Small Business Week is an annual country-wide celebration of entrepreneurship and businesses in local communities. This year, Invest Halton Hills invites local small business owners to take advantage and engage in the programming, events, and sessions listed below. For additional support with new or existing business inquiries, contact our team - edo@haltonhills.ca.
For local residents, we encourage you to shop local and show that support not only this week, but throughout the year. Check out our tips below for simple ways to support our local small business community.
5 Easy Ways to Celebrate Small Business Week #LocalLove
Small Business Local & Regional Events
Join us on Wednesday, October 16 for a free small business networking event hosted by the Town of Halton Hills and the Halton Small Business Centre.
You'll have the chance to engage, exchange business cards, share experiences, and build relationships that can help take your business to the next level! Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, we invite you to join us for a morning of learning, networking, and celebration.
Admission Fee: Free
Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Gellert Community Centre - 10241 8th Line, Halton Hills, ON L7G 4S5
Are you a farmer or entrepreneur looking to start or expand a food or beverage related business? Whether you’re a home-based business, a producer looking to offer value-added products, or a small food and beverage start-up/manufacturer looking to achieve success, this event is for you! This two-day workshop will provide you with the fundamentals to help get you started or grow your existing business.
Admission Fee:
- $35.92+HST (Day 1 or Day 2)
- $59.14+HST (Day 1 & Day 2)
Dates: Day 1 - Thursday, October 17, 2024 & Day 2 - Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location: Country Heritage Park – Gambrel Barn, 8560 Tremaine Road, Milton, ON
Admission Fee: Free for Chamber members, while future members are invited to attend for a nominal fee of $25.
Table Top Vendor Fee: $150
Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2024
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Location: Georgetown Golf Club/Property of ClubLink - 11742-10th Line, Georgetown, ON L7G 4S7
Invest Halton Hills Business Supports
These programs support economic development and community priorities like Main Street Revitalization, Heritage Preservation, Climate Change, and Accessibility.
Applications are open and accepted based on eligibility and available funding. Small business owners are encouraged to apply.
Tourism Tuesday Spotlights
Every Tuesday until November 20, local tourism businesses have the opportunity to highlight their seasonal happenings, events, and attractions through the Visit Halton Hills social media channels @visithaltonhills. Interested in having your business featured? Submit an application today!
Happening in the Hills Calendar
Hosting an event at your business after November 20? Submit details to our Happening in the Hills Calendar that is also shared on the Town's municipal website.
Halton Region Small Business Centre Supports
Whether you’re exploring ideas for a business or trying to grow your business, the Halton Region Small Business Centre is available to assist you.
The team at the Centre host the Consultant On Site Program in Halton Hills once a month to facilitate 1:1 consultation with entrepreneurs either looking to start or expand their business. A Business Consultant will be on-site Thursday, October 17 at the Halton Hills Public Library - Georgetown Branch. Book your session by emailing smallbusiness@halton.ca
The Centre also hosts many seminars and information sessions on a weekly basis - check out the sessions happening during Small Business Week this year!
This FREE session provides an overview of all the rules and regulations that you need to know if you are interested in starting a business in Halton. Staff will help guide you through a checklist for starting a new business which you can keep. Registration is required.
Fee: Free
Date: October 22, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Location: 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville, L6M3L1
Discover marketing and sales methodologies, understand the sales funnel and pipeline, and the essentials of branding as it relates to your small business. Acquire valuable insights into proven strategies that elevate your day-to-day business operations.
Fee: $29.57 +HST
Date: October 23, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: Online
Business Resources - Halton Hills Public Library
The Halton Hills Public Library offer a number of resources and services that can help you business grow. Computers, WiFi, printing, copying, and rooms rentals are available at both branches, along with many additional free resources with your library card, including:
- Library Collection: Find up-to-date books on business, leadership, and finance.
- Linkedin Learning: This online service has expert-led courses to help you upgrade or learn a new skill. You will earn certificates of completion that you can upload to your LinkedIn profile. All LinkedIn Learning video tutorials are available 24/7.
- Product Photography: Book a product photography session for your small business at the library. Each session includes a private room with a light box and tripod. Bring your own smartphone or camera to take photos.
- To book a session, please complete a Product Photography Request Form. You will be notified within 5 business days about the availability of your request.