Small Business Programs – October to December 2019
This October, Toronto Public Library kicks off our newly expanded small business programming to support entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs to-be, including artists and authors.
From how to start a franchise business to how to build a cosplay business, aligning product, brand and voice to mastering business pitches and presentations - there are over 60 programs to help you at any stage of your business ownership journey.
While small business programs are offered all year round, Torontonians will have access to more programs this month with the support from Shopify, online commerce platform.
Featured Small Business Programs
Charles Donley, former Canadian government trade commissioner, will explain and discuss current issues related to importing and exporting, what you need to get started, permits, regulations on goods, taxes and more!
- Barbara Frum Branch – Tuesday, October 1, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
- Morningside Branch – Thursday, October 3, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
- Fairview Branch – Tuesday Oct 15, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm
Self-publishing: What You Need To Know
Author Kerry Cathers will provide aspiring authors with the knowledge they need to successfully navigate the self-publishing world. Gain a solid foundation upon which to evaluate what is being offered, and the company offering it, to make informed decisions.
- Humber Bay Branch – Thursday, October 3, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- Albion Branch – Saturday, October 26, 2 to 3:30 pm
How Video Can Help Your Business Grow
With over 12 years experience working at Sportsnet before starting his first video production company, Bryan Bolan will talk about how video, regardless of budget, can work for your business. The pros and cons of DIY vs. outsourcing video work, how bad videos can do more harm than good, and tips on how to elevate your video will be discussed.
- Annette Branch – Monday, Oct 7, 6:30 to 8:15 pm
Troubleshooting Your Small Business
With over 16 years as Senior Advisor at Sakanashi and Associates Inc., Richard Sakanashi will help small business owners assess whether there is a problem with their business, how to identify concerns before they become issues, how to mitigate common business problems, and how to successfully facilitate process improvement initiatives.
- Brentwood Branch – Tuesday, October 8, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Richard will also be presenting the following topics:
Negotiating For Your Small Business
Develop your negotiation skills when dealing with customers, suppliers and human resources.
- Brentwood Branch – Thursday, October 10, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Back to Basics: Growing Your Small Business
Learn the three pillars of any business – marketing and sales, operations and finance, business analysis and different growth strategies. Presented as part of the Small Business Network.
- Agincourt Branch – Thursday, October 24, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
A panel of local, successful and diverse young professional entrepreneurs will talk about their creative vision, the hardships they went through and and what it took to get their business to the next level. Moderated by Corwin Miller from Talent Management & Consulting.
- Jane/Sheppard Branch - Monday, November 18, 5:00 to 6:30 pm
Building a Cosplay Business: Copyright, Legal and Financial Strategies
Costuming instructor and previous Innovator in Residence Tess Jewell will cover the different areas of building a business around the current popularity of fandoms and cosplay! Learn about the different levels of risk involved in making commissions when working with intellectual property, including the use of different sales platforms such as convention booths, Etsy and Patreon.
- Fort York Branch – Tuesday, October 8, 7-8 pm
- S. Walter Stewart Branch – Wednesday, October 16, 7-8 pm
- Spadina Branch – Tuesday, October 29, 6-7 pm
Mastering Business Pitches & Presentations for Artists & Entrepreneurs
Art director and television producer Ian Todd will discuss the vital skills needed for success across all arts disciplines and industries. Learn how to effectively pitch yourself and your business, and how to develop your presentation skills to make the most impact!
- Sanderson Branch - Wednesday, October 16, 6-8 pm
- Albion Branch – Saturday October 19, 1-4 pm
- Morningside Branch – Tuesday, October 22, 6-8 pm
Learn about influencer marketing and how effectively engaging with this trending type of marketing can help you grow your business. Solmaz, a full-time food and travel blogger who has worked with international brands, tourism boards and small businesses will share tips on what kinds of questions to ask, how to collaborate effectively by building authentic relationships and more.
- Riverdale Branch – Thursday, November 21, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- St. Lawrence Branch – Monday, November 25, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
French Taste in Canada: The Real Life of a Culinary Small Business* | Le goût français au Canada La vraie vie d'une petite entreprise culinaire
Thinking about opening a food-related business? Chantal Véchambre, a certified chef in French cuisine and pastry chocolate, author of the award winning book French Taste in Atlantic Canada, 1604-1758: a gastronomic history and culinary researcher and recipe developer will share her experiences in starting her own culinary businesses, participating in food events, and more!
*This program will be presented in French.
Vous envisagez de lancer une entreprise dans le secteur de l'alimentation? Venez apprendre auprès de Chantal Véchambre, une chef de Toronto, certifée en cuisine française et pâtisserie-chocolaterie, et auteur du livre primé Le goût français au Canada atlantique, 1604-1758: une histoire gastronomique.
Originaire de Paris, Chantal Véchambre a travaillé dans de nombreux restaurants et a participé à de la recherche historique et renouvellement de recettes dans un Lieu historique national du Canada. Chantal partagera ses expériences comme chef à domicile, tenant un kiosque de marché, enseignant des cours de cuisine, et bien davantage!
- Northern District Branch – Monday, November 18, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
- College/Shaw Branch – Monday, November 25, 6-7 pm
- Brentwood Branch - Monday, December 9, 7-8 pm
- Fort York Branch – Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 to 7:30 pm
Programs Presented by Shopify
A presenter from Shopify, an online commerce platform that works with businesses of all sizes will also be offering free programs at select TPL branches that cover useful information applicable in any industry.
Facebook Marketing Fundamentals
Reach the right audience and generate more sales on your e-commerce through the world's largest social network. Learn how to create effective ad campaigns, how to track and optimize your ads over time, and the basics you need to maximize your return on investment.
- Albion Branch – Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Turn Your Hobby into a Business
Learn the fundamentals to turn your idea, passion project or hobby into a sustainable business that you're excited to build for the long-term. No matter what type of business you're starting, learn the essential information needed for your entrepreneurial journey.
- Malvern Branch – Monday, November 18, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
- Toronto Reference Library (Hinton Theatre) – Tuesday, November 19, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
How to Design Your Online Store (with Zero Design Experience)
Design your online store without any coding experience. Learn how to establish your brand and value proposition, develop your brand identity with a logo and colour scheme, create a custom online store and more!
- Malvern Branch – Saturday, November 30, 2:00 to 3:30 pm
- Albion Branch – Tuesday, Novemner 26, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Learn about the concept of 'dropshipping', how to validate a product, find a supplier and more.
- Toronto Reference Library – Wednesday, November 27, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Grow Your Business with Instagram
Over two million entrepreneurs use Instagram to grow their business, and you can do it, too! Learn strategies to increase your following (ideally your customers) on the platform, make more sales through modern marketing strategies that include content creation, understanding sales funnels, and influencer marketing.
- Albion Branch – Wednesday, December 4, 6:30 to 8:00 pm
Learn about search engine optimization (SEO) and how to get your business on the top of the search results list! Learn how to research and select keywords relevant to your business, how to develop an on-site and off-site SEO strategy specific to your business, and how a strong SEO strategy can put your ecommerce on the right path for the long term.
- Toronto Reference Library – Monday, December 9, 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Whether it's a newsletter or a thank you email after a purchase, email marketing is the most cost-effective communication and marketing channel for your e-commerce business. Learn how to build an engaged email list and automate your campaigns for maximum impact on your bottom line. Presented as part of Agincourt Branch's Small Business Network.
- Agincourt Branch – Thursday, December 12, 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Meet with a Small Business Advisor
Enterprise Toronto is a City of Toronto service that serves as a one-stop source to start and grow your small business. There are two different ways to meet with one of their small business advisors at TPL (both free!):
Get an overview of all the services Enterprise Toronto can assist with or provide, such as:
- Business registration, name searches and incorporation
- Business research assistance
- Information on government programs, financing and incubation services
- Business forums, weekly seminars and training and networking opportunities.
Book a free, 30-minute consultation to get more information specific to your business.
Other Small Business Related Resources
Entrepreneur in Residence Patricia Quintero starts her residency on October 2 at the Toronto Reference Library. With over 15 years of experience working in small and large organizations, Patricia is the founder of Patricia Quintero Interiors, a residential interior design company and founder of Creatink Marketing, a marketing consulting services company. She will be offering programs, workshops and one-on-one business consultations, all free of charge. Learn more about Patricia here.
Business Inc. is an eight-week business program offered at the library in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Business Developement Centre. Learn how to prepare or update your business plan, obtain a Business Seminar Series Certificate of Completion and be eligible to apply for a small business loan ranging from $5,000 – $30,000. There is a subsidized cost for participants. Visit the Business Inc. webpage for more information about the program and the application process.
Sign up for the Small Business e-Newsletter (see under Get Small Business Updates) to be notified of featured programs, resources and more!
The Toronto Public Library acknowledges Shopify as a Small Business Partner for small business programming during the month of October and select programs from 2018 to 2020.
Updated October 8, 2019. Minor edits. Included Brentwood listing for Chantal Véchambre's program and an additional topic (Dropshipping 101) presented by Shopify.
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