Board of Directors 
Small Business Week October 21-26, 2019
Communities don’t just happen. They are built. They are supported. They are celebrated. Community Futures Nicola Valley recognizes the contributions and achievements of Merritt Small Businesses which is why we invite you to participate in Small Business Week!
Community Futures Nicola Valley and partners are delivering free workshops and seminars in our Community to help maximize your knowledge and to assist in growing your business!
Monday, October 21st
The Financial Side of a Business Structure
When: 6:00pm
Where: Community Room – City Hall, 2185 Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Community Futures Nicola Valley
Facilitated By: Carrie Ware
Click HERE to Register for FREE
Carrie Ware from Carrie Ware & Company Inc, will be answering all your questions regarding the financial side of a business structure. She will be talking about the advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietorship, partnership and incorporation because each business form comes with different tax consequences, and you will want to make sure to choose the structure that most closely matches your business's needs.
Tuesday, October 22nd
Government Funding for International Growth - Webinar
When: 9:30am-11:30am
Where: Community Room – City Hall, 2185 Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Community Futures Nicola Valley
Facilitated By: Small Business BC
Click HERE to Register for FREE
If you are looking to expand your sales outside of Canada, there are government programs available to help you. This seminar will explore cost-shared programs for attending trade events, establishing new research and development collaborations with foreign partners, and conducting market research to find new international customers for your products or services.
This two-part seminar features speakers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture, and Global Affairs Canada Trade Commissioner Service.
Elevate! Go Beyond the Elevator Pitch and Deliver and elvaTOUR
When: 11:30am-1:30pm
Where: Brambles Bakery & Cafe, 2151 Quilchena Ave., Merritt
Hosted by: Collaborate + Grow
Facilitated By: Janice Otremba
Click HERE to Register, Cost $25
We are thrilled to have Collaborate + Grow bring an extraordinary workshop to the Brambles Studio! Janice Otremba, people and performance catalyst from Kamloops, will give you the tools to take your business to the next level.
You will learn:
✅ The formula to craft a great pitch every time!
✅ How to use two simple phrases to engage others.
✅ How to tell YOUR story in 60-seconds or less.
The Legal Side of a Business Structure
When: 6:00pm
Where: Community Room – City Hall, 2185 Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Community Futures Nicola Valley
Facilitated By: Una Gabie, Touchstone Law
Click HERE to Register for FREE
Una Gabie, BA, LLB from Touchstone Law Group LLP in Kelowna will be able to answer all your questions regarding your business structure and will be talking about the advantages and disadvantages of sole proprietorship, partnership and incorporation.
Wednesday, October 23rd
Community BBQ
When: 11:00am-1:30pm
Where: Community Futures Parking Lot – 2185B Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Community Futures Nicola Valley
Hot dogs prepared donated by Tina Barlow from the Humble Hobo
Vegan and gluten-free options donated by Travis Fehr from Breathe Bikes
To celebrate Small Business Week, Community Futures Nicola Valley invites you to attend our Community BBQ. Hot dogs will be provided by Tina Barlow from the Humble Hobo and vegan and gluten-free options donated by Travis Fehr from Breathe Bikes. We’d like to thank both Tina and Travis for generously donating the food and supplies! Community Futures will match all donations and the proceeds will go towards supporting a local non-profit organization.
Free Tax Help for your Small Business
When: 6:00pm
Where: Community Room – City Hall, 2185 Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Community Futures Nicola Valley
Facilitated By: Judi Head, Canada Revenue Agency
Click HERE to Register for FREE
If you have tax-related questions, here is your chance to get them answered! Our information session held by a CRA professional will help you learn about: Business tax deductions; Common tax errors; Helpful tools and services offered by the CRA; General bookkeeping concepts and best practices; and How to request an in-person visit from a CRA Liasion Officer.
Thursday, October 24th
Business after Business
When: 5:30pm-8:00pm
Where: Community Room – City Hall, 2185 Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Community Futures Nicola Valley
Click HERE to RSVP
Community Futures Nicola Valley invites you to attend our business after business. It is the best way to make connections within the Merritt Business community. Bring your business cards and be ready to network with the local stakeholders. Appetizers and refreshments will be served.
Friday, October 25th
Chamber of Commerce Open House
When: 11:30am-1:30pm
Where: Community Room – City Hall, 2185 Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce
What is the Chamber of Commerce? What are the main objectives of the Chamber of Commerce? What are the benefits to join the Chamber of Commerce? The answer to these and more questions, The Merritt and District Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend their Open House. Come and meet some of our newest Board Members. Light refreshments will be served.
Grants for First Nations
When: 6:00pm
Where: Community Room – City Hall, 2185 Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Community Futures Nicola Valley
Facilitated by: All Nations Trust
Click HERE to Register for FREE
Would you like to know what Grants are available through All Nations Trust? This workshop will provide information on support for funding and financing small business and community business projects. We’ll review eligibility requirements, eligible project expenses and activities, business planning, and funding and financing examples will be provided.
Saturday, October 27th
Foundations of Service Quality
When: 9:00am-4:00pm
Where: Community Room – City Hall, 2185 Voght St., Merritt
Hosted by: Community Futures Nicola Valley
Facilitated by: Superhost
Click HERE to Register for FREE
SuperHost® Foundations of Service Quality™ is a comprehensive, practical introduction to the principles of providing a quality service experience. This course will cover:
- Customer service, communication and teamwork skills – some of the key 21st century skills
- Relationships between service quality, customer experience, and business objectives
- The importance of front-line employees in service sector businesses
- Expectations from the point of view of customers, employers, and employees
- Communication etiquette and best practices
- Service recovery techniques
- Metrics used to assess customer experience and service quality
