Every month our team compiles a list of startup and small business events that we’re interested in attending that are highly useful to the startup and small business community. A few of the organizations listed host a number of great events, but we’ve chosen to feature one event that we feel will be particularly useful.
The events we focus on are in Toronto and across Southwestern Ontario. The events may sell out fast, so if you’re interested in attending please contact the organization to register quickly. If you’re hosting an event or have come across one you think should be included here, feel free to contact us by email or social media with your suggestions.
Founded by a group of dedicated entrepreneurs in 1997, Communitech is Waterloo Region’s hub for the commercialization of innovative technologies. Over the years, we have supported and helped build a tech cluster of nearly 1,000 companies that now generates more than $30 billion in revenue.
Event: Upstart Breakfast Series
When: Wednesday, January 22, 2014, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Where: 425 Bigemans Centre Drive, Embassy Room, Kitchener Ontario
Startup Drinks
Startup Drinks provides an open space for entrepreneurs and small business owners to connect and share ideas. There are no presentations or pitches, just conversation and networking. To meet some of the up-and-coming people in the startup community, this is a great event to attend. These events are held regularly in a number of locations, including Toronto, Hamilton, and Waterloo.
Event: Startup Drinks Waterloo
When: January 7, 2014, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Chainsaw, 28 King Street North, Waterloo
Event: Startup Drinks Hamilton
When: December 9, 2014, 6:00 p.m.
Where: The Winking Judge, 25 Augusta Street, Hamilton
Event: Startup Drinks Toronto
When: January 22, 2014, 8:00 p.m.
Where: Hotel Ocho, 195 Spadina Avenue, Toronto
Social Media Strategies for Business
Social Media Strategies for Business is a monthly Meetup Group that is dedicated to helping its members learn about social media marketing and develop the strategies they need to be successful with social media.
Event: High Traffic Website Strategies
When: January 6, 2014, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Victoria Ztraine Career Development Center, 1140 Burhamthorpe Road West, Unit #129, Mississauga
HalTech’s mission is to act as a catalyst for innovation and commercialization by delivering services to help Halton-based enterprises start, grow and succeed.
Event: N2K Marketing – New Year New Website: Website Optimization for your Business
When: Friday, January 10, 2014, 9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Where: 1430 Trafalgar Road – J114 SPARK Room Boardroom
Innovation Factory helps advance Hamilton’s innovation community and serves as an inspiring, expert resource for entrepreneurs that fosters connections across the community and accelerates growth. VA Partners’ own Mark Elliott is regularly involved in planning the Innovation Factory’s Sales Peer-to-Peer events. The Sales Peer-2-Peer event is a great opportunity for business professionals from all industries and companies to interact with each other, share best practices, and network with peers.
Event: Sales Peer 2 Peer
When: January 8, 2014, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Where: 175 Longwood Rd South, Hamilton Ontario
Silicon Halton organizes a number of events throughout the year in the region Halton which including Burlington, Oakville, and Milton. Their monthly meetups and Peer2Peer include three main components; a key notes presentation, a get to know a member presentation, and time set out for networking. These events are catered to anyone at a startup – especially in the tech industry – that want to learn more about business best practices.
Event: Meetup #51 – Playing the Independent Contractor Shuffle
When: Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Ned Devine’s Milton
Toronto Business Development Centre
TBDC is an independent non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to nurturing the growth of new and emerging businesses. The Centre has been recognized at home and internationally for achievements in the field of business incubation. Over the past twenty plus years, TBDC has helped more than 4500 businesses through our various programs.
Event: Business Research: Will your Idea Work (Start a Business Seminar Series)
When: Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Where: Visit the TBDC website for more information
The Toronto Board of Trade facilitates opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, business development, and city building. It is the authoritative voice of Canada’s most prominent business community.
Event: Smart Sales in the Relationship Economy
When: January 16, 2014, 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m.
Where: 1st Canadian Place, 3rd Floor
MaRS is where entrepreneurs get the help they need, where all kinds of people meet to spark new ideas, and where a global reputation for innovation is being earned, one success story at a time.The often-free events at MaRS are ideal for start-ups, science, technology and social entrepreneurs looking to make connections and learn more about a particular aspect of business.
Event: Entrepreneur’s Toolkit Workshops – Winter Intensive Program
When: Workshop starts January 17, 2014
Where: MaRS Discovery District, 101 College Street, Toronto
Toronto Business Development Centre
TBDC is dedicated to nurturing the growth of new and emerging businesses in Toronto. The Centre has been recognized at home and internationally for achievements in the field of business incubation and over the past twenty-four years, TBDC has helped over 6500 businesses.
Event: Marketing & Operations: How to Get and Keep Customers (Start a Business Seminar Series)
When: January 21, 2014, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Where: Toronto Business Development Centre, 900 – 1 Yonge Street, Toronto
Startup Weekend is a global network of passionate leaders and entrepreneurs on a mission to inspire, educate, and empower individuals, teams and communities.
Event: Startup Weekend Toronto
When: January 24 – 26, 2014
Where: Seneca College, 8 Seneca Way, Markham Ontario
Software Niagara was started in 2012 with the goal of organizing technology and startup events to build a community that fostered innovation and excellence in the Niagara region.
Event: Software Coworking
When: January 29, 2014, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 241 St. Paul Street, St Catherine’s (Mahtay Café)
Did we forget your event or an event you are attending? Let us know and we’ll add it to the list!
