From sessions specifically geared to women in business, to other offerings targeting brand development and RRSP contribution advice, the Town of Cobourg and Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre have unveiled a lineup of business-related programming for winter 2025.
Cobourg’s economic development department and Venture13 say they have planned a series of “dynamic and insightful programs, seminars, and workshops.”
“Aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned business professionals, and anyone seeking to elevate their business will benefit from the 2025 program schedule, curated to equip participants with the tools they need to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape,” noted a media release.
Daniel Van Kampen, Cobourg’s economic development manager, shared a few thoughts with kawarthaNOW about the upcoming program.
“The Town of Cobourg’s economic development team is pleased to provide opportunities for Cobourg business owners and managers to hear and speak directly with organizations that can offer guidance for funding,” Van Kampen said.
“The team is also giving special attention for women in business to learn from each other and share their experiences during the StrikeUp Digital Conference for Women Viewing Party and Cobourg’s newest session InspiHER Local Women in Business at the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre.”
The winter 2025 sessions are listed below.
Revenue Growth Series Podcast
2025 will see the transformation of the Revenue Growth Series, with new opportunities to learn from business owners and experts who have discovered new revenue for their company, the release noted. Each recording will feature a candid conversation with a local businessperson who will share the challenges he or she faced and how innovative thinking and daring decision making took the business from a state of impasse to new opportunity. Business owners and managers can stay tuned for the “Season 1” release during the first quarter of 2025.
The Business Blend
Each month, the economic development team will host a morning coffee chat at Venture13’s part-time CFO services community kitchen. Open to all small business owners and entrepreneurs, the discussion is an opportunity to share experiences and learn from others. The sessions are on January 9, February 6 and March 6 from 9 to 10 a.m. at 739 D’Arcy St. in Cobourg.
RRSP Contribution Advice
As the deadline for RRSPs approaches, this session provides an opportunity to hear directly from a certified financial planner about making strategic RRSP contribution.
This session is on January 29 from 4 to 5 p.m. in Venture13’s lecture hall at 739 D’Arcy St.
Post-Secondary Spotlight Series
This semi-annual series features post-secondary programs and resources that are available for local companies to leverage industry research and/or hiring. In February, the series will feature Trent University’s Co-op, Careers and Experiential Learning Department. Attendees will learn about this hiring and career placement program and how their company can tap into its service offering.
The presenters are Jessica Gordon and Emily Bojda. The session is from 9 to 10 a.m. on February 11 through hybrid and in-person in the NSSL seminar room at Venture13.
Funding Forum
The Funding Forum will explore the key elements of a h3 funding submission to help participants build successful applications. In collaboration with the Northumberland Manufacturers Association, the economic development team has brought together a group of experts from National Research Council’s IRAP Program, Ontario Centres of Innovation, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Nventure to discuss securing funding.
The session is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on February 19 and available through hybrid and in-person in Venture13’s lecture hall.
StrikeUP Digital Conference for Women Entrepreneurs Viewing Party
StrikeUP is Canada’s digital conference that convenes women entrepreneurs and the women entrepreneurship ecosystem. The one-day program is an accessible and free program focused on growth, funding, digital adoption, and global opportunities.
Venture13 will host an exclusive viewing party for eastern Ontario, according to the release. Prizes will be given out to attendees throughout the day from local businesses. The viewing party runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 27 at Venture13.
InspiHER Local Women in Business
New for 2025, the InspiHER event is in celebration of International Women’s Day.
“This session is a unique opportunity to gain insights, find motivation, and connect with Cobourg’s community of resilient and innovative women who are making a difference in the local business landscape,” states the release.
The moderator is Lydia Marciano of the RBC Financial Group. The session is on March 7 from 8:30 to 10:30am in the Venture13 lecture hall.
Business Accelerate Series – Brand Development
This new series provides innovative tools and techniques to accelerate business revenues, noted the release. Delivered by local digital media strategist Erin Law of Story Unlocked), it will delve into the innovative digital tools that can be used to effectively build and develop a brand.
This session is from noon to 1:30 p.m. on March 18 in the lecture hall of Venture13.
To register for upcoming 2025 scheduled programs or events, visit linktr.ee/venture13.
The Venture13 Innovation & Entrepreneurship Centre is described as serving as “a vital regional catalyst for emerging businesses and innovative ideas.” Venture13 has emerged as a hub for knowledge-based ventures, powered by a collaborative ecosystem of visionary partners, including Nventure, Town of Cobourg, Cobourg Police Services, and Northumberland Manufacturers’ Association.
In collaboration with community partners and industry thought leaders, Venture13 provides flexible co-working space and educational programming designed “to equip entrepreneurs and local business professionals along their growth pathway.”
