Business Programs

A multitude of programs are available for both start-up and existing businesses.

Business Mentor is a new program designed to help new entrepreneurs deal with issues they may be experiencing as they start their own business. The Business Enterprise Centre (BEC) has a number of experienced business mentors with various backgrounds and skills, from IT to marketing to managing finances.  Our mentors are here to guide new entrepreneurs early on in their business to avoid what may develop into major and/or irreversible problems. Research shows that professional mentoring can increase the chances of business success, much like proper business and financial planning.

Program Overview

Fee: $100 cost-recovery fee

Term: Guarantee of at least 12 hours in-person and/or telephone mentoring from one of our qualified business mentors over a 3-month period. 

Eligibility: Protégé must be a business owner operating full-time for at least 6 months, but no longer than 2 years.  The BEC reserves discretionary rights.  The BEC believes that new entrepreneurs need at least 6 months experience to have a good understanding of areas that need improvement to benefit from the program.

Mentor Selection: Ultimately, the protégé will have the final decision on accepting the mentor.  The BEC pre-qualifies all mentors before accepting them into the program to ensure they have the necessary skills and character to be a strong mentor.
 
Further Information and Registration

Download the Protégé Registration Form (PDF)

Download the Business Mentor Newsletter (PDF)

Contact

Ross MacDonald
Business Development Specialist
ross.macdonald@timmins.ca
(705) 360-2600 x7092

NEOnet Teck Breaks

Since January 2002, NEOnet has hosted monthly technology awareness luncheons in Timmins and throughout the region. NEOnet believes that if people don't know about the uses and benefits of information technology, they won't adopt it. Once they realize the benefits, they are more likely to purchase a computer and subscribe to the Internet at home or at work, stimulating demand for these essential services.

Tech Break Times luncheons are hosted from September to June, usually on the 4th Tuesday of the month. To find out about the upcoming Tech Break Times, to be added to its distribution list or to speak at one of its events, contact To find out about the upcoming Tech Break Times, to be added to its distribution list or to speak at one of its events, contact Alexandra Spence, Project Manager at  (705) 360-1353 x1 or aspence@neonet.on.ca.  Visit NEOnet online at www.neonet.on.ca.

Chamber of Commerce Seminars and Workshops

Workshops and Seminars
An important component of the Chamber of Commerce's mandate is to provide educational and training opportunities for its members. The Chamber organizes and hosts a number of business-related initiatives each year including social events, educational seminars and networking opportunities. These activities are aimed at helping its members learn more about their immediate business environment to help them grow and prosper.

The Chamber offers a wide variety of free or low-cost workshops and seminars of interest to business people and their employees. Its Coffee Club series consists of relatively informal one-hour sessions that provide information and an opportunity to ask questions about relevant business topics of the day. For example, it has hosted sessions or partnered with other agencies to bring expert speakers on such topics as counterfeit cash, small business tax preparation, government assistance programs, and finding export opportunities. The Chamber also promotes business training and development workshops that are offered by other non-profit agencies, such as the Business Development Bank, Business Enterprise Centre, and various government ministries.

Timmins Regional Economic Outlook (TREO) Conference
The Timmins Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host the biannual Timmins Regional Economic Outlook (TREO), a one-day conference and networking opportunity. Each year, the TREO conference follows a different theme according to the relevant business issues and trends of the time. This is Northeastern Ontario's premier business conference, so you won't want to miss it.

Small Business Week
Small Business Week is held every October to celebrate the accomplishments of business people in Canada and has become the foremost annual event for our entrepreneurs. With the support of local, regional and national sponsors, it features a wide assortment of networking and educational activities. These events range from workshops on customer service or new business technologies, to social and networking sessions.

Superhost
Join thousands of accredited Superhost businesses across the province by taking our Superhost course. A  Superhost designation at your business means you care enough about your customers to make sure you offer the best service possible.

Networking and Social Events

NOVA Awards
The Nova Awards are presented annually at an elegant gala ceremony to recognize entrepreneurs whose achievements and contributions to the community distinguish them from their peers.

Social Events
The Chamber hosts a number of informal social events to help members build that all-important business network. These include Evening in Italy, the Harvest Dinner and the annual Chamber Golf Tournament.

Meet the Candidates
Your Chamber recognizes that it's important to understand the local political and regulatory environments in order to plan for business growth and sustainability. That's why it takes the lead on organizing Meet the Candidates nights before every municipal, provincial or federal election. The Chamber is never affiliated with any particular political party so that it can work effectively with whomever is in power. That way you can be sure that events like these are fair, impartial and targeted towards the needs of the business community.

Business After Five
This popular event provides an excellent opportunity for member businesses to introduce themselves to the membership at large. It's a great way to build your business network while showcasing your location, products and services in a friendly and casual environment.

Business and Community Outreach

Schumacher CAP Site
The Chamber of Commerce is pleased to host one of Canada's Community Access Points (CAP Sites). These sites provide free or low cost Internet access for residents who wouldn't otherwise have access to this important technology. Among clients, uses of the CAP site are finding local business and tourism information, looking for employment and doing on-line research.

For more information on Chamber initiatives, contact Keitha Robson, Chamber Manager at 705-360-1900 or visit its Web site at www.timminschamber.on.ca

The Venture Centre

The Venture Centre is a community-based, non-profit organization that is dedicated to creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and to the pursuit of economic growth in our community. It is your local branch of the Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) and a member of the Ontario Association of Community Futures Development Corporations (OACFDC). Funded by FedNor, The Venture Centre is a community economic development initiative designed to help find local solutions for local economies.

Its approach is simple: It is people helping people. Run by a board of local volunteers and professional staff, we take a grassroots approach to investing in local entrepreneurs, exporters, and community initiatives. Here are the key services that it offers:

• Community economic planning and development
  
• Access to funding for community projects and small businesses
  
• Business counselling, services, and resources