ICUBE UTM

Storytelling and Pitch Preparation
2020-12-07 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Toronto)
Build your skill in storytelling, and how learn how to communicate value to potential clients, customers, and investors

In this interactive workshop, you will receive feedback and coaching on your business story. Craft strong content that resonates with your audience for use in marketing materials, or for talking about your business in every day practice. Learn the features of a strong pitch, and prepare for future pitch competitions, funding or investor meetings, and more.
You will:

Learn about narrative structures: why they work, and how to harness them for communication in your business
Build you own business story, for use in marketing and talking about your venture
Receive one on one coaching to improve your story and presentation skills
Learn the features and expectations for a formal pitch
Practice in a safe environment with peers and industry experts

Leap Startup League Series
This series includes five workshops designed to help you learn how to move from entrepreneurial idea to execution. All workshops are held online in partnership with ICUBE & EDGE. Also in this series:
Research Tools and BMC Validation: Wednesday September 30, 6pm-8:30pm
Digital Marketing 101: Tuesday October 13, 6-8:30pm
Finance 101: Tuesday October 27, 6-8:30pm
Sales Bootcamp: Saturday November 14, 10am-3pm

Hosts
EDGE
EDGE is the place where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Sheridan. If you want to learn how to develop a business or social enterprise idea, EDGE has the resources to get you started.
ICUBE
ICUBE is a hub for idea exploration, early-stage business development, and co-working. We provide expert support, resources, and access to opportunities for entrepreneurial students and community members across all industries. Got an idea? Let’s make it!
If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com

MEDIA CONSENT
Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk

Social Enterprise Day Conference: The Path to Sustainability
2020-11-19 09:00 - 17:00
Come celebrate Social Enterprise Day with us. Learn and share ideas about making social enterprise strong as can be.

Did you know that the third Thursday in November is recognized as Social Enterprise Day? It went global in 2017 and we want to celebrate it with you!
To grow impact and operate sustainably, social enterprises require unique resources and support. Keeping this in mind, we have set up the day to address prevalent issues in planning and running social enterprises. There will also be lots of time to interact with experts and participants of our growing social enterprise community.

This event is designed for:

For-profit and non-profit social enterprises
Social purpose projects
Founders, leaders, employees and volunteers contributing to these organizations and projects
Individuals interested in working with the social enterprise sector
Community leaders working with social and cultural issues
Social enterprise and local leaders who want to share their work and ideas
Individuals looking to kickstart a new social enterprise idea
Any field of work or study

Register today!

On the day:
9:15 am – Grab a coffee and join us for an introduction
9:30 am – Workshop 1: Journey from Problem to Solution with Matthew Rempel
11:00 am – Workshop 2: Communicating a Powerful Vision and Impact to Stakeholders with Daniel Francavilla
Lunch break
1:15pm – Workshop 3: Wisdom for Social Enterprise Fundraising and Finance with Marisol Fornoni
2:45 pm – Learn more about Social Venture Circuit and the local social enterprise support system
Keynote Speaker – Shelley Kuipers, Co-Founder/Co-CEO of The51
3:30pm – Networking tables open for attendees to interact with local social enterprise supporters/leaders and conference participants
Networking tables will be open till 5:00pm

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Matthew Rempel is a social enterprise development coach and founder of Strategy Made Simple. Matthew provides resources, workshops, as well as one on one and small group coaching. His specialties include interviewing and coaching social entrepreneurs to help them clarify the core values of their operation, and to see the value that they can provide for their clients/customers and towards their social goal.
Daniel Francavilla is a creative strategist, consultant, speaker and mentor making a positive impact. As the founder of Now Creative Group, Daniel leads a team of creatives and strategists to provide branding and marketing services to startups, nonprofits and big brands. Daniel is passionate about helping others to create social change and is also the founder of non-profit organization ACCESS, through which he supports youth who are building their own initiatives for social good. Daniel received both a 40 Under 40 Award and a Business Excellence Award in 2018.
Marisol Fornoni has worked with non-profits, social enterprises and incubators across the Greater Toronto Area to diversify their revenue streams and create realistic sustainability plans since 2012. She is an experienced fundraiser and currently works with organizations to implement and test their social enterprise ideas. She has worked with organizations like the Centre for Social Innovation, Art Reach, George Brown College and Action Canada for Sexual Health & Right to explore social entrepreneurship.
Shelley Kuipers is building the world she wants to live in. As an activist in business, entrepreneurship and investment, Shelley is hellbent on taking the status quo, turning it upside down, then transforming it with more equitable, feminist, corporately sound and ecologically sustainable options. Prior to co-founding The51, Shelley founded crowdsourcing company Chaordix and software development and marketing firm, Stormworks. She is also currently co-founder of consumer participation company IOVIA, family office Adventure Capital, and Harris Kuipers, a direct to consumer, 100% sustainable clothing line, because she also secretly wants to be a fashion designer.
YOUR HOSTS
Zahra Qureshi is the founder of Social Venture Circuit. After starting her career as an accountant, she pivoted to bringing her finance experience towards growth and reporting needs specific to the social enterprise sector. She is a qualified CPA, CMA and has a Level 1 certification in Community Development for Good.
Kerone McWhinney is the Community Development Manager at Social Venture Circuit. With an education background in journalism and advertising, she has used her experience towards building communities and sharing ideas especially in the non-profit setting.

Special thank you to our sponsors!

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Once you have completed the event registration, you will receive a complete participation package by email before the conference. This will include details on how to access and navigate the event, any materials needed to participate in workshops, and details on our sponsors and guests.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Sales Bootcamp
2020-11-14 10:00 - 15:00
An intensive bootcamp to get your sales funnel started, with specialized seminars for different business types

In this full day intensive you will take a deep dive into sales basics as they apply to your business and create a sales strategy to drive revenue for your start up.
This workshop is an introduction to sales basics, followed by individualized seminars that will go deeper into specifics for your business. If you are launching or running an early stage business and need help applying systems to grow your revenue, this workshop is for you!
You Will Learn About:

Funnel management
Conversion tracking
Tools that will help you manage your sales process

You Will Gain Clarity About:

Your value proposition
Your target market
Your messaging

Agenda

10am – 12:30pm Intro to sales – Learn the basics about creating your sales strategy
12:30pm – 1pm Break for Lunch
1pm – 3pm Breakout rooms – Work in a small group setting with a coach to gain clarity around your own sales process, and start putting together an action plan for yourself.

If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com

Leap Startup League Series
This series includes five workshops designed to help you learn how to move from entrepreneurial idea to execution. All workshops are held online in partnership with ICUBE & EDGE. Also in this series:
Research Tools and BMC Validation: Wednesday September 30, 6pm-8:30pm
Digital Marketing 101: Tuesday October 13, 6-8:30pm
Finance 101: Tuesday October 27, 6-8:30pm
Pitching through Storytelling; Monday December 7, 6pm-8:30pm

Hosts
EDGE
EDGE is the place where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Sheridan. If you want to learn how to develop a business or social enterprise idea, EDGE has the resources to get you started.
ICUBE
ICUBE is a hub for idea exploration, early-stage business development, and co-working. We provide expert support, resources, and access to opportunities for entrepreneurial students and community members across all industries. Got an idea? Let’s make it!

MEDIA CONSENT
Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk

How to Run a Kick@$$ Kickstarter Campaign
2020-11-05 18:00 - 20:00
Are you looking for funding and support to make your idea happen? Crowdfunding might be the way to do it – and we’ll show you how!

Do you have an idea that you want to bring to life? Are you looking for funding and support to make it happen? Crowdfunding might be a way to do it without having to sell your business (and sometimes your soul!) to investors, while building an engaged community around your idea. Experienced crowdfunder Andrew Luba will share with you his insights and a clear framework for how you can make your idea real. Andrew’s only 27 too, so he’s going to try his darn hardest to make this online workshop more engaging and exciting than your UofT lectures. Have your laptop ready because we will be doing more than just talking!
In this workshop, we will:

Learn about and use a practical crowdfunding framework that you can apply to your idea.
Start to build your crowdfunding campaign by engaging in research, games, and other breakout activities.
Discuss your business and project ideas, and have time to ask Andrew questions as we navigate through the framework.

This event is designed for: anyone who at minimum has an idea for a business/product/service etc.
__________
Andrew is an intersectional environmental activist, inventor, and critical thinker. He has a Masters of Design in Strategic Foresight & Innovation from OCAD University, and is completing a Juris Doctor at the University of Toronto. Andrew supports projects from idea to reality: he has launched, funded, and fulfilled ten of his own crowdfunding campaigns, and has consulted on several others. He has a strong environmental ethic and a drive to make positive change. Andrew is currently producing Coextinction, a partially crowdfunded documentary about the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales on the west coast and their interconnectedness with other species, including humans. Andrew worked as a law student at the public interest environmental law charity Ecojustice last summer, and will article there in 2021. You can also check out his newest card game, FUTURES, which is donating 100% of profits to progressive social and environmental justice organizations.

RBC Speaker Series: Transforming Uncertainty into Opportunity
2020-11-05 13:00 - 14:30
Join us for an interactive fireside chat, featuring some of Canada’s top business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs.

Transforming Uncertainty into Opportunity: Entrepreneurial thinking for our new normal

It is time to start looking beyond our current pandemic-induced limitations and talk about what opportunities exist for innovators and entrepreneurs on the other side of COVID-19. It is well documented that some of the most successful companies in the world were borne out of times of crisis. Consumer behaviour will change. Demand will dry up in sectors and appear in others. New industries will emerge. The University of Toronto community is uniquely positioned to drive post-pandemic prosperity, given our strengths in both research and venture creation.
Join us for an interactive fireside chat, featuring some of Canada’s top business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs who are leading organizations that actively invest in the next generation of talent. Topics covered will include: the workplace of the future, changing fabric of cities, evolution of e-commerce and retail and the latest trends in fintech.
Moderated by:

Panelists:

When: November 5, 2020 1:00-2:30 p.m. EST
Where: Online via Zoom (registrants will receive a link prior to the session start)
This speaker series is delivered by University of Toronto Entrepreneurship. Learn more about our wide range of campus-linked accelerators and entrepreneurial initiatives here.

Finance 101
2020-10-27 18:00 - 20:30
Get crystal clear on the key components of making money in your business.

In this interactive workshop, you will focus on the key components of making money in your business. Participate in an environment that will ignite your revenue growth through guided discussions and thought-provoking exercises.
You will:

Learn why it’s imperative to get crystal clear on your revenue model
Gain the knowledge and tools required to choose a revenue model that is both feasible and that will deliver the income and life that you want
Gain a framework to establish your revenue source, pricing, who to serve, and number of clients you need to serve
Build the competence & confidence to take your business to the next level, by getting in tune with your numbers (financial forecasting)
Share, learn, and connect with other entrepreneurs

If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com

Featured Guest
Zahra Qureshi is an experienced finance professional with a demonstrated history of working in a variety of industries including mining, financial services, and technology. She has a proven focus and success in process improvement and problem solving. Well versed in all aspects of finance, accounting and business development to support companies and their growth. Zahra is also founder of the Social Venture Circuit – a nonprofit, membership group for social enterprises operating within the region of Peel.

Leap Startup League Series
This series includes five workshops designed to help you learn how to move from entrepreneurial idea to execution. All workshops are held online in partnership with ICUBE & EDGE. Also in this series:
Research Tools and BMC Validation: Wednesday September 30, 6pm-8:30pm
Digital Marketing 101: Tuesday October 13, 6-8:30pm
Sales Bootcamp: Saturday November 14, 10am-3pm
Pitching through Storytelling; Monday December 7, 6pm-8:30pm

Hosts
EDGE
EDGE is the place where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Sheridan. If you want to learn how to develop a business or social enterprise idea, EDGE has the resources to get you started.
ICUBE
ICUBE is a hub for idea exploration, early-stage business development, and co-working. We provide expert support, resources, and access to opportunities for entrepreneurial students and community members across all industries. Got an idea? Let’s make it!
If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com

MEDIA CONSENT
Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk

Crafting an Authentic Go-to-Market Strategy with Gartner
2020-10-22 12:00 - 13:00
Chris Howard and U of T startups will discuss how startups can put Gartner trends and insights to use in their market research and planning.

Featuring guest speaker Chris Howard, Chief of Research, Gartner
Hosted by Jon French, Director, U of T Entrepreneurship; and Carey Toane, Entrepreneurship Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries

In 2020, understanding your market is more important…and more challenging than ever. Consumer behaviour and demand is changing at a rapid pace and it can be difficult to know where to start.

Join Gartner Chief of Research Chris Howard, who will discuss how startups can put Gartner trends and insights to use in their market research and planning. U of T startups will share their business and market research uncertainties, followed by a Q & A. UTL entrepreneurship librarian Carey Toane will provide an introduction to U of T’s Gartner subscription and features.

When: October 22, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. EST
Where: Online via Zoom (registrants will receive a link prior to the session start)

Digital Marketing 101
2020-10-13 18:00 - 20:30
Dive deeper into the relationships you are building with customers and create a strategy for how you will communicate with them online

Together we will clarify who your ideal customer is, and map out your online presence. Explore different marketing channels, and start putting tools in place to create a landing page and marketing strategy for reaching clients and building your revenue.
You Will:

Get clear about your value proposition
Map out the ways your target customers will interact with your business
Determine what channels should be part of your marketing plan
Build a strategy for where and how you will reach your customers
Start planning your landing page and receive feedback on your strategy

Featured Guest
Garrett Hall is a business development and marketing professional with extensive business experience. Garrett’s business expertise is best demonstrated in the building of a multi-channel business from sales of $70,000 to $7.5 million; growing the customer base from 50,000 to 835,000 names (and digital customers from zero to 172,455). After selling the business to a larger company in 2009, Garrett has been involved with Business Development and Digital Marketing Consulting.
Areas of Expertise:

Traditional & digital/internet marketing
eCommerce
Operations mManagement
Product value proposition

If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com

Leap Startup League Series
This series includes five workshops designed to help you learn how to move from entrepreneurial idea to execution. All workshops are held online in partnership with ICUBE & EDGE. Also in this series:
Research Tools and BMC Validation: Wednesday September 30, 6pm-8:30pm
Finance 101: Tuesday October 27, 6-8:30pm
Sales Bootcamp: Saturday November 14, 10am-3pm
Pitching through Storytelling; Monday December 7, 6pm-8:30pm

Hosts
EDGE
EDGE is the place where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Sheridan. If you want to learn how to develop a business or social enterprise idea, EDGE has the resources to get you started.
ICUBE
ICUBE is a hub for idea exploration, early-stage business development, and co-working. We provide expert support, resources, and access to opportunities for entrepreneurial students and community members across all industries. Got an idea? Let’s make it!

MEDIA CONSENT
Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk

Feminist Business Model Canvas
2020-10-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Online, Webinar
For entrepreneurs who have explored or experimented with the Business Model Canvas, and are interested in a new model for businesses with goals beyond profit

About this Event

You’ve seen and used the well-known Business Model Canvas (Osterwalder, et al., 2010) to understand how a conventional business might structure its revenue model… but wondered, what about a business that has goals beyond profit? What about a business that has a social goal, an economic goal, and even a political goal of transforming the world and moving it towards justice and flourishing?
If you’ve been wondering how to build a revenue model that moves your business towards the future, consider the Feminist Business Modal Canvas. The FBMC addresses many of the same components of a revenue model as the conventional BMC, but takes it several steps further to help you build your values and your visions directly into your business.
In this workshop:

Get familiar with the Feminist Business Model Canvas
Learn why it was developed and how it extends our discussions of entrepreneurship.
Contrast the two business model canvases to understand how different tools help us see and seize different opportunities.
Sketch your current business idea using the FBMC to reveal places where your model can — and should– be expanded.
Learn some foundational concepts of inclusive feminism and how these are relevant to business.

This workshop is designed for:

Folks who are already familiar with business modeling and revenue generation, and who are familiar with the Osterwalder canvas or the Running Lean (Maurya) canvas.
Participants who are interested in social entrepreneurship, people+profits, triple-bottom-line models, and other progressive business initiatives will find their values affirmed and their visions broadened by this workshop.

Led by CV Harquail, PhD, of Feminists At Work

REGISTER NOW

Research Tools and BMC Validation
2020-09-30 18:00 - 20:30
Learn how to use primary and secondary research to validate your business ideas. Explore the tools available to you for market research.

A team of expert librarians from University of Toronto and Sheridan will introduce you to the market research tools available to startups in the Leap Startup League program and the EDGE/ICUBE community. You will receive training in how to conduct research, a demo of the best research tools available, and guidance in finding the information needed to validate the main areas of your business model canvas.
This workshop will be most beneficial to early stage entrepreneurs interested in learning how to conduct primary and secondary market research. Research tools specifically available to Leap Startup League, ICUBE members and Sheridan students will be explored.
You Will:

Learn about the pros and cons of different research types
Receive guidance in conducting primary and secondary research
Explore the main market research tools available through the library
Start finding key information to validate the assumptions in your business plan
Walk away with a list of valuable resources to continue your research

Guest Speakers
Carey Toane: University of Toronto Entrepreneurship Librarian at the Gerstein Science Information Centre.
Catherine Fournier-Boulianne: Liaison librarian for the Institute for Management & Innovation (IMI), University of Toronto Mississauga.
Claire Wollen: Pilon School of Business librarian at Sheridan College.
If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com

Leap Startup League Series
This series includes five workshops designed to help you learn how to move from entrepreneurial idea to execution. All workshops are held online in partnership with ICUBE & EDGE. Also in this series:
Digital Marketing 101: Tuesday October 13, 6-8:30pm
Finance 101: Tuesday October 27, 6-8:30pm
Sales Bootcamp: Saturday November 14, 10am-3pm
Pitching through Storytelling; Monday December 7, 6pm-8:30pm

Hosts
EDGE
EDGE is the place where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Sheridan. If you want to learn how to develop a business or social enterprise idea, EDGE has the resources to get you started.
ICUBE
ICUBE is a hub for idea exploration, early-stage business development, and co-working. We provide expert support, resources, and access to opportunities for entrepreneurial students and community members across all industries. Got an idea? Let’s make it!

MEDIA CONSENT
Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk

Self-Employed and Sole Proprietorship Small Business Seminar - Part 2
2020-09-10 16:00 - 17:00
Join us for a two-part webinar series with the CRA for bookkeeping tips, uncovering tax errors, and how to use online tools and services.

About this Event

EDGE and ICUBE are pleased to bring you a two-part webinar series form the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on tax knowledge and bookkeeping. The Liaison Officer Service is a free education program for current and future small business owners. The purpose of these seminars is to encourage compliance through education and to provide tax knowledge to new and existing business owners. Individual educational sessions are also available to participants after the seminar presentations to provide them with personalized educational experiences.
The second part of the webinar series for sole proprietors and self-employed individuals will uncover common tax errors made by small businesses and  provide a general overview of GST/HST as well as basic payroll information. It will also provide more information on various online tools and services offered by the CRA, such as the benchmarking tool and the CRA My Account.
This session is open to:

EDGE members
Sheridan students, faculty and staff
General public

Notes and Logistics
Please make sure you have a working internet connection.
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a free event.
Space is limited. Register now to save your spot!
This is an online webinar. Webinar link and details will be provided to you closer to the event date. If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at edge.programs@sheridancollege.ca
MEDIA CONSENT:
Screenshots, photographs and video recordings may be taken during this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please email edge.programs@sheridancollege.ca.

In Collaboration With:
ICUBE
ICUBE aspires to be the place for social entrepreneurship at University of Toronto. We offer coworking space and resources, intensive programs, workshops and events for people who are changing the world. If you want to make a difference, ICUBE is the place to help you make it.

Self-Employed and Sole Proprietorship Small Business Seminar - Part 1
2020-09-01 10:00 - 11:00
Join us for a two-part webinar series with the CRA for bookkeeping tips, uncovering tax errors, and how to use online tools and services.

About this Event

EDGE and ICUBE are pleased to bring you a two-part webinar series form the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on tax knowledge and bookkeeping. The Liaison Officer Service is a free education program for current and future small business owners. The purpose of these seminars is to encourage compliance through education and to provide tax knowledge to new and existing business owners. Individual educational sessions are also available to participants after the seminar presentations to provide them with personalized educational experiences.
The first session for sole proprietors and self-employed individuals will provide tips for keeping proper books and records as well as uncover common income tax errors and provide an overview of the tax treatments for revenue and expenses. This will include a discussion of common expenses such as business-use-of-home and motor vehicle expenses. The second session will take place on Sept 10 and will cover common tax errors and an overview of GST/HST as well as basic payroll information – check EDGE website to register separately.
This session is open to:

EDGE members
Sheridan students, faculty and staff
General public

Notes and Logistics
Please make sure you have a working internet connection.
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a free event.
Space is limited. Register now to save your spot!
This is an online webinar. Webinar link and details will be provided to you closer to the event date. If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at edge.programs@sheridancollege.ca
MEDIA CONSENT:
Screenshots, photographs and video recordings may be taken during this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please email edge.programs@sheridancollege.ca.

In Collaboration With:
ICUBE
ICUBE aspires to be the place for social entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto. We offer coworking space and resources, intensive programs, workshops and events for people who are changing the world. If you want to make a difference, ICUBE is the place to help you make it.

Network like a Pro: How to Generate Prospects Virtually
2020-08-31 13:00 - 14:30
When you network, do you get a lot of clients? Or do you find most connections lead to the exchange of info and not much else?

In this session, award-winning networker Jennifer Beale shares secrets and tips to finding potential clients at virtual business events and getting them to ask for a meeting with you. Her ideas will help you get clients right away. You will then be able to attend other virtual events and find clients and referral partners.
This event is hosted by:
Mississauga Business Enterprise Centre (MBEC), Economic Development, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Division, City of Mississauga, is your central source for small business information, resources and guidance. mississauga.ca/mbec 905-615-4460
In collaboration with:
EDGE
Sheridan’s Entrepreneurship Discovery and Growth Engine (EDGE) is an impact-focused startup incubator that offers resources, mentorship, community, training and more for early-stage entrepreneurs and changemakers.

Leap Startup League Pitch Competition
2020-08-25 19:00 - 20:30
Sheridan EDGE and ICUBE UTM have partnered to present our flagship program, the Leap Startup League, which launches emerging startups in our communities from idea to market!

Every semester we work with incredible new entrepreneurial leaders who impress us with their big ideas. Over the course of a semester, we explore their idea, interrogate assumptions, research and network to build out a plan for launch, and ultimately support our teams in their journey.

On August 25, the top finalists from our summer cohort will be pitching their businesses for a chance to win some funds from ICUBE and EDGE to help them continue putting their plan into action. Do you enjoy hearing about exciting new ventures? Curious to see what types of businesses our entrepreneurs have been building? Join us to show your support, cheer them on, and engage with our superstar cohort! Hear pitches from our finalists, and meet our entire cohort in event booths.

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Hosts

EDGE

EDGE is the place where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Sheridan. If you want to learn how to develop a business or social enterprise idea, EDGE has the resources to get you started.

ICUBE

ICUBE is a hub for idea exploration, early-stage business development, and co-working. We provide expert support, resources, and access to opportunities for entrepreneurial students and community members across all industries. Got an idea? Let’s make it!
If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com

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MEDIA CONSENT

Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk

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GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Circuit Talk: Building Back Better with Social Enterprise
2020-08-19 17:30 - 19:00
Join to explore insight and ideas from our expert panel on how we can build back thriving businesses and stronger, healthier communities.

About this Event

The Social Venture Circuit is proud to present our first public event! The webinar will be hosting an esteemed panel of local economic and business leaders. They will share perspectives and knowledge on social enterprise (SE), local communities, and The Region of Peel. You will also have a chance to pose questions and share insight on local needs and business challenges while gaining valuable takeaways for your SE and for your community.
Topics of discussion will include:

Defining the scope of social enterprise,
Doing business from the heart pre and post COVID-19,
Economic growth and outlook for The Region of Peel,
Shortage of essential products and services,
Understanding and supporting underserved communities and,
Other social shifts affecting the success and prosperity of The Region of Peel.

Through the multi-faceted lens of diverse local champions, the Social Venture Circuit invites you to connect with community leaders and changemakers trying to make a positive difference in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon.

Storytelling Pitch Prep
2020-07-21 18:00 - 20:30
Register Here
About this Event

In this interactive workshop, you will receive feedback and coaching on your business story. Craft strong content that resonates with your audience for use in marketing materials, or for talking about your business in every day practice. Learn the features of a strong pitch, and prepare for future pitch competitions, funding or investor meetings, and more.
You will:

Learn about narrative structures: why they work, and how to harness them for communication in your business
Build you own business story, for use in marketing and talking about your venture
Receive one on one coaching to improve your story and presentation skills
Learn the features and expectations for a formal pitch
Practice in a safe environment with peers and industry experts

Leap Startup League Series
This series includes five workshops designed to help you learn how to move from entrepreneurial idea to execution. All workshops are held online in partnership with ICUBE & EDGE. Also in this series:
Research Tools and BMC Validation: Tuesday June 9, 6pm-8:30pm
Sales Bootcamp: Saturday June 13, 10am-4pm
Marketing 101: Tuesday June 23, 6pm-8:30pm
Finance 101: Tuesday June 30, 6pm-8:30pm
If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com
MEDIA CONSENT
Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk
Register Here

Finance 101
2020-06-30 18:00 - 20:30
Register Here
About this Event

In this interactive workshop, you will focus on the key components of making money in your business. Participate in an environment that will ignite your revenue growth through guided discussions and thought-provoking exercises..
You will:

Learn why it’s imperative to get crystal clear on your revenue model
Gain the knowledge and tools required to choose a revenue model that is both feasible and that will deliver the income and life that you want
Gain a framework to establish your revenue source, pricing, who to serve, and number of clients you need to serve
Build the competence & confidence to take your business to the next level, by getting in tune with your numbers (financial forecasting)
Share, learn, and connect with other entrepreneurs

Leap Startup League Series
This series includes five workshops designed to help you learn how to move from entrepreneurial idea to execution. All workshops are held online in partnership with ICUBE & EDGE. Also in this series:
Research Tools and BMC Validation: Tuesday June 9, 6pm-8:30pm
Sales Bootcamp: Saturday June 13, 10am-4pm
Marketing 101: Tuesday June 23, 6pm-8:30pm
Pitching through Storytelling; Tuesday July 21, 6pm-8:30pm
Hosts
EDGE

EDGE is the place where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Sheridan. If you want to learn how to develop a business or social enterprise idea, EDGE has the resources to get you started.

ICUBE

ICUBE is a hub for idea exploration, early-stage business development, and co-working. We provide expert support, resources, and access to opportunities for entrepreneurial students and community members across all industries. Got an idea? Let’s make it!

If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com
MEDIA CONSENT
Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk

Register Here

Marketing Workshop 101
2020-06-23 18:00 - 20:30
Register Here
About this Event

Together we will clarify who your ideal customer is, and map out their customer journey. Learn the phases of the customer relationship, explore different marketing channels, and start putting tools in place to create a marketing strategy for reaching clients and building your revenue.
You Will:

Get clear about your value proposition
Map out the ways your target customers will interact with your business
Determine what channels should be part of your marketing plan
Build a strategy for where and how you will reach your customers at each stage of their journey

Guest – Garrett Hall
Garrett Hall is a business development and marketing professional with extensive business
experience. Garrett’s business expertise is best demonstrated in the building of a multi-channel
business from sales of $70,000 to $7.5 million; growing the customer base from 50,000 to
835,000 names (and digital customers from zero to 172,455). After selling the business to a
larger company in 2009, Garrett has been involved with Business Development and Digital
Marketing Consulting.
Areas of Expertise:

Traditional & digital/internet marketing
eCommerce
Operations mManagement
Product value proposition

Leap Startup League Series
This series includes five workshops designed to help you learn how to move from entrepreneurial idea to execution. All workshops are held online in partnership with ICUBE & EDGE. Also in this series:
Research Tools and BMC Validation: Tuesday June 9, 6pm-8:30pm
Sales Bootcamp: Saturday June 13, 10am-4:00pm
Finance 101: Tuesday June 30, 6pm-8:30pm
Pitching through Storytelling; Tuesday July 21, 6pm-8:30pm
Hosts
EDGE

EDGE is the place where entrepreneurship and innovation thrive at Sheridan. If you want to learn how to develop a business or social enterprise idea, EDGE has the resources to get you started.

ICUBE

ICUBE is a hub for idea exploration, early-stage business development, and co-working. We provide expert support, resources, and access to opportunities for entrepreneurial students and community members across all industries. Got an idea? Let’s make it!

If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at leapstartup@arezue.com
MEDIA CONSENT
Photographs and video recordings may be taken at this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please speak to one of the organizers at the Registration Desk

Register Here

Pivoting Successfully in Times of Uncertainty
2020-06-22 11:00 - 12:00 | Online, Webinar
Address the challenges associated with pivoting your business or operating model.

About this Event

PARTICIPANTS MUST COMPLETE THE GOOGLE FORM TO BE ELIGIBLE TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP!
https://forms.gle/hjxZMYjJ6XECouuR8
ShiftRight in partnership with UTM’s ICUBE presents, ‘Pivoting successfully in times of Uncertainty’
Are you an entrepreneur struggling to navigate the ‘new normal’?
Do you feel stuck and uncertain on how to effectively pivot your business model or strategy?
If so, join Aymen Dewji – Managing Partner at ShiftRight for an interactive workshop where we will explore how to determine when it’s time to shift your strategy and how to do so effectively!
Description:
Pivoting to a radically new business model during times of change and uncertainty can be a daunting task. As entrepreneurs managing start-ups we need to react relatively quickly while remaining strategic and pragmatic with our approach. During this interactive workshop we will explore some of the common challenges most entrepreneurs face when needing to consider alternative ways of doing business and discuss how to tackle them effectively!
We will explore the following:
• How to know when it’s time to pivot – 6 scenarios when you may need to pivot to a new business model
• How to pivot effectively – so you decided to change your focus, now what?
• Recognize how pivoting can help you move forward
• Tips to stay focused on your life and business goals through major changes
Note: Registrants for this workshop must complete the survey. Thank you!
For more information on services provided please visit http://shiftright.ca

UofT PRIDE PITCH
2020-06-17 16:00 - 18:00
Apply as a Contestant
Join as an Attendee

U of T Entrepreneurship and Positive Space is thrilled to announce the first U of T PRIDE Pitch Competition. Students from all three campuses are welcome to apply now for #UofTPRIDEPITCH – the new competition offering $4,000 in cash prizes to recognize, reward and accelerate the U of T’s LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Selected individuals or teams will compete by showcasing their idea via a five-minute pitch to a panel of judges.
Eligibility
The team has at least one founder who is a current U of T student, post-doc or a recent alum (i.e. graduated no earlier than July 2017).
At least one of the team members identify themselves as LGBTQ+
Open to all faculties and sectors across the tri-campus.
Applicants must have less than $100,000 cumulative funding or investment, and less than $25,000 cumulative revenue as of April 1, 2020.
Entrants must be able to present their pitch via Zoom to the panellists on June 17th, 2020.
Competition preparation with an advisor: The finalists will be notified by June 8th and encouraged to work with an advisor ICUBE to help them prepare and perfect their pitch.
Competition day on June 17th, 2020: The competition will take place from 4:00-6:00PM on Wednesday, June 17th via Zoom with 5 finalists. Each team will present a five-minute pitch to a panel of experts followed by a five-minute Q and A from the panel. Two winners will be announced on the following day and win cash prizes to develop their ideas.
Judging Criteria
At both the entry and competition day stages, the panel of judges will be looking for the idea’s:
Opportunity: A clearly identified a problem and articulated and compelling value proposition
Viability and impact: Demonstrated market opportunity and knowledge
Growth potential: Sustainable and scalable idea Innovation: Intellectual property and/or strong competitive differentiation
Talent: A strong team
Communication skills: An effective and persuasive overall Application and pitch presentation

Apply as a Contestant
Join as an Attendee

Crystal Wong Kruger on Jelly Social
2020-06-11 17:00
I am here to proudly announce that our ICUBE Scale-up member Crystal Wong Kruger from LIOHAN is invited as a guest speaker on Jelly Social. This event will be live streamed on Jelly Social’s Instagram on June 11th at 5pm EST. One of the main topics that Crystal will be discussing about Is “Finding your way as an entrepreneur when you’re passionate about everything”. In addition, she will talk about her own entrepreneurial journey as well as many other aspects of the life as an entrepreneur.

Broadcasting link: https://www.instagram.com/jellysocial/
LIOHAN Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liohan.space
LIOHAN Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liohan.space/

Aligning Your Startup or Social Enterprise to the UN Sustainable Develop
2020-06-03 00:00 - 2020-06-21 00:00
About this Event

EDGE is pleased to host a session by S.S. Ahmad and Jaipaul Massey-Singh who will share insights on how to integrate UN SDGs within your social enterprise. Introduced by the United Nations in 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 Global Goals that address global challenges such as poverty, inequality, consumption and production and climate change.
In this two-part webinar series, you will learn about:
Part 1 (June 3) – the UN SDGs framework, how to map and localize SDGs to your startup or social enterprise and approaches for measuring impact.
Part 2 (June 11) – practices for working with boards, other partners and funders to implement SDGs and considerations for post-COVID resilient and inclusive recovery.
We hope to keep the sessions interactive so bring your ideas and questions.

PLEASE NOTE: You are encouraged to attend both webinars for a robust exploration of practices and strategies. You will need to register for each date separately.
This session is open to:

EDGE members

Sheridan students, faculty and staff

General public

Featured Guests:
S.S. Ahmad
S.S. Ahmad is inspired by the youth in our community who are working tirelessly to make the world a better place. She founded Green Beacon, a social enterprise, to enable organizations to localize and integrate United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). S. has developed knowledge, competencies, and experiences working in diverse sectors including finance, higher education, government, and non-profit. She serves her community in several capacities including as the Chair of City of Waterloo’s Advisory Committee on Culture and on the Board of Waterloo Public Library. Passionate about working with young people, she engages as a mentor in several organizations including the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network Local Pathways Fellowship program. S. is always ready to collaborate to advance the Global Agenda 2030 and localize SDGs as a path forward towards a just, equitable, and inclusive society.

Jaipaul Massey-Singh
Jaipaul Massey-Singh has made a career out of following his curiosity and seeking opportunities to do engaging and impactful work. He has been fortunate to build experience across a wide range of industries in both the private and public sectors including healthcare, technology, education, and cannabis. He brings a human-centred design approach to projects and seeks out initiatives championing sustainability, diversity & inclusion, social innovation, and food security. Jaipaul is also passionate about community leadership and serves as Chair of the Board at the Brampton Library, leads the City of Brampton Action Committee on Innovation and Post-Secondary Education, and is involved in initiatives.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please make sure you have a working internet connection.
This is a free event.
Space is limited. Register now to save your spot!

This is an online webinar. Webinar link and details will be provided to you closer to the event date. If you require any accommodations to register or to ensure your full participation in this event, please let us know at edge.programs@sheridancollege.ca
MEDIA CONSENT:
Screenshots, photographs and video recordings may be taken during this event. Your image may be used in printed and electronic publications for promotional and educational purposes and may be made available to the media and other third parties or published on the Internet. By registering for any of our events, you understand and acknowledge that your image may be taken and used at our discretion. If you have concerns about your image being used for these purposes, please email edge.programs@sheridancollege.ca.

Youth Programs - Summer Company
2020-05-31 00:00 - 2020-07-31 00:00
Summer Company is a key component of the Ontario government’s young entrepreneurs programs, which aims to encourage more young people to turn their talents into creative and innovative businesses. Summer Company provides virtual business training and mentoring, together with awards of up to $3,000 to help enterprising students start up and run their own summer business.
Eligible candidates must be between 15-29 years of age, a student returning to school in the fall of 2020, a resident of Ontario, Canadian citizen or Landed Immigrant and is not to be operating an existing business or be employed full time over the course of the summer. In addition, students must be prepared to commit a minimum of 8 -12 consecutive weeks full-time to the experience.
Students apply to the program by completing a comprehensive business plan and participating in a virtual interview.
For information about the Summer Company program and to apply for summer 2020, visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany
Deadline has been extended until May 31, 2020 or until spaces are filled.
UPDATE: Summer Company Program remains available, however the program is pivoting the types of businesses allowed in the program due to COVID19. Student businesses should not require direct interaction with anyone and must follow social distancing rules.

H2i’s Go-To-Market Series Module 1: MedTech and Device companies
2020-05-20 12:00 - 15:00
Now that you have defined your problem, assessed the market opportunity, created a solution that addresses the problem and differentiates you from your competition, it is time to build a bottoms up plan to create the value propositions specific to your customer base, business models and channels to propel your product into the marketplace.

How Growing Companies Guard Against Unexpected Events
2020-05-19 12:00 - 13:00
The business world has experienced a plethora of unusual and unexpected events throughout history. Yet we are conditioned to believe “the chances of that happening to me are one in a million; that can’t happen to me!”
It is true that a probability of an “occurrence” or “accidental loss” is often compared to winning the lottery, therefore business managers believe the chances of an unexpected financial loss to their business is possible at best but not alarming enough to cause any great concern. But as we have learned from history, the more prevalent an exposure becomes the more probable a related loss also becomes (i.e.: global climate change and increased weather- related losses).
Therefore, it is equally as important to shed a light on the rise of emerging technology. As new technology becomes more prevalent the more probable related losses can become, at various degrees within its various sectors.
A strong risk management/insurance program requires a clear understanding of:
1) the unexpected losses that have disrupted other related business,
2) the frequency in which those losses have occurred,
3) and the severity of impact those losses have had on those businesses
Recent events have now intensified this light on the technology sector by:
• exposing vulnerabilities that were not previously considered as such,
• increasing demand for specific services
• forcing unplanned changes in business objectives,
• rapid factory retooling
This session will explore how companies can guard against the growing risk exposures in today’s world and through various insurance claims examples, gain a more acute awareness of the type of unexpected losses that could severely disrupt or topple business goals.

Market Research Orientation for Startups
2020-05-15 12:00 - 13:00
This brief orientation covers the key market research databases and other tools available to U of T startups via U of T Libraries. These secondary market research tools can assist startups in business planning and market sizing, as well as completing business model canvases and other milestones. This session is most appropriate for startups who are already working on an idea.
Participants will:
-familiarize themselves with the core research tools and databases offered to startups
-understand how to access e-resources from off-campus
-learn about other workshops and services the library provides for campus entrepreneurs

The New Frontier: Tips and Tricks for Remaining Productive
2020-05-14 12:00 - 13:00
A large portion of the global workforce has recently been encouraged, or in some cases required, to work remotely. While some may be familiar with working outside of the office, for others, it is a new experience. According to the World Economic Forum, only 7% of U.S. workers previously had the option to work from home regularly. [1] Nevertheless, employees are expected to maintain productivity.
This intense learning curve has created questions regarding ongoing best practices. How can managers and individuals create an engaged community from behind a computer screen?
Join JLABS and Slack for a session as we investigate the best tips and tricks for working remotely. We will cover how to stay committed to your team, build boundaries, alternatives for those vital face-to-face interactions, and strategies that could help enable success. Specifically, for startups, we will investigate the best ways to run a team on limited resources and tips and approaches for you to use to potentially hit milestones from your home office
Sources:
[1] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/03/working-from-home-coronavirus-workers-future-of-work/

Navigating the New Normal: Government Grants and Aid
2020-05-13 16:00 - 17:00
Find some support in uncertain times by accessing different forms of funding and support.
In this workshop you will:

Gain clarity on available funding options and how to access these opportunities
Learn about how can these opportunities can benefit your business
Discuss questions and concerns with experts from Futurpreneur, IRAP and Technation

Join us for this virtual workshop as we support each other through uncertain times.

Scale Up Sales Intensive
2020-05-07 16:00 - 17:30
Sales Intensive
Open to ICUBE Scale Ups – limited seats available
Our growing companies told us that sales is one of the most challenging aspects for them in business at the best of times – and especially now, more learning and support is needed. So, we created our first Sales Intensive, designed just for Scale Ups. This program will provide a personalized deep dive that will get you ready to meet your 2020 sales goals.
Join our sales coach and a dedicated cohort of scale ups for three sessions:

Sales Planning and Process for Driving Revenues
Thursday May 7, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Messaging your Value Proposition to Gain Competitive Advantage
Thursday May 21, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Revenue Generation Skills – Performing at your Best
Thursday June 4, 4:00pm – 5:30pm

All participants will receive one-on-one sales coaching in follow up.
*Please note: All sessions are all online via Zoom
If this sounds like a great fit for your growing company, apply now. Seats are limited, to allow for individualization and maximize interaction with the sales coach for all participants. Applicants must be available for all sessions.
Apply Here

Start Up Sphere
2020-04-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Hopin
Meet, learn and collaborate online with Mississauga’s thriving startup community.

For startup founders, social entrepreneurs and the entrepreneurially curious, Startup Sphere is a chance to make meaningful connections – especially important during this time of physical distancing.
EDGE and ICUBE have joined forces to bring the startup community together. You’ll have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other local entrepreneurs, find talent, get insights from industry experts and learn how to access supports to help grow your early stage startup or social enterprise.

This event will be hosted on the Hopin platform.

Schedule

Apr 30 1:00PM–1:20PM · Networking

Apr 30 1:20PM–1:30PM · Main Stage

Welcome and Introductions

Apr 30 1:30PM–1:50PM · Sessions

Chat with an Expert – Round One

Apr 30 1:50PM–2:10PM · Sessions

Chat with an Expert – Round Two

Apr 30 2:10PM–2:20PM · Main Stage

Closing Remarks

Apr 30 2:20PM–3:00PM · Networking

Networking and Expo
