Business Planning for Success, presented by Fortis BC

Getting Your Product onto Shelves

Are you looking to delve into the consumer packaged goods industry or see more growth in your current company? Having a well-constructed business plan is the roadmap you need to achieve your goals. Join Small Business BC and our partners at Fortis BC on May 1st for an informative and collaborative meetup designed to guide you through the planning process and get your products on the shelves.

Taking place at the Small Business BC office, this invaluable session will be led by Dylan Young, Business Planning and Strategy Advisor, and John Baxter, Regional Business Advisor, Vancouver Island. Joining them are local entrepreneurs Alina Gogoescu from EcoBeans Coffee and Cami Rush from Fenntessa, who will share their tips for getting products to consumers. A bit more about our panellists before we cover discussion topics:

• Dylan Young: Dylan is a Business Planning and Strategy Advisor, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow successful ventures from the ground up. From technology to social enterprise, he aligns purpose with profit, adding creative strategy and practical advice through all stages of the business journey. During the panel, Dylan will share valuable insights on business planning, strategy, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the consumer packaged goods industry.
• John Baxter: John Baxter is the Regional Business Advisor for Vancouver Island. Having worked on entrepreneurship programs both in Canada and abroad, he has experience with a wide variety of businesses. He uses this expertise to aid clients with all aspects of their business, helping them develop a business plan to guide their venture through start-up and growth. In addition to his expertise in general business planning, John also offers valuable knowledge of the dynamic consumer packaged goods sector.
• Alina Gogoescu: Alina Gogoescu, the visionary behind EcoBeans Coffee, has a rich background in sales, marketing, and over two decades of customer relations expertise. Having worked with brands such as BCLC, Vancity, The Brick, and more, she’s developed a clear understanding of client needs and expectations. Driven by the desire to bring the comfort of coffee shops home, she created EcoBeans, the ethically-sourced, sustainable, small-batch roasted coffee brand.
• Cami Rush: Cami Rush is an entrepreneur from Vancouver, BC, and the co-founder of Fenntessa, a sustainable swimwear company for women. Cami works closely with her manufacturers in Medellin, Colombia, participating in all steps of the process, from fabric creation to the final product. She's passionate about designing high-quality products with low environmental impact. The manufacturing uses 'small batch production' to help eliminate waste, and the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. Fenntessa is now carried in 25+ boutiques across Canada and the US.

Come prepared with questions and energy as we discuss topics such as:

• Strategies for conducting research to start your business
• Programs available to help construct your business plan
• Using your business plan for optimized financing requests
• Tips for refining your business plan

The agenda for the event is as follows:
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm – Registration
5:00 pm – 5:15 pm – Networking
5:15 pm – 5:20 pm – Opening Remarks
5:20 pm – 5:40 pm – 30 Second Introductions from Panelists
5:40 pm – 6:20 pm – Panel Discussion
6:20 pm – 6:30 pm – Audience Q&A
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm – Networking

Event Details
Registration: $10
Location: 550-555 W 12th Ave, City Square 5th Floor, West Tower
Date: Wednesday, May 1st
Time: 4:30-7:00 pm
Catering: Boteco Brasil

Take advantage of this fun evening of education and networking. Register now!

COVID-19 Safety Measures
The health and safety of all attendees is our top priority. While masks are not mandatory for this meetup, they are recommended. We will have a supply of masks and hand sanitizer available on the day.