Start-up Sessions

Every business needs a solid foundation. This series of 10 free online learning sessions will set you up with the skills and knowledge needed to successfully launch your new business.

START-UP STAGE

Are you ready to launch? Do you know how to build a solid foundation for your start-up?

You’ve done the research, tested your idea and are ready to launch! This is an exciting time, but there are things you need to put in place to ensure your business is well-positioned for success both now and in the future. Our Start-up Sessions will help you work through the essential steps to launching a small business.

  • Launch Your Start-up

The Sessions

Each of the ten sessions runs 30 minutes or less and concludes with a quiz. You will receive tools, templates, and helpful resources throughout.

Start-Up Illustration

13

LESSONS

13 essential sessions covering all the basics

30

MINUTES

Complete each session in 30 minutes or less

2

LANGUAGES

All e-learning sessions available in French & English

  1. Entrepreneurship

This session supports you in thinking through things before taking the first steps into entrepreneurship. Starting a small business is not easy, but there are steps you can take to ensure you are set up for success.

2. Business Model Canvas

Defining your business model is an important step in this process. The Business Model Canvas (BMC) tool provides a framework you can use to think through and define your business. It will help you understand your business model in a straightforward, structured way.

3. Market Research

Conducting market research is critical for start-ups, as it will help you understand your customers, competition and the demand for your offering based on facts and analysis. This information will then inform your business decisions and strategy.

4. Marketing

Marketing is essential for all businesses, but even more so for start-ups — your target market needs to become aware of your business and understand what you offer. In this session, we will help you uncover how to successfully market your new business.

5. Branding

Creating a brand is an important part of how you communicate your value to both customers and potential customers. During this session, we will discuss what branding is and why it is important, then cover a variety of ways to brand your business for maximum impact.

6. Pricing

Knowing how to price your product or service is essential to the success of your business. There are many factors to consider including customer needs, competition and costs. This session will help you determine how to figure out the best pricing strategy for your particular offering.

7. Sales

There are so many things to be considered including media types, communication channels and your competition. Developing a well-mapped out sales process is a critical step to building and growing a successful business. The goal of this session is to equip you with the knowledge and tools to develop your own plan.

8. Record Keeping

Tracking your finances is critical for the success of your new business — it is the only way you will know how you are doing. Strong record keeping skills will keep you on top of your business and help you make important decisions.  The goal of this session is to support you in managing your business finances.

9. Social Media

Social media is an important channel for marketing your business, as well as cost-effective way to connect with your customers.  This session is intended to help new users understand the benefits of social media as well as best practices for promoting your new business.

10. Intellectual Property

Intellectual Property refers to anything you have created, such as a product design, a special sauce for a burger or even your business name. This session will explain what is considered Intellectual Property (IP), and how to protect it and make it part of your long-term business strategy.

11. Sales Fundamentals for Small Business

Learn how to attract the right customers, build trust, and close sales with clarity and confidence. This course provides practical strategies, tools, and a repeatable sales process to help you strengthen customer relationships and grow your business.

12. Steps to Importing

Learn the fundamentals of importing goods into Canada, from sourcing and legal requirements to financial risk, logistics, costs, regulations, and customs. This course provides practical guidance to help you navigate the importing process with confidence.

13. Steps to Exporting

Learn the fundamentals of exporting and what it takes to successfully bring your products or services to international markets. This course covers export readiness, market research, regulations, logistics, pricing, risk management, and practical steps to help you grow beyond Canada.

Find Your Local Small Business Centre

Did you know there are 54 Small Business Centre locations throughout Ontario? Expert business advisors are available to provide entrepreneurs and small businesses with information and advice specific to their business.