edit and manage a professional-looking WordPress website without needing any coding experience. In a supportive, step-by-step environment, you’ll discover how WordPress works, how to customize your site, add content and images, and keep everything running smoothly. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the skills — and confidence — to take control of your own website.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the basics of how WordPress works.
- Create and organize pages, posts, and menus.
- Upload and format images and content professionally.
- Customize the appearance of a WordPress site using themes.
- Install and manage essential plugins.
- Make basic website updates confidently without needing a developer.
- Understand simple best practices for website maintenance and security.
- Publish and manage blog content.
- Gain confidence navigating the WordPress dashboard and settings.
- Leave with a functional website foundation they can continue building on independently.
To be successful in the sales and marketing of your business, you need to deeply understand the audience you’re trying to attract. What problem(s) are you trying to help them solve? How does your product or solution help their pain?
Participants are also encouraged to register for Sales / Client Acquisition – Sept 24 @ 8am
https://mycommunityfuturesbc.ca/webinars/1212/sales_client_acquisition/
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify the key characteristics and attributes of their ideal customer.
- Develop target personas as “real people” with defined goals, challenges, and needs.
- Apply this understanding to better align their sales and marketing efforts.
Find the right grant to get the funding you need to grow your business!
This 3-part workshop provides information, resources and practical experience essential to writing successful grant proposals.
Did you know…
- BC businesses can receive 60% to 100% of employee training costs through government grants.
- Approximately 42% of business owners know about government grants but don’t know where to find them or how to apply.
- 32% of business owners are not aware of available grants – Granted! will help you find the right grant & how to apply.
Session 1: Find the Right Grant & Be Ready*the week between session 1 & 2, participants will be asked to find a potential grant and begin a draft proposal for discussion & feedback in the second session
Session 2: Let’s get Started
Session 3: Financials
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Identify which grants are right for their business or organization.
- Find relevant grant opportunities (with supporting handouts).
- Develop a formal grant proposal, including crafting a compelling story.
- Manage reporting requirements and build strong relationships with grantors.
One of the biggest questions entrepreneurs face is whether to hire employees or outsource work. This session demystifies CRA’s guidelines, highlights the pros and cons of each option, and equips business owners with the knowledge to make confident, compliant decisions as they grow.
Did you know…?
- Misclassification is costly – If CRA determines a contractor should have been classified as an employee, the business can be held responsible for retroactive CPP and EI contributions, unpaid vacation pay, and even penalties.
- It’s not just about paperwork – CRA looks at the relationship of work, not just what’s written in a contact.
- The decision shapes culture – Beyond compliance, choosing contractors vs. employees impacts loyalty, engagement, and how invested people feel.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand CRA’s criteria for distinguishing between contractors and employees.
- Identify when it makes sense to hire an employee versus outsource to a contractor based on financial and operational needs.
- Use practical decision-making tools and examples to help determine the right approach.
- Recognize how the choice between contractors and employees can impact loyalty, engagement, and long-term business culture.
Networking for Introverts: Embracing Your Quiet Strength
Are you an introvert who dreads networking, feels overwhelmed in large gatherings, or struggles to make meaningful professional connections? This workshop is designed just for you! Join us for insightful strategies, practical tips, and friendly practice to leverage your introverted nature as a powerful networking tool. You’ll discover how to master the art of prepping and recovering from events, build authentic relationships, communicate effectively, and network without exhaustion—all while staying true to yourself.
To fully participate in this interactive session, we recommend participants have a working microphone and camera.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand their introverted superpowers.
- Prepare effectively for networking events.
- Focus on quality over quantity to build meaningful connections.
- Navigate networking events with ease.
- Use follow-up strategies to strengthen relationships.
