09:30 - 10:00 AM

10:00 - 10:45 AM 

Registration & Coffee 

 Workshop: Starting a Small Business
Presenter: Deborah Smith, Aboriginal Business Service Network

So you want to start a small business but don't know where to start? This workshop will cover the basics of starting a small business in Manitoba to help you start on the right path.

 11:00 - Noon 

Workshop:  Everything You Ever Needed to Know About Financing Your Business
Presenter: Nancy Brommell, Women's Enterprise Centre of Manitoba

Whether you are starting your business or need money to grow it, you need to know what your options for financing are, the key factors in whether or not you get a loan, including the importance of credit score.  There will also be a brief overview of some financial programs that may be available to you!

Noon - 1:30 PM

Lunch n' Learn
Enjoy complientary lunch while you are inspired by keynote speaker Ivan Cook, a Metis entrepreneur and inventor from Lac Brochet, as he tells his tales about bringing a product to market and the challenges and rewards of being your own boss. Ivan was a finalist in the 2011 Big !dea!

You'll also hear from local entrepreneur, Jerome Conaty, owner of Funky Threadz in The Pas.

After lunch, there will be time to visit the booths and meet business service providers who may be able to help you "pave your path to success". 

1:30 - 2:15 PM 

Workshop: Business Trends & Opportunities
Presenter: Lindsay Dandeneau, Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade

What are the trends that affect your small business and why should you care? Are you looking for a business idea but don't know where to start? This workshop will explore ther difference between trends and fads and highlight some opportunities for your small business. 

 2:30 - 3:15 PM

 Workshop: Making the Pitch: Pitching Your Business in 60 Seconds
Presenter: Gilbert Dion, Louis Riel Capital Corporation

You have an amazing product or service to sell.  You step into an elevator with Dragons' Den Kevin O'Leary.  What do you say?  You want your audience to believe in your business.  That's not always easy.  This session will focus on solutions so that you make your next sale and don't become an example from Tim Berry's blog post, "10 Things I Hated About Your Business Pitch"! 

3:30 PM 

Prize Draws & Closing