May 2022 Training & Networking for Creative Industry Professionals

Welcome to our May 2022 roundup of training and networking opportunities for creative professionals in our community. Looking to join a monthly, recurring networking group? Scroll to the bottom of this blog to learn about local groups and when they meet.

Do you have any great training or networking opportunities to share with us? Comment below, or send your suggestions to culture@brantford.ca. Please note that these lists are compiled at the beginning of the previous month, and curated specifically for creative industry professionals. This is not a comprehensive training list, but is rather a starting point for your own professional development.

Training and Networking Opportunities

Hosted by Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant
When? Thursday May 5, 2022 from 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Where? Best Western Brantford Hotel and Conference Centre, 19 Holiday Drive, Brantford
Fee? Member $90.00, Non Member $100.00, Live Stream Viewer $25.00
Registration required? Yes

Financial Forecasting
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC)
When? Tuesday May 10, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Where? Online workshop
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

eCommerce 101: What, Why and How
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC) and presented by Digital Main Street
When? Tuesday May 10, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:30am
Where? Online workshop
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

How to Turn Your Brick-and-Mortar Store Into A Brand
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC) and facilitated by My Main Street
When? Tuesday May 10, 2022 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Where? Online workshop
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

Business After Hours – Provincial Election Candidates Debate – Meet and Greet
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Chamber of Commerce
When? Tuesday May 10, 2022 from 5:00pm to 8:30pm
Where? Walter Gretzky Municipal Golf Course, 320 Balmoral Drive, Brantford
Fee? Free. Open to Chamber Members only
Registration required? Yes

Market Research
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC)
When? Tuesday May 17, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Where? Online webinar
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes 

Etsy Sellers Learning Circle
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC) and presented by Laurier Women’s Entrepreneurship Centre
When? Friday May 20, 2022 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Where? Online workshop
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

Marketing and Sales
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC)
When? Tuesday May 24, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:00am
Where? Online webinar
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

Web Presence 101 – Ensuring Your Foundation Is Set
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC) and presented by Digital Main Street
When? Tuesday May 24, 2022 from 10:00am to 11:30am
Where? Online workshop
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

Accessibility is Good for Business
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC), Chamber of Commerce Brantford-Brant, Grand River Council on Aging and the Laurier Women’s Entrepreneurship Centre
When? Tuesday May 24, 2022 from 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Where? Online workshop
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

Mastermind Session: Cash Flow Management
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC) and facilitated by My Main Street
When? Tuesday May 24, 2022 from 2:00pm to 3:30pm
Where? Online workshop
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

Ladies Who Lead present Arlene Dickinson
Hosted by Ladies Who Lead in partnership with Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC) and Cornerstone Capital Financial Group
When? Thursday May 26, 2022 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Where? Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts, 88 Dalhousie Street, Brantford
Fee? $75.00
Registration required? Yes

Writers’ Support Circle
Hosted by Brantford Public Library
When? Monday May 30, 2022 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where? Brantford Public Library, Main Branch, 173 Colborne Street, Brantford
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

Tax Seminar with the Canada Revenue Agency
Hosted by Brantford-Brant Business Resource Centre (BRC)
When? Tuesday May 31, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Where? Online webinar
Fee? Free
Registration required? Yes

Local Networking Groups

Brant Pros Networking Group
Brant Pros helps members increase revenue, build qualified relationships, and market their services through targeted networking. Become a member and help build strong and lasting relationships with other entrepreneurs and participate in a network of exchanges allowing you to increase your client base. These referrals and recommendations will help you grow your business – because together are stronger and grow faster!

• Meets every Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. (check website for updates re: COVID-19)
• The Rope Factory, 111 Sherwood Drive, Unit 25, Brantford (unless otherwise noted)
• For more information, contact info@brantpros.ca

Brant Business Builders
Brant Business Builders is a proven entity supercharging the growth of Brantford and area businesses through the practice of referral and testimonial generation. Working with members, you can develop significant business allies who can help you establish credibility. The dedication and support of members by members is at the heart of their mission to build business through quality relationships.

• Meets every Wednesdays from 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. (check website for updates re: COVID-19)
• Location: The Sherwood Restaurant, 799 Colborne Street, Brantford
• For more information, visit the Brant Business Builders website

Brant Women Networking Group (BWNG)
Brant Women Networking Group is a progressive women’s organization that supports women in achieving business, financial and personal success. They offer innovative programs that provide opportunities for networking, connecting, mentoring and learning from and with each other.

• Due to Covid-19, BWNG has taken their events online.  Check website for meeting dates and I.D. passwords to join online meetings.  Monthly meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. and on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. (check website for any changes re COVID-19)
• For more information, use their online contact form.

Ladies Who Lead
Ladies Who Lead is a networking group of dynamic, professional women empowered through support, inspiration and mentoring, to promote success of women in business and their professions.  They offer professional women the opportunity to provide one another with peer support and empowerment through networking opportunities and professional speakers.

• Meets first Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (check website for updates re: COVID-19)
• Brantford Golf and Country Club, 60 Ava Road, Brantford
• For more information, visit the Ladies Who Lead website.

Brant Toastmasters #2580
Brant Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.

• Meets every Monday at 7:30pm (excluding statutory holidays) ** as of April 6, 2020 weekly meetings will be held via Zoom until further notice
• Charlotte Villa Retirement Residence, Downstairs Lounge, 120 Darling Street, Brantford
• Membership based (fee involved).  Guests may attend for free.
• For more information, visit the Brant Toastmasters website.

Save the Date: June 2022 Training and Networking Opportunities

Saturday June 4 and Sunday June 5, 2022: Pedal to the Metal – A Weekend Writing Workshop with Larry Brown
Tuesday June 7, 2022: Business Basics
Tuesday June 7, 2022: 55^th Chamber Golf Tournament
Tuesday June 14, 2022: Business Planning – Part 1
Tuesday June 14, 2022: Financially Speaking
Friday June 17, 2022: Etsy Sellers Learning Circle
Tuesday June 21, 2022: Business Planning – Part 2
Tuesday June 21, 2022: Accessibility is Good for Business
Monday June 27, 2022: Writers’ Support Circle
Tuesday June 28, 2022: How to Start a Home Based Business
Tuesday June 28, 2022: Mastermind Session: Business Financials