How to Start Your Own Business

⚠️ **Important:** RSVPs on Meetup **do not guarantee a spot.** To secure your complimentary experience, you **must call or text us at 416-900-9679** to confirm your qualification and booking. Please don’t attend without confirmation – space is limited and unconfirmed arrivals cannot be accommodated. Experience what it feels like to train at Toronto’s most advanced **fitness and longevity studio** — where science meets community. In this small group session, you’ll build functional strength, endurance, and mobility while learning how to move and recover like an athlete. Each class blends: * **Short bursts of cardio** (yes, even if you hate it) * **Targeted functional strength training** to build lean muscle * **Mobility, mindfulness, and breathwork** to finish strong and centered All levels are welcome — from beginners to seasoned gym-goers. Our coaches lead every step and correct your form in real time to ensure maximum results and safety. 📍 **Location:** Telomere Fitness, 518 Yonge Street (Yonge & College) 🚇 Easy access by subway – minutes from College Station ### 💥 **Special Complimentary Offer (Limited Spots)** We’re currently offering for **qualified downtown Toronto residents** a *free* full fitness experience, including: ✅ **InBody Scan** (body composition & fat/muscle analysis) ✅ **Personal Fitness Assessment** ✅ **Small Group Training Session** ✅ **Nutrition Consult** *(Total value: $200 – complimentary for qualified individuals)* ### 🔹 **How to Qualify** To reserve your complimentary session, you must **live or work in downtown Toronto** and **call or text us first** at **416-900-9679** to confirm eligibility. Spots are limited to maintain our small-group focus. ### 🏋️‍♂️ **How to Prepare** * Wear athletic clothing and indoor footwear. * Bring a water bottle – we have a no-touch filling station. ### 🕓 **Event Schedule** * We offer 5 sessions per day - Morning, After you and then this is where I had an issue I couldn't just make it. It's weird.noon and Evening * Spots fill up fast so call us to see if we have a spot available at your preferred day/time! * RSVP + confirmation required before attending 📍 Google Maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jMKrTvr4Lk5aUna7](https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jMKrTvr4Lk5aUna7) 📞 Questions? Call or text us anytime: **416-900-9679** ### ⚠️ **Final Reminder** Meetup RSVPs **alone do not** secure a space. Please **call or text 416-900-9679** after RSVPing to confirm your booking. Unconfirmed arrivals **cannot be admitted** due to limited capacity.

Join us for an evening of learning and networking at the Canadian Real Estate Investor Podcast's Toronto Meetup, sponsored by Sherwin-Williams. Whether you are new to real estate investing or looking to enhance your skills, this event is designed for all levels of experience. Our group of seasoned real estate agents, investors, and entrepreneurs will share their knowledge and insights on topics such as mortgages, property management, and investment strategies. Connect with like-minded individuals in the Toronto real estate community and gain valuable industry connections. Learn from successful investors, benefit from real estate networking opportunities, and discover the keys to successful entrepreneurship in the competitive market. Don't miss out on this event tailored to help you take your real estate investing game to the next level.

Join us for friendly American MahJongg! Bring your 2025 card and let’s have fun 😀 For 2026, I am requesting $15 dues for the year, payable to Sabie by e-transfer or cash. *Not sure if our events are for you? Come on down and join us a few times (before paying dues), we’d love to meet you.* **NOTE: The Guild House charges a $10 table fee per person to play each week. The drinks and food you purchase will count towards this so if you buy a latte for $5, then you will just pay $5 more (+ HST) for the table fee. See Sabie for details on discount available if this is a burden.** \*Stay & Play—To maximize everyone’s fun, I ask that you attend for at least 2 hours if you sign up to play. Kindly skip this week if your schedule will not allow this, thanks! The Guild House has a great cafe! [Here's their menu.](https://theguildhouse.ca/pages/menu) Last but not least...PLEASE cancel your RSVP on Meetup if your plans change.

Visit our Royal Lunch'n'Learn Toastmasters Hybrid meeting, meet people and develop your communication and leadership skills. At today's meeting we will be discussing how our theme can help improve your life and the lives of others. This is a HYBRID event and so you can choose to join us in person, or online. We would like to encourage you to join us at noon! Reach out to us to receive the WebEx link or to reserve your seat. **What to expect:** Find out first-hand what it means to participate in a club meeting. * Watch as one of our members delivers a Prepared Speech. * Learn and practice how to think fast on your feet with an impromptu Table Topics session. * Witness how to give and receive constructive feedback to help encourage and build confidence with our members. Practice the skills you need to communicate with confidence and excellence. Experience a club meeting with Royal Lunch'n'Learn Toastmasters. It all starts with a fun club environment where you will learn and practice together—to grow individually. Contact us to get the Webex link. Get yourself back in gear after the Holiday season and we will look forward to helping you get your new start moving. We meet in person (Hybrid meetings) at RBC Wellington Square on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month (check for variations in our schedule). Plus, all our meetings are online which is super accessible! Guests are **free** to join us for their first three regular meetings - **contact us** to schedule your visit or ask us anything! contact-3648173@toastmastersclubs.org

Do you want to improve your Public Speaking skills, your Impromptu Speaking skills, learn how to present Feedback with Evaluations, and build your Leadership skills? If the answer is YES to any, attend SUN LIFE SPEAKERS CORNER online for an informative and fun filled session each Tuesday at Noon EST/EDT (except following a Holiday Monday). Guests/Visitors are welcome to participate in the Table Topics (impromptu) session. Join and become a Member to have access to all roles and Pathways, the education system. Please email info.sunlifespeakerscorner@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

St. Timothy's is excited to offer support to newcomers in Canada. Our goal is to provide conversational language practice through informal instruction and feedback, alongside emotional and practical assistance. We invite all new immigrants, English language students, visitors to Canada, parents of children temporarily attending schools in Toronto, foreign university students, and anyone looking to enhance their language skills. We aim to build a welcoming community where friendships can flourish, help participants establish meaningful connections, learn about life in Toronto, and access practical resources like resume and interview preparation, shopping tips, and guidance on setting up home services or navigating government offices. We will host a reading group and a career mentoring group every other Tuesday at 10 AM. Our conversation group will take place every Tuesday from 11 AM to 12:30 PM, featuring both large and small group discussions on topics such as current events, cultural exchange, and media stories. The small groups will include a mix of language learners and volunteers who provide gentle feedback. Participants will receive grammatical structures and vocabulary lists related to each topic to guide their conversations and enhance their language learning experience.

Hello everyone! Join us for our first meet-up of 2026. Bring along any art or craft you’re currently working on, drawing, painting, knitting, writing, or anything else, and enjoy a relaxed, creative hangout together. Date: January 18th Time: 2 pm Place: Paris Baguette (midtown location)

Turn your idea (or messy business) into a clear, simple model you can actually grow. You’ve got an idea… or even a business… but when someone asks, *“So what do you do?”* you still hesitate. This session is for founders who are tired of guessing and want real **business clarity**; what you sell, to whom, how it makes money, and why it’s worth betting on. We’ll walk through a practical, no-jargon way to move from *“I have an idea”* to *“Here’s my business model — and here’s how it works.”* **This is for you if:** * You’re sitting on a business idea and don’t know how to structure it * You’ve started, but your offers, pricing, or target market feel fuzzy * You’re pivoting and want to sanity-check the new direction * You want language that feels clear, confident, and not salesy **We’ll cover:** * The 5 building blocks of a simple, strong business model * How to define your “right-fit” customer (without a 20-page avatar worksheet) * How your offer, pricing, and delivery fit together (and where the leaks are) * Common clarity traps that keep founders stuck in “almost ready” mode **Format:** This is a **working, interactive session** — not a lecture. Expect: * Short teaching segments * Guided prompts * Small-group or roundtable discussions * Space to share your model and get feedback (optional) **You’ll walk away with:** * A one-page snapshot of your business model * Clearer language to describe what you do * A realistic next step to test or refine your model 🗓 Meeting Schedule * **7:00 PM** — Mingle & meet fellow entrepreneurs * **7:30 PM** — Focused discussion on this week’s topic: *Scaling Without Burning Out* * **8:30 PM** — Elevator pitch practice — get feedback, refine your message, and shine * **9:00 PM** — Wrap-up networking — connect, collaborate, and share insights ⚡ *Please arrive by 7:30 PM to join the main discussion — but you’re welcome to jump in whenever you arrive.*

## **Import & Export — Learn the Model, Remove the Risk, Build the Business** **Casual Learning & Support Session \| LeaderSHIFT Community** There is growing interest in import/export as a business — but most people get stuck on the same questions: * Where do I start? * How do I avoid getting burned? * How do I finance deals safely? * How do I find real clients (not tire-kickers)? This session is designed to answer those questions clearly and practically. ### **📌 Format (Two-Part Session)** **First Hour – Foundations (Beginner Friendly)** This is a structured walkthrough for anyone who wants to understand the business from the ground up. We will cover: * How the import/export business actually works * How to structure deals using government programs and banks to reduce or eliminate risk * How financing can be used properly (without putting yourself in danger) * How to find clients and generate deal flow * Common mistakes and traps to avoid All attendees will receive a **free booklet and resource package** with the information needed to begin setting up their own import/export business. **Second Hour – Open Support & Deal Discussion (Optional)** This portion is for: * People already working on deals * Those who understand the model and want deeper discussion * Anyone seeking feedback on a specific roadblock * Individuals who want to offer insight, support, or collaboration It becomes a collaborative, peer-supported environment rather than a formal presentation. ### **☕ Setting** This is a **casual, low-pressure meetup** held at Second Cup (Sheppard Centre, Yonge & Sheppard). Grab a coffee, bring your questions, and engage at your own pace. No pitches. No hype. Just real knowledge, real structure, and real conversation.

## **🔥 LeaderSHIFT: New Year, New Opportunities** ### **Private Group Visit to The National Franchise Show (FREE Admission)** The new year is the perfect time to **reset, explore options, and think bigger** — without pressure, sales pitches, or noise. LeaderSHIFT is organizing a **group visit** to **The National Franchise Show in Toronto**, where attendees can explore **business ownership, franchising, and alternative paths to entrepreneurship** — all under one roof. This is **not** about selling franchises. It’s about **exposure, learning, and better questions**. *** ### **📍 Event Details** **Event:** The National Franchise Show – Toronto **Dates:** January 17 & 18 **Time:** • Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM • Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Location:** Metro Toronto Convention Centre 🎟 **FREE Admission** (regularly $15) Promo Code: **OWNABIZ26** *** ### **💡 Why Attend with LeaderSHIFT?** * Explore **dozens of business and franchise opportunities** * Learn about **ownership, systems, and scalability** * Attend **free educational seminars** * Ask real questions — no pressure * Connect with others who are **thinking seriously about their next chapter** This is ideal if you are: * Considering entrepreneurship but unsure where to start * Exploring alternatives to traditional employment * Curious about franchises, systems, or structured businesses * Looking to make **smarter decisions in 2026** *** ### **👥 How This Works** This is a **self-guided visit** with optional group coordination: * Come for as little or as long as you like * Explore at your own pace * Optional meet-up time for LeaderSHIFT members on-site No obligation. No expectations. *** ### **⚠️ Important Notes** * This event is **informational**, not a sales event * LeaderSHIFT is not affiliated with any specific franchise * Come curious, not committed *** ### **✅ RSVP to Save Your Spot** RSVP here so we know who’s attending and can coordinate group timing. Let’s start the year with **clarity, options, and better conversations**.

***Tickets must be purchased in advance:*** https://luma.com/ecomTO2601?utm_source=meetup ***(limited early bird & discounted tickets available)*** \-\-\- Kick off 2026 with an amazing evening of connection, conversation, and great vibes at Bar Maaya - one of Toronto’s most stylish, modern cocktail bars setting the tone for this amazing year ahead. 🍸✨ 📸 [Follow us on Instagram @Ecomnetworking](https://instagram.com/ecomnetworking) 📸 Hosted by the **Ecom Network**, this first event of the year brings together **ecommerce and DTC founders, online sellers, and digital entrepreneurs** for a relaxed yet high-energy networking night. Expect great drinks, curated music, and meaningful conversations with people building and scaling real businesses. 💬🎶 **​​Who is this event for?** This event is suitable for all online sellers - whether you run a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brand on Shopify, sell on Amazon (FBA), Etsy, eBay, Walmart, or manage a store on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.​ — **Event Highlights** **✨ Network in a Vibrant Setting** We’ve secured a dedicated section at Bar Maaya just for our group. Enjoy meaningful conversations and great vibes while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs. We kindly ask that you support the venue by purchasing at least one drink or food item. 📣 **Share Your Story** Building a brand, product, or project? Looking for partners, feedback, or fresh ideas? This is your chance to introduce yourself and spark valuable connections in the ecommerce community. 💡 **Learn and Grow** Exchange insights on scaling, marketing, operations, and sales with fellow ecommerce founders. Many past attendees have walked away with partnerships, new clients, and fresh ideas - one conversation could be the start of something big. — **Dress code: Smart casual** — Have questions or suggestions? ​Feel free to reach out to the organizers! ​We can’t wait to see you (again)! — *Notice of Photography* *​During the event, photos and videos may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you prefer not to appear in any media, please let one of the event organizers know.*

***Tickets must be purchased in advance:*** https://luma.com/ecomTO2601?utm_source=meetupti ***(limited early bird & discounted tickets available)*** \-\-\- Kick off 2026 with an amazing evening of connection, conversation, and great vibes at Bar Maaya - one of Toronto’s most stylish, modern cocktail bars setting the tone for this amazing year ahead. 🍸✨ 📸 [Follow us on Instagram @Ecomnetworking](https://instagram.com/ecomnetworking) 📸 Hosted by the **Ecom Network**, this first event of the year brings together **ecommerce and DTC founders, online sellers, and digital entrepreneurs** for a night of connections, collaboration, and fresh ideas. 💬🚀 **​​Who is this event for?** This event is suitable for all online sellers - whether you run a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brand on Shopify, sell on Amazon (FBA), Etsy, eBay, Walmart, or manage a store on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok.​ — **Event Highlights** **✨ Network in a Vibrant Setting** We’ve secured a dedicated section at Bar Maaya just for our group. Enjoy meaningful conversations and great vibes while connecting with fellow entrepreneurs. We kindly ask that you support the venue by purchasing at least one drink or food item. 📣 **Share Your Story** Building a brand, product, or project? Looking for partners, feedback, or fresh ideas? This is your chance to introduce yourself and spark valuable connections in the ecommerce community. 💡 **Learn and Grow** Exchange insights on scaling, marketing, operations, and sales with fellow ecommerce founders. Many past attendees have walked away with partnerships, new clients, and fresh ideas - one conversation could be the start of something big. — **Dress code: Smart casual** — Have questions or suggestions? ​Feel free to reach out to the organizers! ​We can’t wait to see you (again)! — *Notice of Photography* *​During the event, photos and videos may be taken for promotional purposes. By attending, you consent to being photographed and/or filmed. If you prefer not to appear in any media, please let one of the event organizers know.*

Forget stiff business cards and elevator pitches. This is a social mixer designed for genuine conversation and building authentic relationships—with the relaxing backdrop of games to keep things flowing. Come for the connection, stay for the fun. The venue is the perfect blend of a lively games hall and a cozy lounge, providing multiple ways to interact. ### How It Works: 🛋️ **Start in the Lounge:** Grab a drink and settle into our comfortable lounge area for easy, open conversation. Light prompts will be available to help break the ice. 🎱 **Let the Games Guide You:** Feeling playful? Pool, snooker, and ping pong tables are available as shared activities. Challenge someone to a game or join one already in progress. It’s not about winning—it’s about creating a fun, shared experience that naturally sparks connection. ↔️ **Flow Freely:** Move seamlessly between meaningful chats in the lounge and friendly games at the tables throughout the night. 🎟 **$10 Admission — includes shared pool table access and casual networking** Whether you're looking to expand your network, make new friends, or simply practice connecting in person, this is a welcoming space to be yourself and meet like-minded people. **This is for you if:** you value real conversation, believe the best connections happen over shared experiences, and maybe want to sink the 8-ball while you’re at it. Come build relationships, not just contacts. **Location:** 966 Dundas St, E,Mississauga, ON, L4Y 0B2

Bring your business cards and network in person with other business professionals! Gold Star Referral Clubs is one of the most established professional networking organizations in the country, with multiple groups in central Ohio. Join us!

At Evolve Synergy Sessions, you'll be part of a supportive mastermind where we share challenges, brainstorm solutions, and inspire one another to take bold steps in our businesses. Grow your network, gain fresh perspectives, and build meaningful relationships with like-minded women who are committed to success. Whether you’re looking to move the needle in your business or simply need a space to connect and recharge, this is the perfect place to fuel your entrepreneurial journey. [Add Event to Calendar](https://evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com/) \*\* Please note, we will be arriving around 8:15a for open networking! Get there early and get connected! Contact Alexis Morley at [alexis.morley@edwardjones.com](mailto:alexis.morley@edwardjones.com) or Terri Lawson at [terri.lawson@e-merge.com](mailto:terri.lawson@e-merge.com) for more information.

Communication is everything in life You are only as successful as your ability to communicate. \- What if you could confidently talk to anyone? \- What if you had the ability to calmly control every conversation? \- What if you could close that sale\, ask for that date\, make new friends\, repair problematic relationships\, get that raise\, or effortlessly express any idea with confidence? You can! The secret to success relies on your ability or inability to effectively communicate. Attend a free seminar and gain a better ability to communicate. Hosted by the Church of Scientology of Central Ohio 1266 Dublin Road, Columbus, OH 43215 For more information, contact Rhiannon, the Event Host at 614-221-5024

Evolve exists to connect women entrepreneurs connect with one another, serve one another, and help one another overcome challenges in marketing, sales, networking, and professional development. [Add to Calendar](evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com) What to Expect: \~ Welcome team to greet you, introduce you to others, and make sure you feel a part of the group from your very first meeting \~ Welcome & Introductions: 15 second introductions \~ 15 Minute Speaker Spotlight: Member speaker who shares a bit of her story, how she got to doing what she does, and a tangible tip she uses to gain success in her business. No hard selling...no expectations. Simply giving the group an opportunity to get to know her and her journey. \~ 20 Minute Break Out Sessions: Small groups is where we connect best. Extroverted and Introverted alike get the opportunity to share on a deeper level and learn from one another. \~ Take Aways: Hear what the other groups talked about and share resources to grow yourself and your business \~ Grow Time!: Do you need a specific connection to a person, company, or industry? Share it with us! We love to open our networks to one another and grow together! Guests are always welcome. Please contact Mentor Director Donna Schomer at Donna@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. We'd love to meet you!

Wouldn’t it be nice to find a way to overcome your feelings of anger so that you not only control them, but you no longer have the urge to lose your temper in the first place? And how about being able to shake off resentments, persistent annoyance, or even feelings of vengeance? We’d like to invite you to an event on how to overcome anger and resentment. We will show you why people have trouble controlling their temper and where resentment comes from. Flaring anger can ruin a meeting, a relationship, an opportunity, or just about any aspect of life. Worst of all, outbursts towards our family can create hurt that lingers throughout a lifetime. You want to have a civil conversation, and you’ve vowed that you wouldn’t lose your temper, but a few minutes later, the anger flares up. Maybe you’ve realized that being angry doesn’t get you what you want so you internalize it. Or maybe you avoid the knockdown, drag-out fights, but stewing in resentment is exhausting and takes an emotional toll. In this event we show you how to get to the root of your anger so that it stops being an issue to you. You’ll also learn why people harbor resentments and how to move on. Don't continue to struggle, make a difference in your life, and join us for this local event. Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to the event. We look forward to seeing you there. This Meetup is sponsored by your local Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center.

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. *The 5AM Club* by Robin Sharma explores how waking up early and following a structured morning routine can dramatically improve productivity, mindset, and overall life mastery. Through a blend of storytelling and practical frameworks, it teaches high performers how to build discipline, focus, and long-term success by owning the first hour of the day. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

**PLEASE BUY TICKETS THROUGH EVENTBRITE. RSVP THROUGH MEETUP IS NOT A TICKET PURCHASE CONFIRMATION.** Strive welcomes you to 'General Business Networking', Columbus' hottest networking event! We are set in the perfect central location in Downtown for all to join. Are you interested in business? Want to elevate your career? Meet Consultants, Analysts of all types, Bankers, Software Engineers, Entrepreneurs, and more who are active in the space or are eager to get started. **\*\*This will be a multi-vertical event\*\*** **There will be professionals with backgrounds in the arts, finance, tech, real estate, healthcare, and more. Come with an open mind, and leave with connections that wouldn't be possible otherwise!** Pack some business cards and come with an open mind! Meet your future business partners, employers, coworkers, investors, and friends. You don't want to miss this opportunity to expand your network and create a brighter future. We will have a space for our event to check-in. The event will go from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (feel free to come at any point in this timeframe). Name tags will be provided. Business casual dress code. Job fair attire. **Remember, it's not who you know, it's who you meet tomorrow!** We look forward to meeting you at the event! Sincerely, Strive Networking Team *Refund requests are permitted up to 24 hours after purchase, so long as we are not within 48 hours before the event start time. Refunds will be made in full and repaid to your method of payment. Note that we are unable to reimburse PayPal fees.* *Disclaimer: By attending Strive Networking events you agree to photos/videos taken during the event being used to promote future events.*