NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY
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The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is excited to unveil Lift Off, a four-part workshop series designed to empower local entrepreneurs and small business owners. Created in collaboration with Georgian College’s Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC), this engaging program provides hands-on learning experiences that help participants refine their ideas, build vital connections, and drive their businesses forward.
“I’m thrilled to see the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury partner with Georgian College to bring Lift Off directly to our residents,” says Mayor James Leduc. “These workshops are a fantastic way to spark new ideas, strengthen our entrepreneurial community, and give local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs the tools they need to thrive. It’s all about coming together to make Bradford a hotbed for innovation and growth.”
Workshop Lineup
Growing Your Network to Grow Your Business (Monday, Feb. 24, 5-6:30 p.m., Bradford Library 425 Holland St W, Bradford, Ont. L3Z 0J2)
This session will energize participants about the people and ideas that exist in BWG, emphasizing the value of the entrepreneurial community as a source of inspiration, support, and guidance.
Customer Discovery (March 20, 5-6:30 p.m., location TBD)
Reinforces the value of learning directly from those around you, introduced during the networking session. Provides practical mindsets and tools for conducting primary research and highlights the importance of connecting early and often with potential and existing customers.
Value Proposition (April, exact date and location TBD, 5-6:30 p.m.)
Equips entrepreneurs with techniques for identifying and clearly articulating the value they offer customers. Attendees will learn the psychology behind what makes a product or service valuable and explore new ways to communicate that value effectively.
Business Model Canvas (April/May, 2.5 hours)
Encourages participants to bring together their understanding of customers, networks, and value propositions. By mapping out key aspects of their business via the Business Model Canvas, they’ll identify areas needing further support and forge stronger connections within BWG’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“At Georgian College, we’re all about helping entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life,” shares Mira Ray, executive director of research, innovation and entrepreneurship at Georgian College. “Partnering with the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury for Lift Off means we can directly support local business owners and innovators, guiding them toward growth and success in a rapidly changing market.”
A broader vision for local entrepreneurs
Throughout the 4 Lift Off workshops, participants will also learn about Georgian College’s Further Faster program, designed to help businesses rapidly scale through specialized mentorship and resources. Meanwhile, the Town’s Economic Development team is pursuing plans for a Bradford Catalyst Centre - a permanent collaborative space to nurture both new and existing businesses. Until that location is finalized, Lift Off workshops will be held at the Bradford Library and other Town-owned facilities.
For more information about the first Lift Off workshop, including registration details, click here .
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