Proactive small business owners and executives are beginning to fill their calendars for the month, however should keep some space for the following small business events. Across Ontario, business leaders can network with other industry professionals and visit live events to develop greater perspective on key industry issues.
Mentor Works’ government funding professionals will be attending these events and can answer all of your questions about Canadian government grants and loans for business.
Not able to attend one of the following live events? Mentor Works hosts industry and project-specific webinars to help businesses access critical sources of funding. Discover how to receive government grants, loans to extend project cash flow, and how your business can accelerate the process of obtaining government funding for your projects.
Register Now for Small Business Networking and Industry Events
Businesses may access more details and register for these small business events by clicking on the event’s date and name.
May 9: Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) Discovery
The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) is a federally-funded organization that assists the collaboration of colleges, universities, research hospitals, and industry partners. Through these collaborations, new technologies are being developed and commercialized at an accelerated rate.
During OCE’s annual Discovery showcase in 2015, over 3,000 attendees (representing industry, academia, and the government) participated to witness new technologies, discover best-practices in research methods, and identify new opportunities for leading industry-academic research projects.
Join Mentor Works’ Business Development Executive, Kerri Raposo, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on May 9, 2016 to identify how your Ontario business can begin completing research and development projects that lead to the commercialization of innovative products or processes.
May 10: Kitchener Chamber of Commerce Manufacturing Summit 2016
The Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to improving business communities and industry support services. As the voice of business excellence in Kitchener-Waterloo, one of the fastest growing tech hubs in North America, the group provides networking, education, and advocacy events throughout the year.
The Chamber’s Manufacturing Summit 2015 event will feature business success stories from the Kitchener-Waterloo manufacturing community that detail how innovation and adaptability is a key component of any successful company. Through keynote speeches and individual breakout sessions, participants will develop an awareness of how their business can evolve and grow.
Attendees can discuss innovative research and development projects with Mentor Works’ Business Development Executive, Jeff Dumart, at this event. Discover Canadian government grants and loans for a variety of manufacturing business expansion projects, including production enhancements and energy efficiency upgrades.
May 18: Proven and Effective Strategies to Fuel the Growth of Your Manufacturing Business
The “Proven and Effective Strategies that can help Fuel the Growth of Your Business” seminar will feature economic development and government funding experts from across southern Ontario, including Mentor Works’ President and Founder, Bernadeen McLeod.
This event will help your manufacturing business develop a total understanding of the government funding landscape, including key government grants and loans that can fuel your business’ growth. Read more about this workshop.
May 26: Food Processing Human Resources Council: Speaking Food Conference
The Food Processing Human Resources Council (FPHRC) provides educational tools and programs for the Canadian agri-food processing industry. As a top influencer and resource for the industry, FPHRC seeks to increase the level of knowledge help by Canadian food processors and therefore strengthen the food processing industry.
FPHRC’s Speaking Food Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) provides an opportunity for businesses to network with other industry professionals and attend educational workshops. Discover industry trends and gain a competitive edge through this all-day event.
While you’re there, be sure to watch for Alexandra (Alex) Barlow, Business Development Executive for Mentor Works. If you wish to discuss your business’ opportunities to receive Canadian government funding, she will be pleased to assist your request. Use this event to discover strategies for maximizing your project funding.
Canadian Government Funding for Small Business – May 2016 Webinars
Businesses may access more details and register for these small business webinars by clicking on the workshop’s date and name.
May 16: Support Your Agri-Business’ Growth with Grant Funding
Canadian small business grants are available for agricultural producers and processors. Discover a collection of federal and Ontario government funding programs to support your business.
Webinar Key Takeaways:
- Project funding for product or technology development, marketing activities, capacity building, and employee training;
- Grants for production equipment & business software implementation;
- Funding to help expand and promote your product in export markets.
May 18: Scale-Up Your Manufacturing Business with Government Grants and Loans
Established manufacturers have a variety of government funding options to extend cash flow and enhance their business’ ability to grow. Canadian government funding programs are supported by the federal and provincial governments to purchase equipment, perform research and development, and train your skilled employees.
Webinar Key Takeaways:
- Research and development grants to improve products or processes;
- Government grants and loans to access international markets;
- Funding to hire skilled labour and train production employees.
May 24: Research Funding for Business Innovation
Performing research and development activities is a critical strategy for any business seeking a competitive advantage in their industry. Find Canadian government funding to support internal R&D projects, or collaborate with post-secondary student researchers to breakthrough your internal innovation challenge.
Webinar Key Takeaways:
- How to fund internal R&D projects such as product development or process improvements;
- Government funding to access post-secondary researchers and institutions;
- How to reduce research and development labour costs by 50-80%.
May 27: Grants & Government Funding to Grow Your Automotive Manufacturing Business
The automotive manufacturing industry has experienced growth within the last couple of years, and as result, has created new opportunities for businesses within the sector. To address the growing demand for Canadian automotive products, the federal and Ontario provincial governments have implemented new grants and incentives to spur the growth of your business.
Webinar Key Takeaways:
- Project funding for adopting new technology, developing innovative products and processes, and employee training programs;
- How to access automotive grants and loans specifically for your industry;
- Funding for large-scale business expansion and job creation
Small Business Funding Resources to Empower Your Company in May
Businesses have the opportunity to access Canadian government funding grants and loans throughout the year, however May is often highlighted by the starting of grants and wage subsidies to hire recent post-secondary graduates. During the month of May you will be able to hire recent post-secondary graduates for your business, and in doing so, may be eligible to receive up to 50-100% of the recent graduate’s wages to a maximum of $20,000 (depending on the industry or position being recruited).
To learn more about your business’ eligibility to receive hiring grants and wage subsidy programs, you may contact Mentor Works by using our Wage Subsidy Identifier tool. By providing us with some information about your position or type of recent grad you want to hire, we will help match you to the best hiring grants available.
Recent Canadian Small Business Events:
- New Skills Development Fund Capital Stream Intake Now Open
- Alberta Export Expansion Program: Trade Show Grant Up to $15K
- Mentor Works Rebranding into Ryan: What This Means for You and Your Business
- Businesses Prioritizing Sustainability with Cleantech Tax Credits
- Ontario Creates IDM Fund: Futures Forward Startup Workshops Are Ready for Registration