Formerly Sarnia-Lambton Business Development Corporation, we’ve got a new name and look!
Business Builder Workshops
We regularly host workshops in communities across Lambton County. Visit our event page to find out when the next one's happening near you.
Our topics include...
What is Your “Why”?
Leveraging your “Why” for business success
American author, Simon Sinek’s famous quote: “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” is foundational to this workshop. The workshop uses his “Golden Circle” approach to illustrate that understanding and communicating your business purpose is more impactful on your success than focusing on product, service or process. Whether you are a new founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, reconnecting to your why is sure to motivate you in a meaningful way.
Learn About
- How to evaluate if entrepreneurship aligns with your values and goals
- Self-reflection tools you can use to identify your WHY
- Exceptional businesses who lead with their WHY
Value Proposition Design: Create Products & Services That Customers Actually Want
Design with your customer in mind
As entrepreneurs, we get laser-focused on our product or service, so much so that sometimes we can lose perspective. The Value Proposition Design workshop will help you adopt the perspective of your customers to evaluate your product/service offering from the outside looking in. You will be introduced to strategic management tools that will guide you through the process of value creation and help you uncover what really matters to your ideal client. A must-attend for new founders or experienced entrepreneurs.
Learn About
- What a value proposition is and why it matters
- How to identify real customer problems
- How to design, test and refine and package your business solution
- Take home a new tool that will help you to think strategically about your business
Business Model Canvas: Your Foundation for an Effective Business Plan
Build your business model before your business plan
Before you dive into writing a business plan, it’s essential to map out your big picture. The Business Model Canvas is a design thinking tool that captures the core components of a business on a single page. Completing your Canvas will make it easier to understand, develop and communicate your business model in a clear and structured manner. It is a super helpful precursor to developing a full business plan. You’ll leave the session with clarity, focus, and a Business Plan template to carry your idea forward with confidence.
Learn About:
- The essential building blocks of a business model
- How to map out your idea visually and strategically
- Linking customer segments, value propositions and revenue streams
- How to test and refine your business model before writing a plan
- How this tool supports the development of your Business Plan
***We suggest taking this workshop after you’ve completed the “Value Proposition Design” Workshop.
Crafting a Winning Business Plan
Turn your idea into a clear, compelling roadmap.
A strong business plan is more than just paperwork – it’s a powerful tool that helps guide your decisions, secure funding, and set your business up for long-term success. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing an existing plan, this workshop will walk you through the must-have elements and help you confidently build a plan that gets noticed. You’ll take away a template specially designed to self-propel you through the process and the completion of a solid business plan for your business.
Learn About
- How to evaluate if entrepreneurship aligns with your values and goals
- Self-reflection tools you can use to identify your WHY
- Exceptional businesses who lead with their WHY
Digital Marketing Strategy: Unlocking the Power of Purposeful Marketing (2-Part Series)
Create content that works – on purpose.
Marketing isn’t about being everywhere; it’s about being strategic. In this two-part series, you’ll explore core digital marketing principles and build a strategy that aligns with your business goals. Learn how to choose the right platforms, create purposeful content, and measure what matters – so your marketing efforts actually pay off.
Learn About
- The fundamentals of digital marketing and strategy development
- Identifying your ideal audience and choosing the right channels
- Content creation tips that align with your brand and goals
- How to create a simple, effective marketing plan
- Tools to measure, analyze, and refine your digital marketing efforts
Effective Strategies for Sales Forecasting
Turn your sales process into a science.
Ever wondered how to more accurately predict your sales and hit your sales goals more consistently? In this session, we introduce the concept of the sales funnel and teach you how to use “funnel math” to better understand and improve your sales performance. Learn to forecast with better accuracy and create a repeatable system to scale your business.
Learn About
- What a sales funnel is and how it works
- Simple “Funnel Math” and how to use it to forecast sales more accurately
- How to use sales forecasting to set realistic sales targets
- Strategies to improve your sales process and close rates
Financial Literacy 1: Demystifying the Documents
Learn to read and use your financials
Balance Sheets, Income Statements, and Cash Flow Statements – oh my! If trying to understand and make sense of these essential financial documents makes your head spin; this workshop is for you. We’ll walk you through the basics: what these statements mean, how they’re connected, and why they matter to your business operations. Understanding your financial documents is key to running a successful business and we’ll help take the mystery out of it.
Learn About
- The key components of Income (Profit & Loss) Statements
- How to read and interpret Balance Sheets
- Understanding and forecasting Cash Flow
- Why these financial tools are critical for business management
- How to use financial statements for better decision making
Financial Literacy 2: Pricing for Profit
Know what it really costs to do business.
Too often, entrepreneurs underprice themselves because they don’t know what it actually costs to produce their product or to deliver their service. This workshop breaks down how to calculate the real cost of doing business so you can better understand your margins, create a sustainable pricing strategy, and forecast your sales more accurately. It’s the foundation to smart financial management.
Learn About
- How to measure you profits for better business decision making
- Analyze your cost centers and learn to calculate mark-ups
- The impact of accurate costing on pricing and profitability
- Consider pricing strategies and how they position your business in the market
Financial Literacy 3: How to Build a Solid Cashflow Plan
Keep your cash flowing, not just your business.
Even profitable businesses can fail without a solid handle on cash flow. Learn how money moves in and out of your business and how to plan for it with confidence. Especially important for entrepreneurs who have payment lags or rely on invoicing, this workshop gives you practical tools to keep your business financially healthy.
Learn About
- The difference between profit and cash flow
- Common cash flow pitfalls and how to avoid them
- How to build a realistic cash flow forecast
- Managing receivables, payables, and timing of cash inflows/outflows
- Tools to track and manage your business cash flow
Financial Literacy 4: How to Get a Business Loan
Get your credit and your confidence back on track.
The adage “the worst time to apply for a loan is when you need the money” suggests a hard truth; that seeking financial assistance during crisis or to act on a sudden opportunity, may be denied, or can lead to unfavourable terms and conditions. In this session, we’ll walk you through the steps to build or rebuild your credit profile and set yourself up for financing success. Learn how lenders assess applications, what documents you’ll need, and how to present your business in the best light when applying for a loan.
Learn About
- Factors that influence your credit score
- Steps to repair and rebuild your personal/business credit
- What lenders look for in loan applications
- Key documents and strategies for a strong loan submission
Interested in attending or hosting a workshop?
Be the first to know about our upcoming workshops.
+1k
Join the community
