Small Business BC, alongside our partners at Envision Financial, is excited to announce the long-awaited return of our popular Build. Grow. Thrive. virtual event series. This FREE day of education is designed to equip attendees with the skills and resources they need to thrive in today’s rapidly changing BC economy.

You’re invited to join us remotely on Tuesday, September 28^th for a day of education that gathers our community to learn, network and share their tips for thriving in changing economic conditions. With small businesses accounting for 98 per cent of all business in our province, we keenly understand the challenges entrepreneurs currently face. That’s why each session has been designed to deliver practical advice tailored toward navigating our “new normal.”

Build. Grow. Thrive. Agenda

9:00AM: Virtual Event Doors Open

9:30AM-10:00AM: General Networking

Take a seat in one of our networking rooms, introduce yourself to fellow attendees, or take some time to meet with the exhibitors at our virtual trade show and learn how they can help your business. Keep an eye on the announcements in our lobby for regular updates throughout the day.

10:00AM – 10:15AM: Welcome and Introductory Remarks (Main Stage)

Join us for the launch of the day’s schedule, with remarks from Tom Conway, CEO at Small Business BC and David Lanphear, President of Envision Financial.

10:15AM-10:55AM: Trends and Changes for Digital Transformation (Main Stage) – Presented by Digital Main Street

During COVID-19, it’s been proven customers are still out there – they’ve just migrated online. Join the experts from Digital Main Street and learn key tips and best practices for taking your digital presence to the next level.

11:00AM – 11:15AM: Breakout Room – with Digital Main Street

Join Digital Main Street in our Breakout Room, and network and ask questions related to your business. These shorter breakout sessions offer a smaller, more casual environment for learning.

11:15AM – 11:55AM: Resiliency in the Face of Change (Main Stage) – Presented by Envision Financial

Needing financial guidance during the pandemic? While your focus during this time is understandably on surviving, slow times also present an opportunity to fine-tune your business, and identify areas of potential growth. Join Kevin Lehman, Business Banking at Envision Financial to learn how to stay resilient in the face of change.

12:00PM – 12:15PM: Breakout Room – with Envision Financial

Join Envision Financial in our Breakout Room, network and find answers relating to your unique business situation. These shorter breakout sessions offer a smaller, more casual environment for learning.

12:15PM – 1:30PM: Panel Discussion: Navigating Entrepreneurship – Real Life Stories of Resiliency (Main Stage)

The business start-up phase is a thrilling time with endless possibilities. It’s also a challenging period with plenty of learning. Learn valuable tips and approaches from those who have successfully navigated this path and discover shortcuts for the road ahead. This panel discussion will last approximately 60 minutes, with 15 minutes at the end for questions and answers.

Entrepreneurs Include:

• Nicole McLaren, Founder & CEO, Raven Reads
• Sam Morris, Operations Director & Founder, FarOut Wilderness
• Brian Smith, CEO, Persephone Brewing Company
• Ryan Popoff, Founder, Popov Leather

Moderated by Karley Cunningham, Big Bold Brand

1:45PM – 2:25PM: Market Research: Finding the Trends During COVID-19 (Main Stage) – Presented by Small Business BC

Join Mark Eversfield, Market Research Analyst, Small Business BC, and learn how market research can inform how your business handles the COVID-19 pandemic. In his trademark informative and entertaining style, Mark will detail how to gather information about your current and potential customers, changes to consumer behaviour as a result of the pandemic, and other key data tools for making successful business decisions in a time of uncertainty. This presentation will last approximately 30 minutes, with 10 minutes for questions and answers at the end.

2:30PM – 2:45PM: Breakout Room – With Small Business BC

Join Mark Eversfield of Small Business BC in our Breakout Room and receive advice on market research specific to your business. These shorter breakout sessions offer a smaller, more casual environment for learning.

2:45PM – 2:50PM: Closing Remarks (Main Stage)

2:30PM – 3:30PM: Post Event Networking

 

What to Expect at Build. Grow. Thrive.

While our event is taking place virtually, it’s our goal to replicate as much of the in-person event experience as possible. Join us for as much (or as little) of Build. Grow. Thrive. as you can. Here’s what to expect on the day:

Practical Insights from Industry Experts

Our speakers have been there and done that. They’re ready to share insights they’ve gained from a lifetime of entrepreneurial experiences.

Invaluable Networking Opportunities

Opportunities to network with fellow business owners have been curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mingle with several hundred locally based entrepreneurs in our virtual networking rooms. Build valuable connections that will help your business.

British Columbia’s Leading Tools and Resources for Entrepreneurs

Between Small Business BC’s educational resources and Envision Financial’s best-in-class business banking services you’ll finish the day informed and ready to navigate the challenges ahead.

Breakout Rooms

Meet with our speakers in a dedicated space and ask them tailored questions relating to your business.

The Support of a Community

During times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, we are stronger when we come together. Learn from those experiencing similar challenges, hear how they pivoted, and leave inspired to take your business to the next level.

How it Works

By now, you’ve likely been on enough Zoom calls and virtual get togethers to understand what to expect. Perhaps you’ve joined us for one of our previous Build. Grow. Thrive. events? If not, no worries, here’s how the process works. Start by clicking the “Register Now” button at the top of the page to secure your place.

Prior to the Event

After registration, you will receive a confirmation email. This means your place is secure and no further action is required until the day of the event.

30 minutes before the event begins, you will receive a reminder email with the direct link to the event. At this point, the virtual doors will be open and

Welcome to Build. Grow. Thrive.

Once you enter the virtual event, you’ll be in the lobby area. On the left-hand side of your screen, you’ll have several options:

• Lobby – major announcements and agenda items
• Main Stage – where the main presentations will take place
• Breakout Room – a place for small group discussion with presenters following sessions
• Networking – meet and build meaningful connections with fellow attendees speed dating style! Swap LinkedIn info or contact details before time runs out…
• Expo Booths – visit our exhibitors and find out how they can help your small business
• Event Attendees – want to connect with a specific attendee? Book a meeting directly through our Accelevents platform

Housekeeping

• At any point in the presentation, feel free to raise questions through the Q&A function at the main stage. It’s as simple as typing your question into a box and hitting submit.
• You can also chat in the lobby using the lobby chat box
• Keep an eye on your notifications and meeting requests at the top of the screen. This is where you’ll be alerted when people want to connect with you.

Troubleshooting

This is our third time delivering Build. Grow. Thrive. virtually and we wanted to share some common issues to help you enjoy a seamless experience on the day.

• The optimal web browser to use for our Accelevents platform is Google Chrome
• Please allow cookies and access to mic and camera in our Networking Area
• For best experience, close any other programs that use your camera (Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams etc) while in the Networking Area
• Keep an eye on our Announcements Section for updates throughout the day
• We will host an Info Desk on the day where attendees can find answers to any technical questions