Jan. 10, 2025 – A new year brings new opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs, and
the City of St. Catharines’ Enterprise Centre is ready to help individuals turn their
ambitions into successful ventures.
With a slate of events, seminars, and resources available, the Enterprise Centre is the
city’s go-to hub for business start-ups.
“Starting a business can feel overwhelming, but knowing where to begin is half the
battle,” said Rob Belchior, the City’s Small Business Consultant. “Our programs,
workshops, and resources are designed to assist entrepreneurs every step of the way,
from initial idea development to building a solid foundation for growth.”
Upcoming Events and Seminars
The Enterprise Centre’s January 2025 offerings include a mix of in-person seminars and
virtual webinars tailored to support small business owners and start-ups:
In-Person Seminars (at 22 Ontario St.)
Steps to Starting a Small Business - Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Learn the basics of business start-up. Wondering where to start with your small
business? Join the Enterprise Centre for an introduction to the rules and regulations
surrounding your small business start-up. Topics include forms of business, licensing,
business name registration, and more. Register at stcatharines.ca/ECSteps.
Introduction to Market Research - Jan. 21, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Explore tools and strategies to identify your best customers and how to reach them. Set
the direction of your business and get all of your ideas on paper. Topics include what is
market research, and market research tools. Register at stcatharines.ca/ECIntro.
Marketing 101 - Jan. 21, 11 a.m. to noon
Started your small business but need to get the word out? Join the Enterprise Centre for
a review of basic marketing principles to help you find your ideal customer and build
your communication strategy. Topics include value proposition, marketing strategy,
sales, and more. Register at stcatharines.ca/ECMarketing.
Business Planning Series
Part 1: The Business Plan - Jan. 28, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
What is a business plan and why do you need one? Join the Enterprise Centre for an in
depth look at the basics of developing your business plan. Topics include why write a
business plan, sections of a business plan, and how to build out each section. Register
at stcatharines.ca/ECPart1.
Part 2: The Cash Flow - Jan. 30, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
What is a cash flow, why do you need it, and how do you create one? Join the St.
Catharines Enterprise Centre for an in depth look at the basics of developing your
financial forecast. Topics include financial terminology, best practices, and a live
demonstration. Register at stcatharines.ca/ECPart2.
Exploring Entrepreneurship Series (Various St. Catharines Public Library Branches)
Sessions cover the keys to business success. Do you have dreams of becoming an
entrepreneur? Learn all about what it takes to successfully start a business, including
developing your idea, business supports and tools, and the keys to success.
Jan. 20 (Merritt Branch, 149 Hartzel Rd.), 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Register at
stcatharines.ca/ECJan20
Jan. 23 (Dr. Huq Family Library, 425 Carlton St.), 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register at
stcatharines.ca/ECJan23
Feb. 13 (Central Branch, 54 Church St.), 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Register at
stcatharines.ca/ECFeb13
Virtual Webinar - Marketing Channels, Jan. 27, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn how to leverage various marketing channels to effectively reach your target
audience. Understanding how different channels reach different customers helps you
build an effective marketing plan. This session will cover a variety of different marketing
channels and how each can be used most effectively. Presented by Sara Norton of
REPLY-ALL. Register at stcatharines.ca/ECChannels.
Supporting Entrepreneurs Year-Round
The Enterprise Centre is more than events. It offers a wide range of services, from free
consultations to business resources like the Small Business Starter Kit. Additionally,
programs like Starter Company Plus and Summer Company provide financial support
and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs. Find the complete kit at
stcatharines.ca/SmallBusinessKit.
“Whether you’re just thinking about starting a business or ready to launch, we’re here to
offer information, resources and feedback to help you succeed,” said Belchior.
To learn more about the Enterprise Centre and its resources, visit
stcatharines.ca/EnterpriseCentre.