Are you thinking about launching a small business and looking to learn the key aspects of entrepreneurship?
The Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship program is a series of workshops designed for young entrepreneurs to learn about the key areas of entrepreneurship and starting a business. These workshops are open to anyone interested in learning more about how to get started as an entrepreneur.
All workshops will take place in-person at the Brock LINC at Brock University or you can join online. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.
Explore our upcoming workshops below and get ready to join us!
Registration for Fall 2026 workshops is now open!
Community Member Registration
Student, Staff & Faculty Registration
Are you an international student interested in learning about starting a business in Canada? Join the Brock LINC and representatives from Sobirovs Law Firm to discuss the available immigration pathways and business consideration for international students looking to start a business, relocate, or expand an overseas business to Canada.
This workshop will be led by representatives from Sobirovs Law Firm and will take place in-person at the Brock LINC, Rankin Family Pavilion, Room 302 at Brock University. There is also an option to join online.
Rakhmad Sobirov is the Managing Lawyer and co-founder of Sobirovs Law Firm, a boutique Canadian business immigration law practice based in Toronto. He specializes in strategic Canadian business immigration solutions for foreign business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, and startups who wish to relocate or expand their ventures to Canada. Licensed as a Barrister & Solicitor by the Law Society of Ontario, Rakhmad holds advanced law degrees from the University of Ottawa (J.D.), Central European University (LL.M.), and the University of World Economy & Diplomacy (LL.B.). Before establishing the firm in 2012, he gained international legal experience at organizations including Bombardier Aerospace, Bird & Bird LLP, and the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Having immigrated to Canada in 2005, Rakhmad is a Canadian citizen who approaches immigration as a deeply personal and strategic decision for clients.
Mariam Jammal is an Associate Business Immigration Lawyer at Sobirovs Law Firm. She focuses on a variety of temporary and permanent residence applications, including significant benefit work permits, Intra-Company Transfers (ICT), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), and the Start-Up Visa (SUV) Program. Mariam has extensive experience supporting clients across various sectors, including AI, IT, tech development, manufacturing, construction, and food and beverage. She started her career at Sobirovs Law Firm as a Summer Law Student in May 2018 and has been practicing full-time since September 2020. She earned her J.D. from the University of Windsor and her Honours B.A. from the University of Toronto. Mariam has contributed to thought leadership, including authoring an Op-Ed for the Canadian Bar Association on SUV program changes. She is a native speaker of English and Arabic.
Sobirovs Law Firm is a boutique Canadian business immigration law practice. Dedicated exclusively to business and corporate immigration, the firm provides tailored strategies for foreign business owners, entrepreneurs, investors, and their families looking to relocate, expand, and succeed in Canada. Founded in 2012 by Uzbek-Canadian immigrant lawyers, the firm prides itself on its core philosophy of offering clients “Confidence, Clarity & Care in Canadian Immigration”. Sobirovs specializes in all Canadian business immigration programs, with a focus on pathways for entrepreneurs and startup founders, such as the Canada Start-Up Visa Program and C11 Entrepreneur Work Permits. The firm has been recognized as a leading business immigration law firm in Canada by both The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners. For more information, please visit www.sobirovs.com.
Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
*Please note that video and photography will be captured at this event. If you have any questions or concerns please connect with a Brock LINC Staff member when you arrive.*
The Market Research for your Startup workshop will provide an overview of the different types of market research, how to go through the steps of market research and examples of primary and secondary market research activities. This workshop will also include information on how to use the Brock Library and the resources available to students through the Library.
This workshop will be led by the Brock Library and Brock LINC and will take place in-person at the Brock LINC, Rankin Family Pavilion, Room 302 at Brock University. There is also an option to join online.
Date: September 22, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
*Please note that video and photography will be captured at this event. If you have any questions or concerns please connect with a Brock LINC Staff member when you arrive.*
What is a business plan and why do you need one? In this workshop you will learn the basics of developing a business plan and why it is important for your startup business.
This workshop will be led by Dylan Tamlin, Small Business Consultant at the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre and will take place in-person at the Brock LINC, Rankin Family Pavilion, Room 302 at Brock University. There is also an option to join online.
Date: September 29, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
*Please note that video and photography will be captured at this event. If you have any questions or concerns please connect with a Brock LINC Staff member when you arrive.*
Are you looking to start a small business? Join us for “Steps to Starting a Small Business” to learn about the rules and regulations surrounding starting a small business or a startup. Learn about topics including; name registration, incorporation, licensing and the basics of taxation.
This workshop will be led by Dylan Tamlin, Small Business Consultant at the St. Catharines Enterprise Centre, and will take place in-person at the Brock LINC, Rankin Family Pavilion, Room 302 at Brock University. There is also an option to join online.
Date: October 6, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
*Please note that video and photography will be captured at this event. If you have any questions or concerns please connect with a Brock LINC Staff member when you arrive.*
Are you an artist interested in turning your creative practice into a small business? Join us for “Studio to Startup: Entrepreneurship for Artists” to learn about the options and opportunities for creative entrepreneurship, including freelancing, licensing, product development, and more.
This workshop will be led by Tamara Jensen, Entrepreneurship Program Manager with the Brock LINC, and will take place in-person at the Brock LINC, Rankin Family Pavilion, Room 302 at Brock University. There is also an option to join online.
Date: October 20, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
*Please note that video and photography will be captured at this event. If you have any questions or concerns please connect with a Brock LINC Staff member when you arrive.*
In this workshop you will learn about the basic marketing principles to help you build a marketing plan for your Startup business. Whether you have an early-stage business or a side-hustle, this workshop will provide you with the basics to start developing your marketing strategy.
This workshop will be led by the Niagara Falls Small Business Enterprise Centre and will take place in-person at the Brock LINC, Rankin Family Pavilion, Room 302 at Brock University. There is also an option to join online.
Date: October 27, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
*Please note that video and photography will be captured at this event. If you have any questions or concerns please contact a Brock LINC Staff member when you arrive.*
Join us for a workshop to learn about “What Lenders Are Looking For” when it comes to financing your startup business. Learn about the basics of what lenders want and how to best position your startup business for financing.
This workshop will be led by Volker Loetfering, Business Loans Officer at Venture Niagara CFDC, and will take place in-person at the Brock LINC, Rankin Family Pavilion, Room 302 at Brock University. There is also an option to join online.
Date: November 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
*Please note that video and photography will be captured at this event. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a Brock LINC Staff member when you arrive.*
Get market-ready with confidence! Join this interactive workshop to learn how to stand out, attract customers, and boost sales at markets! Join the Niagara Falls Small Business Centre for an interactive Market Readiness Workshop designed to give you the confidence and tools to succeed at local markets. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this session will walk you through everything you need to know to showcase and sell your products effectively.
What you’ll take away:
– Insights into market expectations, vendor requirements, and how to stand out
– Practical tips for setting up an eye-catching and functional market booth
– Guidance on pricing, customer engagement, and maximizing your sales.
Date: November 10, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
*Please note that video and photography will be captured at this event. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact a Brock LINC Staff member when you arrive.*
What is intellectual property? Do you know how to protect your innovative ideas?
This workshop will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of IP and its importance for entrepreneurs. Learn about patents, copyrights, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets. Discover who owns the IP you create and some of the steps you can take to protect your ideas. In this interactive workshop, you’ll participate in applying IP concepts to real-world examples and leave with a better understanding of how to protect your creations.
This workshop will be led by Noshin Hashim, Innovation & Commercialization Manager, Brock LINC, and will take place virtually. A link to join the session will be emailed out a couple of days before the session.
Date: November 17, 2026
Time: 12:00 – 1:30pm
As someone with a computer science background, Kick-Starting Entrepreneurship introduced me to essential startup and business terminologies through its workshops and helped me to expand my network.
– Amir Tabrizi, GeeksLab