Business Training Courses and Events

Note: Courses with asterisks * offered through CFEK's Video Conferencing system ("live" courses)

This seminar is designed for the non financial business owner who is interested in knowing how to record and maintain financial records for your small business. Finance is a language, and once you understand the language you can better understand financial concepts. Learn how to read financial statements such as balance sheets, income statements, and gain a greater knowledge on retained earnings and how to make this money work for you in your business. You will identify the difference between market and book value, amortization and capital cost allowance as well as understand the difference between income and cash flow. Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

September 9

10:00 AM-1:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $59.00 + HST

Financial Analysis will look at the nature of your earnings; cost behavior and how to use this information to diagnose the financial health of your business. Identify relevant costs and revenues for decisions such as adding or dropping product lines, outsourcing, or organizational restructuring. Topics Include: Income Statement Ratios with Percent to Sales Ratios, Balance Sheet Ratios with Quick, Current and Debt to Equity, Working Capital Ratios, AR, AP, and Inventory Turnover. This session focuses on the overall health of the business and is done using key business ratios. By the end of the program, you will and understand how to calculate ratios, how to interpret them against history and benchmarks, and how to apply these concepts to your business the very next day.

September 13

10:00 AM-1:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $59.00 + HST

September 13

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or ccontact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $39.00 + HST

Why build a brand?  Brand is a promise made by a business that is consistently delivered to its customer. This promise is what builds trust and increases customer loyalty.  The rate at which a business succeeds is directly related to how CLEAR the vision is. Branding your business is your way to ensure your clients understand your corporate message. 

September 14

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $39.00 + HST

The USA represents a huge market that is very receptive to Canadian ideas and products, whether manufactured in Canada or imported into the USA from lower-cost international countries. But, unless your company has a One million budget, you will need to learn and employ practical, cost-effective methods and strategies. This introductory seminar will help you define your USA market, and introduce you to the basic essentials of marketing and logistics (packaging, shipping, warehousing and US Customs compliance). You need to know these basics before you commit to the design manufacture or purchase of your product or service. Brought to you by Jim Pettinger of International Market Access and April Collier of Pacific Custom Brokers.  This seminar allows time for the speakers to answer specific questions about your business ideas.

September 15

1:00 PM-3:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $35.00 + HST

Starting a new business and would like to understand the differences between proprietorship, partnerships and incorporation? Come to this seminar for legal tips to help you get started. Topics covered include: business structures, non profit societies, cooperatives the advantages and disadvantages for each. Delivered by Brian Rudy of Synergy Business Lawyers. Come prepared to gather information that will help you make the right decision for your business entity.

September 16

1:00 PM-2:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $20.00 + HST

You're thinking of starting or have already started a small business but are unclear on how to structure your business or what to do to keep the bank and the tax man happy.  Come to this workshop to understand more about the differences a sole proprietor, partnership and corporation can provide to you. Learn what defines taxable income, allowable deductions, subcontractors versus employees, payroll traps and tax requirements.  You will learn about tax issues that apply to you and how your financial statements information is viewed by others. Delivered by Gabrille Loren of Loren, Nanke and Associates, CGA.

September 17

10:00 PM-1:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $59.00 + HST

Come to this complimentary one hour session to discuss your marketing strategies and learn from other small business owners throughout BC.  Our small business virtual network of business owners in 50 cities around BC invites you to share your marketing tips and learn from others around the province.Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

September 20

8:30 AM-9:30 AM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: FREE!

This workshop focuses on understanding social media, what is it and how it’s connecting people. Discussions will include how/if social media is an important part of your small business marketing strategy, a focus will be given to understanding what opportunities exist for small business owners to leverage social media for business growth and prospecting. This seminar is delivered by Mhairi Petrovic of Out-Smarts Marketing Inc.

September 21

2:00 PM-4:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $25.00 + HST

*Retail Distribution- Move Your Product Line to Retail Market

Come to this seminar and explore what should take priority in vendor sales calls to retailers and the methods retailers use to decide what products they will buy for their stores. This workshop will introduce you to the challenges retailers face, how and why they buy. You will learn a few cardinal rules that vendors should follow, especially if they are making their first sales pitches to prospective accounts. The information supplied will assist you in planning your call and crafting a crucial part of the blue print for your overall business plan. Learn the terminology, technology and measurements retailers use to decide which products will make the cut and a repeat buy. In addition to information about the retailer and their business, learn what other items should prepare you for a meeting with a prospective customer. Delivered by Gerry Spitzner.

September 22

2:00 PM-5:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $39.00 +HST

Forecasting your revenues & expenses is a critical part of business planning.  Financial forecasting is goal setting with numbers attached. We cover the effects of external and internal factors on your business.  You learn how to plan for controllable and non-controllable expenses – the importance of the ‘middle line’ and the Hertzog method of forecasting revenues.  By developing a ‘case study’, you not only learn the theory, but also have the opportunity to develop a forecasting scenario and develop ‘what if’ type scenarios. Forecasting is part art, part science – part prognosticating and part goal setting.  It helps to provide a road map to ensure that the efforts you put in to your business are taking you where you want to go. Delivered by Bill Erichson of Pacific Training Innovations.

September 23

10:00 AM-1:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $59.00 +HST

Come to this complimentary one hour session to discuss the option of expanding your business through trade. Discussions will include the processes and challenges importers face in getting their goods through Canada Customs and into the Canadian marketplace as well as determining export markets and moves into international trade? Our small business virtual network of business owners in 50 cities around BC invites you to share how you learned to juggle all the balls necessary to run your business and learn some tips from others. Small Business BC continues to work with our video conference partners and their clients to share business experience and create a virtual network of small business owners in the province of BC. These panel discussions invite existing business owners who have been in business for 1 or more years to discuss different topics of interest.

September 27

8:30 AM-9:30 AM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: FREE!

*The Power of Distribution, Expanding Your Business Markets

Looking to expand your product beyond a local market to another province, the US or internationally? Come to this seminar and explore the methods necessary to manage the flow of goods, information, and finances. Working with the 4Ps of business this seminar will help evaluate if your product has a place in an international market. This workshop will introduce you to the benefits associated with managing a global supply chain and what happens to your cash flow when entering a global market. The information supplied will assist a company’s first attempts to move into international trade. Delivered by Ken Flanders of New Business Navigators

September 27

10:00 AM-1:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $39.00 +HST

*Young Entrepreneurs Start Up Financing

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) and Small Business BC present to new entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-34 years start-up financing opportunities and business plan tips to start your business right. CYBF can assist with financing your dream to be your own boss. Come to this interactive workshop to hear about the CYBF model and how we can help the youth in your community. This joint initiative with Small Business BC will explain start-up financing, mentoring and educational resources and important business planning tips to start your business right.
1. Learn what you need to start the path to successful financing
2. Take the steps necessary to build a business plan that best positions you and your business
3. Get access to the Small Business BC resources to start your new venture right!
Presented by Brendan Cooper, Business Manager, BC Region CYBF and Richard Sagan, Small Business BC

September 30

11:00 AM-12:30 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $20.00 +HST

*Tuning Up Your Business Plan

Creating a business plan and wondering how to make your business stand out? Come to this workshop and learn the importance of business planning and specific areas of your plan: primary and secondary market research, representing demand in the market place, identifying what your unique selling proposition is, what is a contingency plan and why you need one and how to present your plan with clarity; remember your plan will be read by different business plan experts but they may not have experience with your chosen field of business. The first hour of this workshop will be delivered by the business plan review team from Small Business BC; they will share a business plan checklist and tips from their many years of experience reviewing plans.  The second hour you will be introduced to a panel of small businesses owners who have implemented their business plan successfully and have tips to share with you on writing the plan and running your business. Come prepared with your questions.

September 30

1:00 PM-3:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $25.00 +HST

*Social Media and Sales

Learn how social media tools can help you make sales for your small business, how investing your time your online business presence is an important part of your overall marketing and sales strategy. 94% of consumers research online before making a purchase*. With so many potential customers using  the internet to find solutions to their problem, the opportunity to leverage Social Media for Sales has never been greater. Learn how using social media tools can help position your company as a thought leader, drive more leads and increase sales. Jess Sloss will take you through steps and examples of real life companies and people have used Social Media to grow their profits, and how you can start today. Source - http://www.kelseygroup.com/press/pr100310.asp

September 30

3:00 PM-5:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $25.00 +HST

*Young Entrepreneurship Day

Between the ages of 18 and 35 and interested in business planning and financing your business? Come to this all day session to learn from the Small Business BC business plan team important tips your fianancer will want to know. CYBF and traditional banks will talk about the steps necessary to access financing. A discussion on online marketing and social media techniques will also be discussed.

September 30

11:00 AM-5:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: A great savings of over 20% on individual pricing. Cost for the entire day is $69

*Buying A Business

Are you considering buying a business or starting one from scratch? Learn the advantages and disadvantages of both. Find out why buying a business could be the right thing to do and what to look for, why cash flow is important and what it means, the necessary steps in the buying process, who your key advisors should be, what’s involved in due diligence, how to make an offer, the keys to successfully buying a business and much more. Buying a business is a risky business and a serious investment. Educate yourself in the process and maximize your potential for success. Presented by Pino Bacinello of Sunbelt Pacific Business Brokers.

October 4

10:00 AM-1:00 PM

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Click here to register online or contact CFEK to pay by cash or cheque

Cost: $39.00 +HST

QuickBooks Premier 2008

This hands-on course will assist business owners and bookkeepers in converting a manual set of books to a computerized accounting system. It covers the basics of how to use each of the journals including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and the general journal. Students will create a new company from a template and learn to add, edit and delete various accounts, enter typical transactions using the accounts receivable, accounts payable and payroll ledgers, use the general journal to enter basic transactions and perform period-end procedures. They will also become familiar with how to write a cheque, track credit card charges, track and pay sales taxes and reconcile a chequing account.

October 6, 7, 13, 14 & 16

6:00 PM-9:00 PM (weeknights) &

9:00 AM- 3:30PM

(saturday)

CFEK

110A Slater Road NW Cranbrook

Contact CFEK at 250-489-4356 or info@cfek.ca

Cost: $290 + HST