The Network of Support

It’s lonely out there as an entrepreneur, especially when you’re starting out. There is no chatting around the water cooler or bouncing ideas off co-workers. You’re it, from morning to night. Where and how can you find a network of people that can provide support for every aspect of your business, as well as your physical and emotional well being? Jane and Floria, our panelists, have a wealth of  tips and personal experience to set you off into the right direction.

The Art of Asking for $$

Gaining access to capital is vital to business success. The ability to keep cash moving, your company growing, and your creditors happy can make or break your business. For many small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada, accessing capital is a challenge. This Fresh Ideas panel brings together financing experts from a variety of lenders providing both conventional and non-conventional options for business funding. Whether your goal is start-up or business expansion, we can help you find the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Building Your Brand

Learn effective techniques to create a presence for yourself and your business.

Don't Hire Your Mom (and other great HR tips for Small Businesses)

Human Resources are every business’ greatest asset. Michael Sanderson from the Saint Mary’s University Business Development Centre will take participants through the do’s and don’ts of Human Resources for Small Businesses. Experience the whole process from hiring to firing through the eyes of an employer.

The Nanosecond Economy: Success Strategies for an Instant Message World

Just when you feel comfortable with the web it changes! Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter are quickly becoming the ways for people to connect. Blockbuster is closing 960 stores, while YouTube negotiates with Sony and Warner Brothers to rent videos, and iTunes customers download more than 50,000 movies daily. In 2009 more than a trillion emails will be sent. In this workshop you will learn effective strategies that allow your business to thrive in a change-driven society and learn why Google is giving away free directory assistance, free long distance, and $500 million in cash each month. 

Ideas So Fresh They Should Be Slapped

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur but lack an innovative business idea? If so this workshop is for you! Our moderated panel of entrepreneurs will share the stories of how they developed their unique business ideas and launched them from concept to reality.

The Elevator Pitch

You’ve got a great business idea but need cash to make it go. Or, you don’t need the cash but you still need to be able to sell your idea to clients, customers, potential employees or even your spouse! Maybe you have the skills of an entrepreneur but you work for an established firm, so you need to be able to sell that great idea to your boss.  This is where the Elevator Pitch comes in. You’ve have two minutes from the lobby to the executive offices on the top floor to sell your idea, and yourself, to the people that matter. If you succeed, you will get to use your creativity, your initiative and your energy in an exciting new venture or project of your own design, and maybe get that promotion too… In this workshop participants will learn what goes into making a great elevator pitch and then you will form teams, select or be given a scenario to work on and then craft a pitch of your own. One designated person from each group will make the pitch. You have to be quick and think-on-your-feet; valuable skills for entrepreneurs  and intrapreneurs.

Skills To Market

Hear from Nova Scotia entrepreneurs who have turned their college and university education into viable businesses.

Tame the Talk: Building Social Media Strategies 

Does your social media toolbox look a little crowded? With Twitter, Facebook, and a blog, are you left thinking "What now?"  This workshop will engage a panel of experts to discuss ways of taming the social media beast, strengthening engagement with your clients, and building effective communications strategies.

Networking 101

Ever wonder how to network? What's the point in networking? Lynn MacMichael will highlight the importance of networking; let you in on the secrets of how to network effectively, and share her Top Ten Networking Tips. Get ready to learn how to work the room!

Navigating Today's Marketplace

Do you have what it takes to be your own boss? This session will explore opportunities and considerations in being your own boss.  It will provide a snapshot of current trends and market conditions for new businesses in Atlantic Canada and discuss the changing landscape for entrepreneurs in the future.  This workshop will assess the pros and cons of being in business for yourself and ultimately, help you to understand if you have what it takes to navigate today’s changing marketplace as your own boss.

Social Entrepreneurship

Social entrepreneurship, what is it?  A social entrepreneur is someone who recognizes a social problem and uses entrepreneurial principles to organize, create, and manage a venture to make social change. This session will explore current information on social entrepreneurship and hear from local organizations about their motivation, challenges and approach to the topic.