Build. Grow. Thrive. 2024: Kelowna
A day of FREE business education, presented by BCAA Small Business Insurance
Join us on April 17th for Build. Grow. Thrive.
Small Business BC is visiting beautiful Kelowna this April for Build. Grow. Thrive., a day of free education, networking, and inspiration.
Join us at Kelowna Museum’s Laurel Packinghouse on Wednesday, April 17th and hear from expert speakers on a diverse range of topics designed to help you start, grow, and sustain your business in a rapidly changing economy.
Delivered in partnership with BCAA Small Business Insurance, this one-off event will feature a trade show with small business service providers, and a panel discussion featuring Okanagan-based entrepreneurs sharing their stories.
As this is a free event, demand is expected to be high. We recommend registering early to secure your place. Registration couldn’t be easier; all it takes is a few clicks.
Please Note: Lunch will not be provided on the day, but we will take a lunchtime break. Attendees are invited to explore the many food options located a short walk from the venue.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT BUILD. GROW. THRIVE
Whether you're an established entrepreneur, or you're planning your first steps, we know your time is valuable. That's why we've maximized every moment at Build. Grow. Thrive. to provide you with valuable takeaways. Here's what to expect on the day.
Practical Insights from Industry Experts
Our speakers have been there and done that. They’re ready to share insights gained from a lifetime of entrepreneurial experiences.
Invaluable Networking Opportunities
Opportunities to network with fellow business owners facing similar challenges and grow your community. Mingle with several hundred locally-based entrepreneurs during our networking breaks. Build valuable connections that will help your business.
British Columbia’s Leading Tools and Resources for Entrepreneurs
With Small Business BC’s educational resources and a roster of local speakers, you’ll finish the day informed and ready to navigate the challenges ahead.
The Support of a Community
Learn from business experts and entrepreneurs on how to build resilient businesses and grow your strategy for future growth. We are confident that the event will inspire you to take your business to the next level.
Agenda
9:15am - 9:45am: Registration and Networking
Networking with a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, fetauring an exhibiton hall curated with the key small business service providers.
9:45am: Opening Remarks
Presented by Small Business BC and BCAA Small Business Insurance
10:00am - 11:00am: Keeping Your Business Resilient
Taking out small business insurance is just one way to keep your business resilient, and protect its growth and potential. Having confidence in the protection small business insurance offers allows business owners to focus all their efforts on business maintenance and growth.
Like everyone at BCAA, Director of Claims Shana Johnston knows that behind every claim is a real story, a real-life situation affecting real people.
Using her expertise, backed by BCAA’s 150 years of moving British Columbians forward, she’ll detail the most effective planning to be fully prepared if the worst should happen, as well as how to maintain resilience once disaster has passed.
11:00am - 12:00pm: The Power of Personal Branding for Entrepreneurs
If you want your business to stand out from the crowd, you have to be memorable. Creating a unique and authentic brand will help you build the credibility, visibility and confidence you need to succeed.
In this informative session, join Yvonne Bayer-Cheung, Client Services Manager at SBBC and owner of Yvonne’s Fitness, as she shares her insights on building a personal brand alongside a vibrant and supportive community.
Yvonne will discuss how you can establish credibility, attract and retain customers, opportunities for growth, and provide tools and best practices for managing your brand effectively.
12:00pm - 1:00pm: Panel Discussion: Looking after your mental health as an entrepreneur
Entrepreneurs are known for their can-do attitude. They're the boss and they're willing to put the hours in to make their business work. Over time, this day-to-day grind can take a toll on mental health.
To succeed in business it's critical to avoid burning out. Taking care of your mental health should be top of mind. Join us for this important discussion and hear from a panel of experts on how to manage your mental health as an entrepreneur.
Moderator: Jessica Samuels, Business Owner (HUB Inc.) | Communicator | Community Connector
Candace Chisholm, Founder, CEO at He Changed It
James Addington, Pretty Not Bad, Unconventional Hospitality Group
1pm - 2pm: Lunch (off-site)
Explore the many lunch options close at hand.
2:00pm - 3:00pm: Gain exposure for your business
Wondering how to gain exposure for your business? Ada Slivinski, Vice President of Talk Shop Media, will walk you through key strategies that can help you leverage media to get your business noticed. Whether you are just starting out and want to do your own PR, or have an established business and are looking to reach a new audience, you'll leave with actionable takeaways you can implement right away.
Presented by Ada Slivinski, Vice President Talk Shop Media.
3:00pm - 4:00pm: Growing your Market
If you want to grow your business, exporting provides a proven pathway for success. Take the mystery out of the process and join us as two Export Advisors walk you through the basics. You'll learn about the free Export Navigator program, the benefits you'll enjoy from exporting, and some key supports you can lean on to get started.
Presented by Amber Piche and Raeanne Anderson, Regional Advisors at Export Navigator.
4pm - Event Ends
REGISTER TODAY
If you're near downtown Kelowna and own a small business, or are looking to start one, don't miss out on this full-day free event. Can't make it the whole day? No problem! Simply pop in for the sessions you're interested in.
Seats are limited, so reserve yours today!
SPONSORS
BCAA Small Business Insurance provides customizable coverage options so you only pay for what you need. Feel confident that you’re protected while your business continues to grow. Plus, we’ve made it easy to quote, purchase and make a claim online with support along the way if you need it.
Thank you to our sponsors for their support in delivering Build. Grow. Thrive.
