Announcements & Programs
Time is running out for Digital Main Street's Digital Transformation Grant! The deadline to apply is November 30th!.The Digital Transformation Grant is a $2,500 grant available to enable a digital transformation for small businesses. This grant program will provide this $2,500 for training, advisory support, & grants to main street small businesses looking increase their capacity through digital transformation. Email us to get started on your application process!
THE MAKER'S COLLECTIVE'S SIDE HUSTLE STARTER KIT
If you are a new side hustler, freelancer, entrepreneur OR if you would like to become one, there is a community to support you, a pathway to follow, and resources to empower you to start and grow your thriving side hustle. On December 9, from 7:00-8:30pm, join the FREE Side Hustle Starter Kit webinar and kickstart your journey to starting and growing your thriving side hustle. Register Now!
GREATER KW CHAMBER'S ACCESS STUDENT TALENT PROGRAM
Have you heard of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce’s Access Student Talent Program? Their mission is to connect small businesses with local post-secondary students from Conestoga College, the University of Waterloo and Wilfrid Laurier University so that the businesses can get the support they need! Whether you’re looking for assistance on a short-term project or are interested in learning more about working with students and don’t know where to start, the Access Student Talent Program is here to help!
 
Contact the Access Student Talent team today so that they can help your business with your resourcing needs. Email Allison Mitchell, Program Manager, for more information.
THE PEER SUPPORTED STARTUP PROGRAM
The Peer Supported StartUp Program is a free 8-week online learning program for individuals 30+ interested in launching or growing a small business or income generating activity, who have experienced mental health or addictions challenges. Individuals will network with like-minded entrepreneurs and build connections with each other, connect with coaches and receive a $300 start up grant. For more information, click here.
Webinars & Workshops
Looking to get tips on digital marketing strategies for your business? @lcoulterphoto will be discussing how she built her thriving business from the ground up using these strategies and how they constantly evolve including what type of content to share, how to create engaging content, targeting your demographic using ads and how to turn followers into customers! Presented by Waterloo Region Small Business Centre.

Nov 17 | 9:30 – 11:00 am | Sales Success – Finding your Way
What is the secret formula for Sales Success? It all starts with you and finding your way! As self-professed lifestyle entrepreneur, Shelley McQuade shares her story and what she has discovered in her journey of “selling the invisible”. You will leave the session inspired and with a roadmap that lays the tracks to achieve sales success. Presented by Hamilton Business Centre

Nov 17 | 4:00 – 6:00 pm | Manufacturing 101
For a Maker, the decisions necessary to scale require not just practical production and technological changes, but a cognitive shift in terms of Maker identity, role and approach to the creative process. In order to help each of us successfully pilot our own course from Maker to Manufacturer, we will touch on topics including; what is a “Maker” vs a “Manufacturer”, back of envelope milestones, product critical assessment, scaling manufacturing production with lean thinking, and strategizing pricing structures and distribution platforms. Presented by Kingston Small Business

Learn how to set fair and competitive prices for your products and services, while overcoming mindset barriers that may be holding you back. In this 90-minute workshop, Cheryl Himburg of Key Element Solutions will share strategies for pricing your products and services for break-even and profit. By combining strategy with a mindset that recognizes the true value of your experience and expertise, you’ll be setting yourself up for business success. Presented by Queen’s University.
Resources & Tools
Trying to stay organized?
Essential Tools for Business
Articles of the week!