The Town of Cobourg’s Economic Development Department and Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre have announced a series of spring and summer programs designed to support local businesses, entrepreneurs, and youth.
The lineup begins with an Economic Update, Trade Development and Risk Mitigation session on April 7. RBC Economist Rachel Battaglia will provide insights on consumer spending, GDP, and inflation. The session will also feature representatives from Export Development Bank of Canada and Doane Grant Thornton LLP, who will discuss trade development strategies and business risk mitigation.
On April 10, the Protect Yourself Series will focus on Conflict and Harassment Solutions in the workplace. Ken McCarthy of Integrity by McCarthy Inc. will share practical tools for addressing disputes and harassment, helping businesses improve workplace culture and avoid legal issues.
Youth interested in skilled trades can attend the Pathways to Careers session on April 23, which will explore career opportunities in various trade sectors.
On May 28, Cobourg’s Workforce Development Symposium will highlight strategies for succession planning, credential recognition, and adapting to change – key insights for businesses seeking to retain talent.
Business owners can expand their legal knowledge during a Protect Yourself Series session on June 4, where Victor Miranda of Integritas Business Law Professional Corporation will discuss drafting and managing Business Contracts and Shareholder Agreements.
The Funding Forum on June 18 will offer guidance for securing financial support, featuring representatives from the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and FedDev Ontario.
For youth and young adults, Cobourg’s Youth Employment Celebration will take place on August 19, recognizing local students who gained work experience over the summer. The event will include a panel discussion featuring youth who worked in Cobourg.
Innovation will also take centre stage at Venture13 with two V13 Policetech Accelerator Pitch to the Chief events. On April 28, local businesses will pitch ideas to Ontario police chiefs to improve policing strategies. On May 14, six student finalists from Cobourg Collegiate Institute, St. Mary’s, and Port Hope High School will present their community safety solutions for a $500 cash prize, office space at Venture13, and a chance for summer employment.
Business owners looking to boost their online presence can attend the Business Accelerate Series on June 18, where digital media strategist Erin Law will provide insights on improving website visibility and attracting customers.
For networking and shared learning, The Business Blend series will continue with monthly discussions for entrepreneurs on the first Thursday of each month from April to August.
Finally, the John Pincott Memorial Award will once again recognize two local students pursuing post-secondary studies in science, technology, engineering, math, or business. Each recipient will receive $600 during the June 26 graduation ceremonies at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and Cobourg Collegiate Institute.
For more details or to register, visit Venture13
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
