Bridges to Better Business

Location: Sheridan College, Brampton.
Date: October 22
Time: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Get the benefits of a day of inspiration, learning and networking for about the cost of a client lunch! Highlights of the day include a luncheon with keynote speaker, and two Wisdom Exchange Sessions. If you choose to participate in the trade show, you'll have the opportunity to promote your business to over 80 other Brampton area businesses. And if you like, you can also attend the Brampton Board of Trade After Business networking event from 5:00 to 7 p.m.
Presented by: The Brampton Small Business Enterprise Centre, The Brampton Board of Trade and the City of Brampton.
Cost: $50.00 registration; optional Trade Show +$30.
Registration: Call 905-451-1122.
FMI: Contact Cassandra Baccardax, Event Co-ordinator, Brampton Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC)at 905-874-2632.

Cornwall Business To Business Showcase

Location: Ramada Inn & Conference Centre, Cornwall.
Date: October 23
Time: Luncheon starts at noon with keynote. Workshops start at 1:30 p.m. and the Showcase/Reception runs from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m..
This mini trade show offers a great opportunity for participants to market products and services to ther businesses and discuss common concerns. A luncheon and keynote address by an official from IBM Lotus speaking on "Smart City Cornwall" will be followed by 3 concurrent workshops, and the Business to Business Showcase.
Presented by: The Cornwall and Area Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: Free.
Registration: Contact the Chamber by calling 613-933-4004, by faxing 613-933-8466.

Bridges to Better Business

Location: Hamilton Convention Centre, Hamilton.
Date: October 21
Time: 8 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Market your business by participating in the trade fair or just reap the benefits of the networking and learning opportunties available. This event is packed with information and tools to help you and your small business, such as seminars and keynote speakers.
Presented by: The Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and sponsors.
Cost: $50.00 registration; includes breakfast, lunch, and the opportunity to exhibit in the trade show. You may purchase a "breakfast only" or "lunch only" ticket for $25.
Registration: In person at the Small Business Enterprise Centre at Jackson Square or call 905-540-6400.

Breakfast Club - Delivering Next Generation Entrepreneurship

Location: Howard Johnson Confederation Place Hotel, Kingston.
Date: October 22
Time: 7:15 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Join Mike McGrath, VP Small And Medium Enterprise, Bell Canada, for a look at the vital role that technology can play in enabling, expanding and extending the capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses.
Presented by: The Kingston Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: $15.
Registration: Advanced registration is required; call the Chamber office at 613-548-4453.

Websites for Small Business Workshop

Location: Chamber of Commerce office, Kingston.
Date: October 23
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.
Tom Addison of Pleasant Valley Digital Design will explain the benefits of Web sites for small businesses, and show participants how to create their own.
Presented by: The Kingston Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: $20.
Registration: Advanced registration is required; call the Chamber office at 613-548-4453.

Phone Right Workshop

Location: Chamber of Commerce office, Kingston.
Date: October 24
Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Learn how to change a simple incoming inquiry immediately into a new client who strongly desires your services and how to create truly lasting impressions over the phone.
Presented by: The Kingston Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: Chamber members: $200.00 + GST. Non-members: $295.00 + GST.
Registration: Advanced registration is required; complete registration form and fax it to Michelle Underhill at 613-389-7789.
FMI: Call the Chamber office at 613-548-4453.

Young Entrepreneurs Networking Dinner

Location: TBA, Kingston.
Date: October 24
Time: Starts at 5:30 p.m.
Are you between the ages of 18 and 40 and running your own business? This dinner includes a networking reception, guest speaker and an opportunity to do a 30 second commercial about your business.
Presented by: The Kingston Junior Chamber.
Cost: Call 613-530-4990.
FMI: Call the Junior Chamber office at 613-530-4990.

7th Annual President’s Gala

Location: Days Inn Kingston Hotel and Convention Centre, Kingston.
Date: October 25
Time: Starts at 5:30 p.m.
The banquet features the presentation of the Annual Business Achievement Awards, but you'll also enjoy the networking reception with entertainment, gourmet dinner with fine wines, and dancing with the Soul Survivors.
Presented by: The Kingston Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: Call to inquire.
Registration: Advanced registration is required; call the Chamber office at 613-548-4453.

Has The Privacy Act Gone Too Far?

Location: Charcoal Steakhouse, Kitchener.
Date: October 24
Time: 7:30a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
As drafted, the intent of proposed legislation is to prevent Ontario businesses from calling any clients or personal homes unless they have permission to do so. Join the Networking and Breakfast Club as this proposed legislation is examined and explained by policy experts from Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP and find out how it would affect your business.
Presented by: The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: Chamber members: $25. Non-members: $35.
Registration: Call Viviane Bossy, Events Coordinator, at 519-576-5000 ext. 27.

Small Business Seminars

Location: Mississauga Central Library, Mississauga.
Date: October 1 - October 29
Time: Varies depending on seminar chosen.
The Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre is offering seminars throughout October. Get over your fear of selling, learn how to market or manage your cash flow, or understand basic contract principles with one or more of these seminars conducted by business professionals.
Presented by: The Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre.
Cost: $20.00 per seminar in advance; $25.00 per seminar at the door.
Registration: For registration or further information, call the Business Enterprise Centre at 905-615-4460.

Niagara Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Location: Sheraton Fallsview Hotel and Conference Centre Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls.
Date: October 25
Time: Call for information.
This awards banquet honours those men and women who exemplify the true spirit of entrepreneurship in the Niagara Region.
Presented by: The Enterprise 2002 Advisory Committee.
Cost: $60.
Registration: Contact the Institute for Enterprise Education at 905-688-5757 for tickets.

Small Business Seminar Series

Location: Various locales in North Bay.
Date: October 21 - October 25
Time: Varies depending on seminar chosen.
Get answers to your serious questions or take the time to lighten up and unwind; you'll have the opportunity to do either or both with 8 seminars on topics ranging from "The Employment Standards Act - The Implications" through "Humour, Creativity And Stress Management."
Presented by: North Bay And District Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: Chamber members: $20.00 per seminar; Non-members: $30.00 per seminar.
Registration: For registration or further information, call the Chamber Office at 705-472-8480 or fax them at 705-472-8027.

Mayor's Small Business Week Kick-off Breakfast

Location: Ramada Inn and Convention Centre, Oakville.
Date: October 21
Time: Starts at 7:30 a.m..
Denise Meehan, Owner of Lick's Restaurants, will be the guest speaker at this breakfast to get Small Business Week off to a great start.
Presented by: The Oakville Chamber of Commerce and the Business Development Bank of Canada.
Cost: Free.
Registration: RSVP to Sarah Heyink by calling 905-845-6613 ext. 28.

Information Technology Event

Location: Committee Room, Oakville Town Hall Municipal Offices, Oakville.
Date: October 22
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Learn about "I.T. Best Practices" and how to apply them to your own business at this workshop.
Presented by: The Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: Chamber members: $25.00; Non-members: $30.00.
Registration: Contact Sarah Heyink by calling 905-845-6613 ext. 28.

Trade Show and Business After Hours

Location: Otello's Banquet Hall, Oakville.
Date: October 23
Time: 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Network with other business people and market your products and/or services at this mini trade show.
Presented by: The Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: No charge to attend; trade show tables are $75.00 each.
Registration: To register or for further information, contact Sarah Heyink by calling 905-845-6613 ext. 28.

Small Business Week Panel

Location: Oakville/Trafalgar Room, Town Hall, Oakville.
Date: October 24
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sponsored by the Business Advisory, you'll pick up some great tips attending this panel discussion on "Advertising, Marketing and Sales".
Presented by: The Oakville Chamber of Commerce.
Cost: Free.
Registration: For further information, contact Sarah Heyink by calling 905-845-6613 ext. 28.

4th Annual Bridges to Better Business

Location: Howard Johnson Hotel and Caswell Conference Centre, Sudbury.
Date: October 23
Time: Begins at 12:00 p.m..
Gain valuable information on current business trends, share innovative ideas, make valuable contacts and showcase your products and services at this conference and trade fair. Participation in the trade show is optional.
Presented by: The Regional Business Centre, the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Opportunity and Innovation and the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre.
Cost: $50 per person; $25 for a trade show booth.
Registration: Register online.
FYI: Pre-registration must take place by October 15th. Trade show participants must register by October 8th.

HostEx 2002

Location: The International Centre, Toronto.
Date: October 20 - October 22
Time: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. October 20 and 21; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. October 22.
Billed as "Canada's largest hospitality trade show", Hostex annually attracts over 10,300 professionals, making it an excellent opportunity for small businesses involved in the industry to network and market. Over a dozen workshops on topics ranging from ways to increase sales through preventing internal theft will also be offered.
Presented by: Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association.
Cost: Standard booth rates are $1,900. See the Hostex 2002 Web site (listed under registration) for more details.
Registration: Register online. Deadline for complimentary online registration is October 15, 2002.
FYI: Admission to HostEx is restricted to industry personnel. The general public and persons under the age of 19 will not be admitted.

The Small Business Events Guide 2002 is a joint publication of About, RBC Royal Bank, and Home Business Report.