Upcoming events
How to start your business - January 27, 2025
Do you have a business idea and are you ready to make it happen?
Join us for the “How to start your business” workshop Designed to support you in your first steps towards entrepreneurship.
Whether you are a novice or want to structure your project in a solid way, this workshop will give you the keys to success. This workshop is aimed at people interested in getting started in entrepreneurship, especially those who have not yet started their business and are looking to understand the basics necessary to launch a successful project.
Workshop objectives
- Provide participants with practical information on starting a business.
- Help to understand the different stages of creating a business.
- Acquire essential knowledge on planning, structuring, and financing an entrepreneurial project.
- Support participants in creating their first management tools.
Target audience:
Budding entrepreneurs, newcomers
What you will learn
- The basics of creating a business: Understanding the foundations for building a sustainable project.
- The key steps: From the idea to registering your business, learn to structure your approach.
- Access financing: Explore the different options for financing your project and the grants available.
- Marketing Strategies: Learn Best Practices for Promoting Your Business From the Start
- Networking for Startups: Connect with other entrepreneurs and discover collaboration opportunities
Workshop content
Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- What is entrepreneurship? Understand the role of the entrepreneur in the economy.
- Different types of businesses (individual, joint stock companies, cooperatives).
- Identification of the entrepreneur's key skills.
Developing a business idea
- How to generate business ideas.
- Validate an idea: market research and demand analysis.
- Analyze the competition and identify a unique niche
Write a business plan
- Importance of Business Plan: Structure and Content of a Solid Business Plan
- SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) to assess the viability of your project.
- Short and long term financial goals.
Choosing a legal structure
- The different types of legal entities (sole proprietorship, limited liability company, joint stock company, etc.).
- Advantages and disadvantages of each type of structure.
- Administrative procedures for registering the company (company number, permits, licenses).
Access to financing and grants
- How to finance your business: personal contribution, bank loans, investors, and crowdfunding.
- Look for government grants or assistance.
- Writing a financing request or a proposal for an investor.
Marketing and launch strategies
- Building a strong brand and marketing plan
- Use social media and digital marketing to reach potential customers.
- The stages of a successful launch: promotions, events, partnerships.
Networking and support for business creation
- Importance of networking in entrepreneurship.
- Join local associations, incubators, and coworking spaces.
- Find a mentor or coach to support the development of your business
Teaching methods
- Interactive presentations: Theoretical interventions followed by discussions to better understand the concepts.
- Practical examples: Case studies of successful local entrepreneurs, with concrete advice.
- Small group workshops: Participants will work on their business ideas and begin writing a basic business plan.
- Question and answer sessions: Allow participants to ask their specific questions and get personalized advice.
Workshop duration
- 1 full day (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
- Possibility of dividing the workshop into 2-3 hour sessions over several days if necessary.
Target audience
- Aspiring entrepreneurs: People interested in starting a business, but who have not yet started.
- Newcomers: People who have just moved to Alberta and want to start a local business.
- Students and young professionals: Young adults who plan to pursue entrepreneurship after their studies
Speakers
- Experts in business creation: Professionals in the legal, accounting and business strategy fields.
- Local entrepreneurs: Sharing their experience and challenges encountered during their entrepreneurial journey.
- Financing Consultants: To provide practical information on available financing options.
Workshop location
- Suggested location: Conference room or community space suitable for hosting groups, with audiovisual equipment.
- Virtual access: If necessary, possibility of making the workshop accessible remotely for online participants.
Post-workshop follow-up
- Individual coaching sessions: To help participants implement their projects.
- Access to additional resources: Online tools for developing business plans, guides on legal formalities, and financing models.
- Ongoing Networking: Invitation to join a support group where participants can share their progress, ask questions, and connect with other entrepreneurs.