We're hosting a series of events that combine speakers and facilitated workshops for local employers. The Workforce Connect Series invites industry thought leaders top share insights, ideas, and experiences. Facilitated workshops will help reinforce key points.

Our 2021 Labour Market Study highlighted the challenges facing employers in the region -- specifically issues with recruitment, retention, and a lack of knowledge of resources available for employers. This series addresses a regional need, and help employers access new resources.

Understanding the importance of customer service and tools for success.

In today's competitive market, exceptional customer service is not just a differentiator but a necessity. This comprehensive one-day training program is designed to equip participants with the skills and insights needed to elevate their customer service standards and build lasting relationships with clients.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be empowered with a toolkit of customer service strategies, communication skills, and emotional intelligence insights to transform every customer interaction into a positive, impactful experience.

Get your questions answered about the Downtown Revitalization Incentive Program!

Maximize productivity with Microsoft 365 tools to grow your small business!

Strengthen your connections within our local entrepreneurial community

Boost your business savvy with RBC's workshop on Finance Fundamentals – covering incorporation, banking strategies, and tax management.

Learn how to attract and convert more customers with a proven system for generating consistent business leads.

An informative online workshop on the latest trends and risk management strategies in the Canadian Property & Casualty Insurance industry.

Join us for an enlightening session where you'll gain invaluable insights into navigating the process of obtaining a municipal business licence.

Drop in for expert advice and strategic insights from Cliff Turner, Entrepreneur Strategist at ATB Financial.

Join ATB and BDC for this interactive workshop to tackle your business challenges.

Discover innovative strategies to enhance your booth's visibility, capture leads, and boost your ROI at trade shows.

Ensure the safety of your products with insights from Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety Officers.

Master the art of meaningful connections and leave a lasting impression with potential customers.

Join us at Startup YMM on Tuesday, July 23rd, for an info session on our Business-To-Consumer (B2C) Connection Program, facilitated by local serial entrepreneur Diana Noble. This program offers a unique platform to establish direct connections with potential customers, allowing you to showcase your products or services, enhancing visibility and fostering meaningful customer engagement.

Attendees will learn about recent changes to the program, available grants and eligible projects, the application process, and tips for applying.

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic and Development and Tourism

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo employers are invited to virtually learn about the new Workforce Immigration and Support Program (WISP) developed by Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism (FMWBEDT). The WISP supports local employers experiencing ongoing labour shortages by providing a fast-track to permanent residency combined with Newcomer support services. The program’s goal is to attract and retain newcomers to become long-term residents of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

The WISP Employer Information Session will cover the following areas:

Program Background - articulate industry needs, engaged partners and process to achieve community designation

Program Benefits and Overview - understand if the program is right for your organization, including program highlights, benefits and considerations.

Program Criteria - provide details surrounding job and candidate eligibility requirements

Program Phased Launch - understand the stages of launch of this program

Program Process - explain how to access the program and the process to submit applications.

Q&A and Feedback Opportunity - allow industry to ask questions and provide feedback to the program.

Elevate your networking game and build meaningful connections at EntrepreNetwork - an exclusive event for local entrepreneurs.

Join us for an enlightening session where you'll gain invaluable insights into navigating the process of obtaining a municipal business licence.

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic and Development and Tourism

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo employers are invited to virtually learn about the new Workforce Immigration and Support Program (WISP) developed by Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism (FMWBEDT). The WISP supports local employers experiencing ongoing labour shortages by providing a fast-track to permanent residency combined with Newcomer support services. The program’s goal is to attract and retain newcomers to become long-term residents of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

The WISP Employer Information Session will cover the following areas:

Program Background - articulate industry needs, engaged partners and process to achieve community designation

Program Benefits and Overview - understand if the program is right for your organization, including program highlights, benefits and considerations.

Program Criteria - provide details surrounding job and candidate eligibility requirements

Program Phased Launch - understand the stages of launch of this program

Program Process - explain how to access the program and the process to submit applications.

Q&A and Feedback Opportunity - allow industry to ask questions and provide feedback to the program.

This webinar is designed to support entrepreneurs and business owners in one of the trickiest things they have to face - a very difficult conversation. Whether with a team member, a partner, a vendor or a client, entrepreneurs must have challenging conversations every day. Conducting those conversations with courage, integrity, and style is key to ensuring they are successful. In this workshop, participants learn the best way to create a space where they can deliver difficult information in a way that is professional and direct so everyone feels seen, heard and respected.

Embark on a journey to entrepreneurial excellence with RBC's immersive workshop: "Fundamentals of Finance When Starting a Business". Beyond product and sales, delve into the crucial financial aspects that distinguish good entrepreneurs from great ones. Uncover the intricacies of incorporating a business – the when and how. Discover how to strategically leverage banking services to propel business growth. Navigate the complex terrain of tax management, gaining insights on optimal timing for involving accountants and bookkeepers.

This workshop is your compass for steering through the financial landscape of entrepreneurship. RBC experts will guide you toward a comprehensive understanding of financial strategies that drive overall business success. Don't miss this opportunity to empower your business journey. Register now to secure your spot and unlock the keys to financial proficiency, propelling your venture towards sustainable growth and success.

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic and Development and Tourism

Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo employers are invited to virtually learn about the new Workforce Immigration and Support Program (WISP) developed by Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism (FMWBEDT). The WISP supports local employers experiencing ongoing labour shortages by providing a fast-track to permanent residency combined with Newcomer support services. The program’s goal is to attract and retain newcomers to become long-term residents of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

The WISP Employer Information Session will cover the following areas:

Program Background - articulate industry needs, engaged partners and process to achieve community designation

Program Benefits and Overview - understand if the program is right for your organization, including program highlights, benefits and considerations.

Program Criteria - provide details surrounding job and candidate eligibility requirements

Program Phased Launch - understand the stages of launch of this program

Program Process - explain how to access the program and the process to submit applications.

Q&A and Feedback Opportunity - allow industry to ask questions and provide feedback to the program.

Pitch-UP! offers Alberta-based entrepreneurs a chance to be seen by the community, practice their pitch, and get exposure to potential investors. Thank you to Alberta Innovates for making this event possible.

SCHEDULE

9:30 am – 10:00 am: Pitch competitors, sign in and get set up, networking on Remo

10:00 am – 11:30 AM: Pitchers present

11:30 am – 12:00 pm: Keynote Speaker

12:05 pm – 12:15 pm: Winners announced + Sponsor spotlight

Week #3 – Creating A Compelling Elevator Pitch

​Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners, this series shares the secrets to getting customers, investors, and mentors. The series will also cover some of the best ways to access Alberta's business incubators and accelerators.

These sessions are facilitated by Craig Elias, the winner of a $1,000,000 prize in a global Billion Dollar Idea Pitch Competition, who helped one startup win two different $100,000 pitch competitions in less than 24 hours and was twice chosen as Canada’s #1 sales expert (#15 in the world) by LinkedIn.

Learn how to maximize your trade show success by implementing creative strategies that will increase traffic and drive sales.

Join us for an enlightening session where you'll gain invaluable insights into navigating the process of obtaining a municipal business licence.

Week #2 - Perfecting Your Five-minute Pitch

​Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners, this series shares the secrets to getting customers, investors, and mentors. The series will also cover some of the best ways to access Alberta's business incubators and accelerators.

These sessions are facilitated by Craig Elias, the winner of a $1,000,000 prize in a global Billion Dollar Idea Pitch Competition, who helped one startup win two different $100,000 pitch competitions in less than 24 hours and was twice chosen as Canada’s #1 sales expert (#15 in the world) by LinkedIn.