October 2023 Newsletter

IN THIS NEWSLETTER

UPCOMING NAVIGATE EVENTS

The Jose Lam Startup Event is the perfect opportunity for anyone who has ever dreamt about starting their own business to learn how in a fun, interactive way. During this 1.5-day event you will work as part of a team to experience the thrills and spills of starting a real business, while engaging with skilled mentors, coaches, and potential investors.

This free, annual event is held in honour of the late Dr. Jose Lam, Professor of Business at Grenfell Campus and a passionate supporter of the entrepreneurship community in Western Newfoundland.

Prizes donations include:

• A first prize cash donation from the GCBBT Business Excellence Awards Gala cake auction (amount tbd at the Gala on October 19^th)
• $500 value digital advertising package from Digital Advertising Solutions (in-kind)
• $500 value business coaching services from Spicer Facilitation (in-kind)
• Swag bags

Sponsorships

• $300 value donation of food for the Jose Lam Event from Pho Vietnam

Friday: Meet and Pitch (5-9pm)

• Have dinner and meet the other entrepreneurs and ‘wantrepreneurs’
• Pitch an idea to be voted on by the group to determine which projects are developed over the weekend
• Build a dream team by pairing up with participants who want to work on the same idea as you!

Saturday: Work and Learn (8:30am-3pm)

• Work with your group to further develop your idea, learn to build a viable business model, and validate your start-up idea with potential customers
• Get help from experienced mentors to refine your start-up idea and prepare to pitch

Saturday: Pitch Competition (3-5pm)

• Build a compelling pitch with the help of assigned coaches. You will have 5 minutes to present your business to a panel of judges and to the rest of the group.
• Watch the presenting teams, have fun, and celebrate the work that you have done.
• Winning teams get a variety of prizes to help start their new venture!

When? Fri, Oct 20 to Sat, Oct 21
Where? Centre for Research and Innovation, 3 Mill Rd, Corner Brook
Why? This event will turn your “one day” into “day one’!
How? Register now Space is limited. Please register in advance to reserve your spot.
Meals and refreshments provided.

Navigate is hosting a number of exciting events during BDC Small Business Week^TM! Co-organized with great partners like the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade, Springboard Atlantic, and the Centre for Research and Innovation, these events are all about helping small businesses and entrepreneurs succeed. Join us at the following events:

Join us for another in-person coffee break on Wednesday, October 18th!

The Entrepreneurs’ Coffee Break is a free and informal networking opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs, support agencies, and innovators. This month, our coffee break will be part of BDC Small Business Week^TM with shuttle service available for students from both Grenfell Campus and the College of the North Atlantic. We will also have an open house for Navigate’s Business Incubator, with Incubator Manager Allison Rowe available to answer any and all questions about our Incubator membership levels and supports.

If you are around Corner Brook, feel free to drop by for coffee, tea and light refreshments on us! See you all at CRI!

When? Wed, Oct 18, 11am-12:30pm
Where? Centre for Research and Innovation, 3 Mill Rd, Corner Brook
How? No registration required. Just drop by and have a coffee on us!

Canadian businesses, entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators have fantastic ideas, do incredible research, and create amazing products and inventions. Intellectual Property (IP) plays a critical role in exploiting the growth and innovation potential of businesses. Many companies have IP and don’t realise it. Protecting it is important!

Libby Carew will explain the new $90 million federal program being rolled out to help Canadian businesses, why it’s necessary and how to access it. Dr. Jacqui Bartlett will discuss how business owners can disclose sensitive information with potential partners and customers with tips for protecting their business.
Presenters: Libby Carew Regional IP Counsellor (NL), Atlantic IP Initiative and Dr. Jacqui Bartlett, Lawyer and Associate Professor, Business administration, Memorial University.

Free to attend. Refreshments will be provided, sponsored by Springboard Atlantic.

When? Thu, Oct 19, 9am-10:30am
Where? Centre for Research and Innovation, 3 Mill Rd, Corner Brook
How? Registration is required. Please visit:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/protecting-your-intellectual-property-as-a-small-business-tickets-731193167447?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Many businesses have intellectual property, but don’t know it! Business owners need to protect their intellectual property, just as they protect your physical assets such as buildings and equipment. Patents, copyrights, trademarks, registered industrial designs and trade secrets can give entrepreneurs an important advantage over competitors.

The federal government is investing $90 million to help innovative companies leverage their IP.

Springboard Atlantic is the delivery partner for the funding in Atlantic Canada.

Join Springboard Atlantic and Navigate for an intellectual property training session for startups, staff and ecosystem partners – patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and more! All are welcome!

Who? Dr. Jacqui Bartlett, Dr. Billy Newell, and Libby Carew.
When? Fri, Oct 20th 2023, 10:00-11:30 am
Where? Centre for Research and Innovation, 3 Mill Rd, Corner Brook (virtual participation will also be available)

Refreshments provided compliments of Springboard Atlantic. Free to attend.

How? Register now @ https://forms.gle/yTuh8s1PXBU2va877

Join Navigate on November 8^th for the launch of the Business Wings 2.0 Program!

Business Wings 2.0 will bring together new entrepreneurs and seasoned business professionals in an informal group setting to network, brainstorm and share knowledge and advice. Sessions will aim to address key questions and areas of business development that every entrepreneur needs to build a successful business.

Learn how to grow your business and avoid common pitfalls, while enjoying good food, engaging in great conversation and making lasting connections that will help your business take flight!

When? Wed, Nov, 8 from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Where? The Centre for Research and Innovation, 3 Mill Rd, Corner Brook
Program Frequency*: Wednesdays bi-weekly from 5:30pm-7:30pm *Subject to change based on participant feedback.
How? Register now @ https://forms.gle/uw9uUihjKCcrt1Fy5

NAVIGATE NEWS – OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS!

Are you an early-stage entrepreneur looking to grow your startup? We can help.

Membership to the Navigate Business Incubator is a great way to take your business to the next level. Join now to connect with other entrepreneurs, coaches, mentors, business experts and potential clients. Gain access to free office and coworking spaces, meeting rooms and equipment, events and training, an extensive network of resources and expertise, funding and investment opportunities, and more!

There are two types of incubator memberships available. Apply now to become a Voyager Member for access to a dedicated workspace or a Trailblazer Member for open access to our coworking spaces located at the Centre for Research and Innovation, 3 Mill Road, Corner Brook.
Learn more about the perks for each membership type and apply now!

Spaces are limited. Applications will be processed on a first-come-first-serve basis.

The Navigate Program in Corner Book will soon be looking to hire an inspiring experienced entrepreneur to assist with program development and delivery and to help mentor and support new startups. Join us in building a vibrant entrepreneurial culture in Western Newfoundland!

Stay tuned for the official job ad here!

Navigate is currently recruiting experienced business mentors to help provide guidance, expertise and inspiration to the next generation of entrepreneurs. The future looks bright!
Eligibility Criteria and Expectations

• Looking for mentors with 5+ years entrepreneurship experience or 10+ years corporate experience in a pivotal role
• Willing to work with a mentee to set goals and expectations in addition to providing knowledge, advice, networking connections, etc.
• Agree to provide feedback and updates to Navigate Manager on the progress of the mentee and goals and targets attained
• Available to work with an entrepreneur mentee for a minimum of 4 hours per month

To become a mentor, please email Allison Rowe, Business Incubator Manager, at allisonr@grenfell.mun.ca

UPCOMING PARTNER EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES

Monday Oct 16^th
Proclamation Signing | 10:30 am- 11:00 am | Corner Brook City Hall (Chambers)
Businesses are invited to join Mayor Jim Parsons and members of the Small Business Week™ event organizing committee in signing a Proclamation declaring the official opening of BDC’s Small Business Week™ 2023.

PAL Airlines – Regional Air Access Q & A | 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm | Corner Brook Port Corp. Boardroom
Join the GCBBT and representatives of PAL Airlines in a discussion on the PAL Airlines and Air Canada Agreement, and what it means for regional access in the Corner Brook region. Special guest speaker: Joseph Galimberti – Senior Vice President Public Affairs, PAL Airlines. FREE to attend.

Refreshments will be available, compliments of PAL Airlines.

Registration is required:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/regional-air-access-q-a-tickets-731146878997?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tuesday Oct 17^th
Show Me the Money – Corner Brook  | 8:00 am- 10:00 am | Centre for Research & Innovation
Show Me the Money – Deer Lake        | 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm   | Deer Lake Motel
Call all wantrepreneurs and entrepreneurs! Join us for a special event highlighting the many business support and funding opportunities available in the region. It’s like speed dating for entrepreneurs! Representatives from a variety of institutions will be available – a one-stop-shop of lenders! It’s a great way for wantrepreneurs and entrepreneurs to get all the options available to them in a very efficient way. FREE to attend, refreshments will be provided. Sponsored by Chamber Group Insurance Program/Hancock Financial Solutions Inc.

Wednesday Oct 18^th
Navigate Coffee Break | 11:00am- 12:30am | Centre for Research & Innovation
Join us for coffee and snacks at the Centre for Research & Innovation to learn more about the many supports and opportunities available for aspiring entrepreneurs. Come network with the local entrepreneurial community! Free to attend, no registration required. Open to students and general public. Shuttle service will be available for students from both Grenfell Campus and College of the North Atlantic. Refreshments provided compliments of Navigate.

Thursday Oct 19^th
Protecting your Intellectual Property as a Small Business | 9:00am – 10:30am | Centre for Research & Innovation
Canadian businesses, entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators have fantastic ideas, do incredible research, and create amazing products and inventions. Intellectual Property (IP) plays a critical role in exploiting the growth and innovation potential of businesses. Many companies have IP and don’t realise it. Protecting it is important! Libby Carew will explain the new $90 million federal program being rolled out to help Canadian businesses, why it’s necessary and how to access it. Dr. Jacqui Bartlett will discuss how business owners can disclose sensitive     information with potential partners and customers with tips for protecting their business.

Presenters: Libby Carew Regional IP Counsellor (NL), Atlantic IP Initiative and Dr. Jacqui Bartlett, Lawyer and Associate Professor, Business Administration, Memorial University. FREE to attend. Registration is required. Register here!

Refreshments will be provided, sponsored by Springboard Atlantic.

GCBBT Business Excellence Awards Gala | 6:00pm – 10:00pm | Glynmill Inn
Come out and celebrate the achievements of our local small business community!  This will be an exciting evening with a delicious meal, (cash) bar service, awards ceremony, entertainment, and a *Dessert Auction!

* Dessert Auction – Pool your cash with your tablemates – highest bidder gets first choice from our dessert table! Desserts will be donated from local businesses and community people with all proceeds going towards the Jose Lam Start-up Event.

Registration is required. For further info: contact the GCBBT office at 634-5831 or email gcbbt2019@outlook.com.

The deadline for registration and/or cancellation with refund is noon, October 18^th.  Tickets: $55 GCBBT Members or $65 Future GCBBT Members. Please register here!

Friday Oct 20^th
Small Business Big Ideas Networking Coffee Break | 10:00am- 11:30am | Café 59
Join us in celebration of Small Business Week© for a coffee and conversation networking event. This is a great opportunity to meet with fellow members of the business community, renew old connections, and make new ones! Everyone is welcome to attend. No registration is required. Refreshments provided compliments of Town of Pasadena.

Intellectual Property Training Session | 10:00am- 11:30am | Centre for Research & Innovation
Join Navigate and Springboard Atlantic for an Intellectual Property Training session for start-ups, staff and ecosystem partners – patents, trade secrets, trademarks and more! All are welcome! Session trainers: Dr. Jacqui Bartlett, Dr. Billy Newell, and Libby Carew. Refreshments provided compliments of Springboard Atlantic. Free to attend.

Small Business Train Tour | 4:00pm- 6:00pm | Centre for Research & Innovation 
Meet the people behind the business on The Small Business Train Tour.  Take the City of Corner Brook Road Train around the downtown with stops at several local businesses – meet the owners, learn about their business and passion.  Enjoy door prizes, munchies, and pub grab along the way.  It will be a fun time – be sure to dress warm! Tickets are limited, pre-registration is required.  Tickets: $20.00.  MUST BE 19+.
Please register here!

L2M Validate gives researchers the opportunity to critically test and evaluate their idea in the entrepreneurial landscape.

This carefully curated 16-week experience is complemented by $15,000 in funding, exercises, workshops, and mentorship from industry experts – all with exploration at its core.

We encourage you to come out to one of our information sessions to learn more about the program and application best practices (Register here).

Visit here to learn more about the program and apply.

Applications close November 21, 2023 @ 11:59 PM EST.

L2M Validate is delivered in partnership with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) as an extension of the Idea to Innovation (I2I) Market Assessment Grant.

Learn more and apply
Sign up for an info session

Date: Thu, Oct 26, 2023 
Time: 7:00 PM – 8:15 PM NDT
Flyer/Image attached
Event Link
Blurb: Every day small business hears “You’ve got to be online!”
Also every day small businesses hear Cybercrime – make sure you protect yourself online! Security breaches make it hard for small businesses to do business.
But it’s hard to get a handle on how to do both.This Guide to the Good Masterclass will help!

Andrew Bourne is an expert in online safety for small business, and a Director of Guide to the Good. He will help local companies in Newfoundland and Labrador stay safe online – FREE!

Join Guide to the Good and friends online on Thursday October 26 for Cyber Smarts for Small Business. We’ll share knowledge and tips that will help you navigate safely with confidence. In just over an hour, you’ll:

• Understand the threats landscape
• Get a handle on what can go wrong – malware, virus, ransomware, phishing…
• Get tips on how protect your business

Digital Is DoAble!
Let’s Get Digital is a project of Guide to the Good. Andrew Bourne is Strategic Advisor with a local technology firm, with 8 years IT management in the legal industry. He’s currently completing an MBA at Memorial.

The session is hosted by Kim Todd, founder and Digital Guide, Guide to the Good, graduate of Memorial’s Digital and Social Media Program, Accredited Business Communicator (IABC), Accredited Communications Training Facilitator with McLuhan Davies Communications, and Dip. Applied Ethics, Phil, MUN.

This online session will run on Google Meet. Registration is free for local companies but space is limited.

Join us on October 17, 2023, at 1pm (EST) for an exclusive session on “How to Prepare for Export” hosted by the Women Exporter Program at Startup Canada, and with the support of the Trade Commissioner Service.

Embarking on the journey of exporting can be both exhilarating and daunting. That’s why we’ve gathered the experts to guide you through the crucial steps required to conquer global markets. During this webinar a trade commissioner will share invaluable insights on leveraging the tools, funding and support programs available from the Trade Commissioner Service to propel your business onto the international stage. Discover the secrets to success as we delve into market research, navigating local regulations and customs, and crafting a robust export strategy.

By attending this webinar, you will:

• Equip yourself with the knowledge to uncover the right markets and navigate the regulatory environment
• Learn to leverage Free Trade Agreements
• Access vital resources to begin your export journey

Date: October 17, 2023, at 1pm (EST)
Location: Online

Your journey to becoming a global business leader starts here. Register todayand unlock the doors to access international markets.

FROM GMIST
The Gros Morne Institute for Sustainable Tourism (GMIST) continues to host the Sandbox Sessions and offer an array of e-learning courses. Also, check out their upcoming webinars: