YES Employment and Entrepreneurship

Jump Start Your Art + Financing Options
2023-12-04 13:30 - 15:30, 2024-01-15 13:30 - 15:30 (America/Toronto) | YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, 666 Sherbrooke Street West 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1E7, Canada
Jump Start Your Art: Begin Your Journey to a Profitable Artistic Career

Are you ready to take your artistic passion to the next level and make a sustainable living from your creativity? Jump Start Your Art is the perfect workshop for artists who want to build a business or career around their talent but need guidance on how to get started.

What You’ll Learn at Jump Start Your Art
In this free workshop, we’ll introduce you to the essential tools, resources, and strategies for launching your artistic career. You’ll discover key services offered by YES and other arts organizations in the community, as well as gain valuable insights into the arts industry. We’ll touch upon vital topics such as:

Industry Overview
Learn about the arts industry landscape, its challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Marketing and Promotion Tips
Understand how to market your art effectively and reach a wider audience.
Building Stakeholder Relationships
Discover the importance of cultivating relationships with galleries, clients, and collaborators.
Navigating Funding and Grants
Get essential tips on how to understand the funding landscape and write compelling grant proposals.

Personal Consultation for Artistic Growth
After the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an experienced artist coach who will help identify which services best suit your specific needs. Whether you’re a new artist or looking to grow your existing practice, our artist coaching is designed to provide personalized guidance and actionable next steps.
One-on-One Artist Coaching
A free 15-minute session with a YES Artist Coach is available for new clients to explore the services that can support your journey. Existing clients can use this time to address any small issues in their creative practice or business.
Pre-registration is required. Available as an online, live-streaming webinar as well as in person.

Register Now

Please Note: Those wishing to obtain artist coaching services are encouraged to attend this free workshop first.
If you registered for the in-person workshop, please arrive at the YES office, located at 666 Sherbrooke Street West, 7th floor, 15–30 minutes before the workshop begins.
For online participants, you will receive an email with login instructions a few hours before the workshop starts. If you don’t see the email one hour before the start time, please check your Spam or Junk folder.
To learn more about our services for Artists, click here.
This free workshop is only possible thanks to our generous funders and partners.

Pricing Your Art
2023-12-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Do you feel nervous when it comes to pricing your artwork?
Get Your Ticket!
If you find yourself struggling with where to start and wondering how to price your art in a way that is fair, represents your effort, and will actually sell, this workshop is for you!
This workshop outlines key concepts and considerations for emerging artists interested in establishing sales prices for their artistic productions. You’ll develop an understanding of things like commission prices, pricing artwork that has already been completed, and the differences between selling independently and selling through a retailer (eg. gallery or agent).
Building your portfolio and pricing your pieces appropriately will help you keep doing the thing you love, and hopefully, get paid for it!
Speaker: Gonzalo Coloma | CFO, Furniture Atelier, Former YES Artist Coach
About the speaker:
After graduating as an engineer in Peru at the age of 21, Gonzalo Coloma literally “ran away with the circus”. Having performed with Cirque du Soleil, Disney World, and even at the Olympics, Gonzalo decided to jump to the entrepreneurial side of things, founding two different circus companies. He successfully managed to take them on tour to over 20 countries.
Searching for new challenges, Gonzalo completed an MBA at HEC Montreal. Specializing in finance and small business growth, he realized he wanted to put his experience into helping other people achieve their vision.
Gonzalo Coloma joined Furniture Atelier after working as a consultant helping startups structure their business models and put in place growth plans to help them improve their finances and search for financing. In his free time, Gonzalo enjoys playing sports, brewing beer, reading and giving back to the arts community by sitting on the board of directors of different organizations.
Pre-registration is required. Available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Invest in yourself and your art for only $20.00*
Register Now!
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour prior to the start time of the workshop.
*This low registration fee is only possible thanks to our generous funders and partners.

How to Have S.M.A.R.T Goals and S.M.A.R.T.E.R Action Plans
2023-12-12 10:00 - 11:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Goals are part of every aspect of work, life, and the job search process. They provide a sense of direction, motivation, and a clear focus, and allow us to clarify the importance of what we want to accomplish.
By setting goals, you are providing yourself with a target to focus on. S.M.A.R.T goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) are used to help guide goal setting. Connecting your goals to a well-managed plan is a recipe for progress and ultimately, success!
Join us to learn more about how to map out your career goals, manage expectations, and identify concrete priorities.
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
This workshop is available online.
Once you have registered for the online workshop, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop.

Decoding Success with AI: Transformative Tools for Modern Business
2023-12-12 18:30 - 20:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Uncover the potential of artificial intelligence in content creation, decision-making, and trend forecasting, and discover how it can serve as your business’s secret weapon for growth and innovation. ⚔️
Participate in this FREE online workshop to learn how to harness AI for the success of your business. Don’t miss the chance to redefine your strategies, enhance operational efficiency, and position yourself at the forefront of your industry. 💎
This workshop is your gateway to understanding and leveraging the transformative capabilities of AI in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape. 🗝️ Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or simply seeking new tools and resources to give your startup a competitive edge, this workshop is tailored for you!
🌟 As a bonus, this workshop includes a 30-minute networking session allowing you to connect with fellow participants.
This workshop is offered to you at no charge, thanks to the generous support of YSpace: York University and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada, and the Government of Canada. While not all our programs are fully funded, we are committed to providing services either free of charge or at minimal cost. Thank you for choosing YES!
Please note that pre-registration is required. Available as an online, live streaming webinar only.
Register Now!
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.
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Découvrez le potentiel de l’intelligence artificielle dans la création de contenu, la prise de décision et la prévision des tendances, et découvrez comment elle peut devenir l’arme secrète de votre entreprise pour la croissance et l’innovation. ⚔️
Participez à cet atelier en ligne GRATUIT pour apprendre comment exploiter l’IA pour le succès de votre entreprise. Ne manquez pas l’opportunité de redéfinir vos stratégies, d’améliorer l’efficacité opérationnelle et de vous positionner en tête de votre industrie. 💎
Cet atelier est votre porte d’entrée pour comprendre et exploiter les capacités de transformation de l’IA dans le paysage commercial en constante évolution d’aujourd’hui. 🗝️ Que vous soyez entrepreneur, propriétaire d’entreprise ou simplement à la recherche de nouveaux outils et ressources pour donner un avantage concurrentiel à votre start-up, cet atelier est fait pour vous !
🌟 En bonus, cet atelier comprend une session de networking de 30 minutes vous permettant de vous connecter avec les autres participants.
Cet atelier vous est offert gratuitement, grâce au généreux soutien de YSpace : Université York et Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada, et le Gouvernement du Canada. Même si tous nos programmes ne sont pas entièrement financés, nous nous engageons à fournir des services gratuits ou à un coût minimal. Merci d’avoir choisi YES !
Cet atelier sera animé en anglais, mais inclura des sous-titres en français.
Veuillez noter que l’inscription préalable est requise. Disponible uniquement sous forme de webinaire en streaming en ligne.
Inscrivez-vous maintenant !
Une fois inscrit, vous recevrez un e-mail avec des instructions pour vous connecter quelques heures avant l’atelier. Veuillez vérifier votre dossier Spam/Courrier indésirable si vous n’avez pas reçu votre courriel avec les instructions une heure avant l’heure de début de l’atelier.
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About our speaker:
Fred, a three-time entrepreneur, boasts an eclectic blend of experience acquired over twenty years and across three continents. His expertise, combining Information Technology, business savvy, and entrepreneurial spirit, has been honed through the rigors of building and scaling inventive and successful businesses.
Fred’s entrepreneurial journey has been a diverse one, marked by initial failures and subsequent triumphs, offering him valuable lessons about empathizing with target markets, crafting impactful narratives, and driving sustainable growth.
Through up hills and down hills, Fred has learned to design businesses ground up, articulate unique selling propositions, build high-performance teams, and employ cutting-edge technologies. As a resource for both trailblazing entrepreneurs and pioneering social entrepreneurs, Fred stands ready to guide you from idea conception to sustained cash flow and impact, you want to be proud of.

Job Interviews: Prep and Practice
2023-12-14 10:00 - 11:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Preparation is crucial to a successful job interview.
Learn what steps you can take to prepare for an in-person, Zoom and phone interview so that you can make a positive impression on the interviewer. Find out which behavioral interview questions employers are most likely to ask, and how to answer them using the ‘STAR’ method.
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour prior to the start time of the workshop.

NEW! Learn@Lunch: Not Your Typical Sales Workshop
2023-12-14 12:00 - 13:00 | Online / Remote, Canada
In this free interactive learn @ lunch, we will provide you with valuable insights to help you build confidence in your sales techniques.
Are you willing to do ALL the work in your business, except when it comes to reaching out to prospective clients?
Let’s reframe the sales conversation, throw out some old biases, and transform the ‘ickiness’ of sales into excitement and opportunity.
This free workshop offers a fresh framework you can walk away with and apply to that one part of entrepreneurship you’ve been avoiding.
Speaker: Stacey Lavender | Artist Business Coach, YES Employment + Entrepreneurship
Pre-registration is required. Available as a free live, online streaming webinar.

Secure your spot today and unlock a wealth of invaluable insights and resources!

Register Now

Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.
This workshop is presented in partnership with:

ELLEvating Women Entrepreneurs (Workshop)
2023-12-15 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-01-12 13:00 - 15:00 | Online / Remote, Canada
Please Note: Those wishing to obtain business coaching services are encouraged to attend this free workshop first.
Are you ready to join a supportive and inspiring community of women who will empower and ELLEvate you throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
We’re thrilled to offer you the space to connect with like-minded women and explore the valuable resources and tools we provide specifically for women in business.
Join us for a FREE online workshop where we will delve deep into various topics including:

🤝 Effectively enhancing your leadership skills
🕑 Improving your time management skills
⚖️ Exploring strategies to balance work and family life
💵 Seeking financing options for your small business, and much more!

Don’t miss out on this informative and interactive online workshop, which will serve as your gateway into our entrepreneurial community. Learn alongside other women and take your business to new heights!
As a bonus, all ELLEvating Women Entrepreneurs Workshops include a 30-minute networking session from 2:30 PM-3:00 PM, allowing you to connect with fellow participants.
Register Now!

Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour prior to the start time of the workshop.

This workshop is made accessible to you at no cost, thanks to the generous support of YSpace: York University and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. While not all our programs are fully funded, we are committed to providing services either free of charge or at minimal cost. Thank you for choosing YES!

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Veuillez noter que la participation à cet atelier en ligne gratuit est fortement encouragée pour ceux qui sont intéressés par l’obtention de services de coaching en affaires.
Êtes-vous prêt à rejoindre une communauté de femmes solidaires et inspirantes qui vous habiliteront et vous élèveront tout au long de votre parcours entrepreneurial?
Nous sommes ravis de vous offrir l’espace pour vous connecter avec des femmes aux idées similaires et explorer les ressources et les outils précieux que nous proposons spécifiquement aux femmes dans les affaires.
Rejoignez-nous pour un atelier en ligne GRATUIT où nous plongerons en profondeur dans divers sujets, notamment:

🤝 Améliorer efficacement vos compétences en leadership
🕑 Améliorer vos compétences en gestion du temps
⚖️ Explorer des stratégies pour équilibrer travail et vie de famille
💵 Rechercher des options de financement pour votre petite entreprise et bien plus encore !

Ne manquez pas cet atelier en ligne informatif et interactif, qui vous servira de porte d’entrée dans notre communauté entrepreneuriale. Apprenez aux côtés d’autres femmes et propulsez votre entreprise vers de nouveaux sommets !
En bonus, tous les ateliers ELLEvating Women Entrepreneurs comprennent une session de réseautage de 30 minutes de 14h30 à 15h00, vous permettant de vous connecter avec les autres participants.
Inscrivez-vous maintenant!
Une fois que vous vous serez inscrit, vous recevrez un courriel avec des instructions sur la façon de vous connecter quelques heures avant le début de l’atelier. Veuillez vérifier votre dossier Spam/Courrier indésirable si vous n’avez pas reçu votre courriel avec les instructions une heure avant l’heure de début de l’atelier.
Nous sommes en mesure d’offrir cet atelier sélect gratuitement grâce au généreux soutien de YSpace : York University et d’Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada. Tous nos programmes ne sont pas entièrement financés, mais nous nous efforçons continuellement d’offrir nos services gratuitement ou à un coût minimal. Merci d’avoir choisi YES!
Cet atelier sera animé en anglais, mais inclura des sous-titres en français.

Basic Salary Negotiation and Your Career
2023-12-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
What are different ways to answer the interview question “What are your salary expectations?”
Learn how to research your target salary, highlight your accomplishments, find the right words and confidence to negotiate a higher salary during the offer stage. And how to get it in writing. During this webinar, you’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to ask for a raise once you are hired. Not to be missed!
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.

Networking for Introverts
2023-12-21 10:00 - 11:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Does networking make you uncomfortable, nervous, or overwhelm you? Well, you are not alone! For many job seekers and business professionals, networking seems forced, inauthentic and unnatural.
This workshop is designed to address common networking concerns you may have, and provide ideas as well as strategies for starting and carrying on conversations and maintaining connections. You’ll also have the chance to put your newly learned skills to use through some interactive activities!
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.

Legal Information Clinic for Entrepreneurs
2024-01-08 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-15 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-22 09:00 - 17:00, 2024-01-29 09:00 - 17:00 | YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, 666 Sherbrooke Street West 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1E7, Canada
Free*
Are legal information questions keeping you up at night? Take advantage of our free, weekly legal information clinics for entrepreneurs.
The last thing you will want to encounter is legal issues, so it makes sense to understand your legal risks and options. Our Legal Information Officer is available to provide information and answer questions related to business issues such as business structures, contract law, taxation, and intellectual property.
Please note that the Legal Information Officer can only provide general information and cannot provide anything that constitutes legal advice.
Speaker: Fatou Tounkara, Legal Information Officer
To register, please email servicescoordinator@yesmontreal.ca. Please Note: A YES Business Coach referral is required.
*Legal Information Clinics must be pre-booked.
*For an annual entrepreneurship fee of $30, you’ll have access to specialized online services including coaching, Business Bootcamp, legal information & accounting clinics.

NEW! From Overwhelm to Clarity: Gaining Productivity and Getting Stuff Done!
2024-01-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Online / Remote, Canada
If you’ve been struggling to stay on top of your job search, you’re certainly not alone!
Being organized, maintaining consistency, gaining productivity, and having a well-thought-out plan are probably the most important things to have in place when conducting your job search. In fact, they are essential!
In this interactive session, you’ll learn how to prioritize, break down daunting objectives into manageable tasks, maintain focus and stay on-track throughout your job search journey. This session will help you to gain clarity, create a roadmap to achieve your goals, and empower you to turn things around by creating and implementing effective action plans.
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour before the start time of the workshop.

NEW! 9 Action Steps to Building a Successful Business (Hybrid Workshop)
2024-01-10 14:00 - 15:30 | YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, 666 Sherbrooke Street West 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1E7, Canada
You’ve got a great business idea, but is that enough? What’s the next crucial step?
Join us for an interactive workshop that will help you answer all the tough questions about how you can jump-start your business the right way. Save both time and your precious budget by strategically planning and building your blueprint for success.
In this interactive session, we’ll guide you through all the necessary steps that entrepreneurs need to focus on before launching their business operations.
Join us as we build your start-up framework and cover critical topics such as ideation, market research, customer interviews, prototyping, and competitor analysis. Give yourself and your business the greatest chance of success and stand out from all the competition.
Your journey to entrepreneurial success starts right here.
Please Note: This workshop is available in person as well as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Pre-registration is required.
Unlock your potential today! Register now for exclusive insights and strategies to fuel your success!
Reserve Your Spot

If you registered for the in-person workshop please present yourself at the YES office, situated at 666 Sherbrooke Street West on the 7th floor, 15-30 minutes prior to the start time of the workshop.
If you registered for the online workshop, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.
Clients wishing to obtain entrepreneurship services are encouraged to first attend this free workshop.

Grant Writing Essentials 2-Part Mini Series
2024-01-10 18:30 - 20:30 | YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, 666 Sherbrooke Street West 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1E7, Canada
This two-part mini-series is designed to help artists gain the necessary business know-how to start their ventures on the right foot. It focuses on essential grant-writing techniques, including crafting a persuasive “pitch,” budgeting, timelines, and other handy tips to help you turn out grant applications that are as strong and outstanding as your work. Develop your artistic practice or business strategically in order to see real growth now.
Reserve Your Spot!
Part 1: The Pitch
Wednesday, January 10: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Your art has potential – now you must represent it on paper in a way that will captivate the reader. In the first part of this series, you will learn how to craft a compelling, context-rich pitch that jumps off the page to effectively illustrate your art project’s true value. Starting with an essential grant-writing checklist, you will understand how to represent your work with clarity and persuasion.
Part 2: Budgets and Timelines
Wednesday, January 17: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
All winning grant applications include cohesive, well-thought-out budgets and timelines that accurately illustrate the project from a time and financial perspective. In this session, we will focus on developing a set of best practices for all future grant applications that get results.
Speakers:
Caroline Gauthier, YES Artist Business Coach
Pre-registration is required.
Claim your spot now and gain access to invaluable insights and resources for $35.00* (for both workshops)
Don’t Miss Out!

About the speaker:
Caroline Gauthier first began her training as an opera singer, earning her music degree at Université de Montréal, before transitioning into theatre and film. Being of an entrepreneurial spirit, she soon began producing stage shows and short films and co-founding a film collective, where she saw her films selected in festivals in Canada, Europe and the United States. After a 12-year career in arts and media, realizing that managing and coordinating were among her core strengths, Caroline chose to pursue her passion for business by completing an MBA at HEC Montreal.
Known for her practicality, empathy, and rigor as well as for her ability for analysis and synthesis, Caroline Gauthier has long combined her creative sensibilities with her highly rational mindset in order to move projects forward both in the artistic realm as well as in the nonprofit sector.
As an artist business coach, she brings to the table her knack for structure, forging a vision and seeing things through. She is thrilled to use her business and creative skills to put them at the service of artist-entrepreneurs and help them with their projects, from ideation to fruition.

This workshop is available both in-person as well as online.
If you registered for the in-person workshop please present yourself at the YES office, situated at 666 Sherbrooke Street West on the 7th floor, 15-30 minutes prior to the start time of the workshop.
If you registered for the online workshop, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.
*This low registration fee is only possible thanks to our generous funders and partners.
This workshop is presented in partnership with:

NEW! Fuel Your Job Search: Increase Your Motivation for Success!
2024-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Online / Remote, Canada
When it comes to staying motivated during your job search or career shift, maintaining a positive outlook can be challenging for many. However, by gaining an understanding of your professional values, skills and interests and applying the right approach, your priorities will become clearer, leading to better choices, decisions and outcomes.
In this session, you’ll learn how to craft effective strategies, employ motivational techniques and create a personalized, tailored action plan. Utilizing self-evaluation activities, you’ll define and clarify your goals and objectives, breaking free from the trap of decision-making paralysis.
Sustaining momentum in a job search or career shift is not only achievable but can significantly boost your drive for success.
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour before the start time of the workshop.

NEW! Set Yourself Apart: Tactics and Tips For CVs and LinkedIn
2024-01-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Online / Remote, Canada
Your CV and LinkedIn profile play a pivotal role in any application process and are the two primary factors that determine whether you get screened in or screened out by recruiters. Achieving the right balance of content, structure and professional narratives is key to standing out in today’s competitive job market.
In this session, you’ll discover how to craft, customize, and optimize your CV and LinkedIn profile to effectively showcase your skills, achievements, and experiences. We’ll provide you with strategies to enhance networking and engagement on LinkedIn, empowering you to make the most of these powerful tools.
Join us to gain practical knowledge and actionable strategies that will elevate your job search game!
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour before the start time of the workshop.

Bookkeeping Essentials for Launching Your Business
2024-01-16 18:30 - 20:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
The foundation of a solid business starts with bookkeeping.
It is a crucial step that lets you monitor the growth of your business, build financial statements, keep track of deductible expenses, prepare tax returns, and legitimize your filings. But it is often overlooked. Even when outsourcing your bookkeeping operations, you should know the fundamentals.
Reserve Your Spot!
Gain a better understanding of what bookkeeping is, the roles of Bookkeepers vs. Accountants, the elements of setting up your bookkeeping from getting your business number to GST/QST, to filing your taxes, and the pros and cons of the top 3 software. Understanding these steps will give you the confidence to know you’ve covered your bases.
Speaker: Maria Durant | Certified Bookkeeper and Vocational Accounting Teacher
About the speaker
Maria Durant has over 15 years of experience as a bookkeeper, which has led her to work with many notable businesses throughout Montreal, the US, and internationally. Maria Durant, who owns and operates her own small business, has shown that a thorough bookkeeping system is essential for the success of any business. Along with her role as an entrepreneur and bookkeeper, Maria Durant is also a vocational accounting teacher.
Through her commitment to teaching, she has been able to leverage her experience as a bookkeeper and provide students with the hands-on approach they need to be successful in the accounting program.
In addition to raising her children, Maria Durant studies part-time at the University of Sherbrooke, where she plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in Professional Education.

Secure your spot today and unlock a wealth of invaluable insights and resources for only $20.00*
Pre-registration is required
Register Now!
This workshop is available online.
Once you have registered for the online workshop, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.
*This low registration fee is only possible thanks to our generous funders and partners.

NEW! Idea Generator: Kickstart Your Business Journey (Online Workshop)
2024-01-17 14:00 - 15:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Welcome to our session based on the 4 golden rules of ideation. This two-hour workshop is your guide through a simple yet powerful ideation process. But what exactly is ideation and how does it apply to entrepreneurs?
It all begins with identifying a problem that’s worth solving, focusing on pivotal areas that demand your creative focus, and then engaging in hybrid brainstorming that fosters a cascade of potential solutions. Finally, we’ll guide you through the process of building actionable plans to transition these solutions into real-world offerings.
This workshop is uniquely designed for startups and aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to dive into the world of innovative problem-solving. Participate in a dynamic, interactive setting, and leave with a clear vision to jump start your business venture.
Your pathway to creating impactful products and services starts right here.
Please Note: This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Pre-registration is required.
Ready to launch your business to new heights? Reserve your seat now and transform your ideas into reality!
Reserve Your Spot

Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour before the start time of the workshop.

NEW! Cultivating Career Advancement Through Confidence Development
2024-01-18 12:00 - 13:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Register Now!
BREAKING BARRIERS Learn at Lunch Guest Speaker Series
Breaking Barriers is a free Learn at Lunch series designed and guided by a diverse group of inspiring and influential women leaders who have risen above obstacles and paved the way for women and other underrepresented groups.
Whether you’re a newcomer to Quebec searching for community and belonging, a woman striving to excel in a traditionally male-dominated industry like tech, or a career-driven individual aiming for upward mobility, these sessions offer a unique opportunity to glean insights, gain mentorship, and learn from women who have successfully navigated and conquered their career journeys.
Join us for a transformative experience that will equip you with the tools and motivation needed to overcome barriers and thrive in your career path.
Cultivating Career Advancement for Women Through Confidence Development
Thursday, January 18
12:00 PM -1:30 PM
Having a strong sense of self-confidence is not something that magically happens overnight, but developing confidence is crucial for advancing in your career.
For career-driven women striving for promotions, leadership roles, or even climbing to the C-Suite level, it’s a journey that evolves continuously, shaped by experiences in both personal and professional spheres, and it goes beyond simply believing in your abilities.
Confidence fundamentally shapes how you present yourself and your work in the professional arena and can help you get ahead when certain barriers make it more difficult to rise above. It’s the driving force that propels you forward, making your aspirations tangible realities.
Join us for this engaging and interactive session where we’ll delve into the very essence of confidence development and explore the foundational pillars that will help you reach your goals.
Speaker: Carla Marrouche | Global Recruiter & Public Speaker
Pre-registration is required. Available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Reserve Your Spot!
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.

NEW! Power Circles: ELLEvate Networking Series | Insider Tips for Networking
2024-01-18 17:00 - 20:00 | Marché italien Le Richmond, 333 Ave Richmond, Montreal, Quebec, H3J 1T9, Canada
Celebrate the start of a new year by forging meaningful connections and cultivating a supportive community that empowers you to achieve your business goals!
Join us at the beautiful Le Richmond on January 18th from 5:00PM – 8:00PM for our Power Circles: ELLEvate Networking Event Series. Our ELLEvate business coaches, Miriam Gaudelli and Michael Prendergast, will delve into the topic of networking and community-building, sharing invaluable insider tips.
This event is designed to inspire, empower, and connect women who are already entrepreneurs or those exploring entrepreneurship. Regardless of where you are on your journey, this event is for you!
Envision immersing yourself in a community of like-minded women, broadening your circle of support and inspiration. Our ELLEvate events provide a dynamic platform for networking, forging connections, and fostering valuable relationships. Our goal is to help you expand your knowledge, grow your business, and navigate the exciting path of entrepreneurship.
You’ll enjoy:

Networking and connecting with other women entrepreneurs to grow a community that will allow you to thrive
Professional and personal development – discover tools for networking with intention, strategies for developing authentic collaborations for business success, and tips for building a community as an introvert
An opportunity to pitch your business – several attendees will get the opportunity to speak for 60 seconds and pitch their services to the crowd
Delicious pizza and refreshments served in a spacious and elevated yet cozy atmosphere

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur with years of networking experience or someone who’s new to the game but eager to build your circle, this event is tailor-made for you! It’s the perfect opportunity to flex your networking muscle, uncover new tips and strategies, and discover the power of purposeful and intentional networking. You’ll also get the chance to practice these tools through guided networking activities in a relaxed setting over pizza and refreshments – a perfect blend of learning, growing, and networking with fellow women entrepreneurs.
So, grab your spot and spread the word to the women in your network who would benefit from this extraordinary gathering! Together, let’s elevate each other to new heights.
Take advantage of Early Bird pricing until January 4th – get your ticket now and save!
Early Bird Tickets: $20.00 (until January 4th)
Regular Registration: $25.00 (after January 4th)
Get Your Ticket!
* Please note:
Pre-registration is required.
Online registration closes on January 18th at 3:00PM, but tickets will be available to purchase at the door at the time of the event.
Answers to registration questions will be used for statistical purposes only.
This low registration fee is only possible thanks to our generous funders and partners: the Government of Canada and York University.
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Célébrez le début d’une nouvelle année en créant des liens significatifs et en cultivant une communauté solidaire qui vous aide à atteindre vos objectifs commerciaux !
Rejoignez-nous au magnifique Le Richmond le 18 janvier de 17h00 à 20h00 pour nos Cercles de Puissance : Série d’événements de réseautage ELLEvate. Nos coaches en affaires ELLEvate, Miriam Gaudelli et Michael Prendergast, aborderont le sujet du réseautage et de la construction de communauté, en partageant des conseils précieux de l’intérieur.
Cet événement est conçu pour inspirer, autonomiser et connecter les femmes qui sont déjà entrepreneures ou qui explorent l’entrepreneuriat. Peu importe où vous en êtes dans votre parcours, cet événement est pour vous !
Imaginez-vous plonger au cœur d’une communauté de femmes partageant les mêmes idées, élargissant votre cercle de soutien et d’inspiration. Nos événements ELLEvate offrent une plateforme dynamique pour le réseautage, la création de liens et le développement de relations précieuses. Notre objectif est de vous aider à élargir vos connaissances, développer votre entreprise et naviguer sur la voie passionnante de l’entrepreneuriat.
Vous apprécierez :

Réseautage et connexion avec d’autres femmes entrepreneures pour créer une communauté qui vous permettra de prospérer
Développement professionnel et personnel – découvrez des outils pour réseauter avec intention, des stratégies pour développer des collaborations authentiques pour le succès commercial et des conseils pour construire une communauté en tant qu’introverti
Une opportunité de présenter votre entreprise – plusieurs participants auront l’occasion de parler pendant 60 secondes et de présenter leurs services à l’audience
De délicieuses pizzas et des rafraîchissements servis dans une atmosphère spacieuse et raffinée mais confortable

Que vous soyez une entrepreneure chevronnée avec des années d’expérience en réseautage ou quelqu’un de nouveau dans le domaine mais désireux de créer votre cercle, cet événement est fait pour vous ! C’est l’occasion parfaite de développer vos compétences en réseautage, découvrir de nouvelles astuces et stratégies, et découvrir la puissance d’un réseautage intentionnel et réfléchi. Vous aurez également la chance de mettre en pratique ces outils grâce à des activités de réseautage guidées dans une ambiance détendue autour de pizzas et de rafraîchissements – un mélange parfait d’apprentissage, de croissance et de réseautage avec d’autres femmes entrepreneures.
Alors, réservez votre place et partagez l’événement avec les femmes de votre réseau qui bénéficieraient de cette rencontre extraordinaire ! Ensemble, élevons-nous mutuellement vers de nouveaux sommets.

Profitez du tarif Early Bird jusqu’au 4 janvier – achetez votre billet dès maintenant et économisez !
Billets Early Bird : 20,00 $ (jusqu’au 4 janvier)
Inscription régulière : 25,00 $ (après le 4 janvier)
Achetez votre billet !
*Veuillez noter :
Une pré-inscription est requise.
Les inscriptions en ligne se terminent le 18 janvier à 15h00, mais des billets seront disponibles à l’achat à la porte au moment de l’événement.
Les réponses aux questions d’inscription seront utilisées à des fins statistiques uniquement.
Ce faible coût d’inscription est possible grâce à nos généreux bailleurs de fonds et partenaires : le gouvernement du Canada et l’Université York.
Cet événement se déroulera en anglais.

Business Bootcamp: Kickstart Your Entrepreneurial Journey
2024-01-18 18:00 - 20:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Free*
Want to launch your business AND get a chance to win 500$?
This dynamic, free* 4-part series will supercharge your entrepreneurial dreams! Led by experienced business coaches, you’ll receive guidance in refining your business concept and validating your business idea. At the core of our program is the Business Model Canvas: a visual tool that will help build the foundation of your business. You’ll learn how to outline key opportunities, identify activities and strategies, and understand initial financial projections for your business.
Here’s the kicker! In the last session of the bootcamp, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your idea and compete for a chance to win $500, generously provided by Desjardins Centre-ville. Note, to be eligible to win the $500, participants need to attend at least 3 out of 4 sessions and the pitch is mandatory.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to fuel your entrepreneurial journey.
Are you considering the launch of a business, whether product or service-based? Are you eager to ensure that you possess the essential components necessary for developing your business before taking the plunge? Do you want to solidify your ideas within a structured and guided learning environment?
In this series, you’ll gain insights into what a business model is and discover strategies to stand out in a competitive landscape. You’ll learn effective methods to test your ideas, create a visual map of your business, and communicate its unique value proposition.
Whether you’re eager to create your own products through research, development, and manufacturing or offer a range of quality services, this workshop series will help you formulate a strategy to success!
Dates:
Bootcamp, Series 7, Thursdays, Aug 1, 8, 15, & 22, 2024, 1:00 – 3:30 PM
Email us to register yourself for the next session. Please note, participants must have an active file* at YES to register and must complete the session in consecutive order. If you are unable to attend one week then you must wait until the next session to complete the course.
*Join our entrepreneurship or artist program for just $30 annually and unlock a wealth of benefits, including free one-on-one coaching, business bootcamps, legal resources, and accounting clinics – all available to you for a full year!.

Registering Your Business (Hybrid Workshop)
2024-01-22 12:00 - 13:30 | YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, 666 Sherbrooke Street West 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1E7, Canada
Wondering how to register a business in Quebec? Find out in this free workshop.
We will show you step-by-step how to register your business with the Quebec government, providing a legal framework to help you through the process. You will also learn about the benefits of registering your startup, and the different legal structures so you can decide which one is right for your business.
Speaker: Xin Hao Yang, Legal Information Officer
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now

This workshop is available both in-person as well as online.
If you registered for the in-person workshop please present yourself at the YES office, situated at 666 Sherbrooke Street West on the 7th floor, 15-30 minutes prior to the start time of the workshop.
If you registered for the online workshop, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions 1 hour prior to the start time of the workshop.

NEW! Gaining Professional Growth through Soft Skills Mastery
2024-01-23 10:00 - 12:00 | Online / Remote, Canada
While AI-Artificial Intelligence has become a part of everyday life, soft skills like complex decision-making, adaptability, creativity, collaboration, and leadership are competencies that machines are unable to replicate.
Soft skills are human-centric abilities and are essential for the workplace because they go beyond just an exchange of information. They are fundamental for professional growth, advancement, and overall development.
If you’re looking for strategies to improve, or further enhance, these vital skills and truly stand out in your field, this session is tailored for you. It will delve into the foundations of effective communication, offering insights on navigating diverse communication styles and enhancing your capabilities.
This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour before the start time of the workshop.

NEW! Elevate Your Marketing Strategy in 5 Proven Steps
2024-01-23 18:30 - 20:00 | YES Employment + Entrepreneurship, 666 Sherbrooke Street West 7th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3A 1E7, Canada
Are you prepared to elevate your marketing strategy and unlock your business potential with LIFFT®? 🔓
This unique opportunity empowers you to identify gaps in your current marketing approach, ensuring you don’t miss out on potential revenue.
Join us for a dynamic workshop where you’ll delve into a time-tested approach that will propel your business to new heights! LIFFT® is a proven 5-step marketing process designed to help micro business owners focus, set goals, and create an effective, easy-to-implement plan to strategically grow their business.
💡In this immersive workshop, we’ll showcase the benefits of the LIFFT® Process by applying it to a YES client’s business as case study by guiding them through each impactive step. All participants will receive a LIFFT® worksheets that they can apply to their own business after the workshop. There will be time to answer questions as we move through this process together.
You might be working harder than necessary to get the LIFFT® you need to effectively grow your business. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to master the art of strategic marketing and ELLEvate your business today!
Register Now!
This workshop is made accessible to you at no cost, thanks to the generous support of YSpace: York University and Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada. While not all our programs are fully funded, we are committed to providing services either free of charge or at minimal cost. Thank you for choosing YES!
*Please Note: Pre-registration is required. This workshop is available both in-person as well as online.
If you registered for the in-person workshop please present yourself at the YES office, situated at 666 Sherbrooke Street West on the 7th floor, 15-30 minutes prior to the start time of the workshop.
If you registered for the online workshop, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours prior to the start time of the workshop.
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Êtes-vous prêt à rehausser votre stratégie marketing et à libérer le potentiel de votre entreprise avec LIFFT®? 🔓
Cette occasion unique vous donne le pouvoir d’identifier les lacunes dans votre approche marketing actuelle, garantissant que vous ne manquiez pas de revenus potentiels.
Rejoignez-nous pour un atelier dynamique où vous plongerez dans une approche éprouvée qui propulsera votre entreprise vers de nouveaux sommets ! LIFFT® est un processus marketing en 5 étapes éprouvé conçu pour aider les propriétaires de micro-entreprises à se concentrer, à définir des objectifs et à créer un plan efficace et facile à mettre en œuvre pour développer stratégiquement leur entreprise.
💡 Dans cet atelier immersif, nous présenterons les avantages du Processus LIFFT® en l’appliquant à l’entreprise d’un client de YES comme étude de cas, en les guidant à travers chaque étape percutante. Tous les participants recevront des fiches de travail LIFFT® qu’ils pourront appliquer à leur propre entreprise après l’atelier. Il y aura du temps pour répondre aux questions alors que nous avancerons ensemble dans ce processus.
C’est possible que vous travailliez plus fort que nécessaire pour obtenir le LIFFT® dont vous avez besoin pour faire croître efficacement votre entreprise. Ne manquez pas cette occasion de maîtriser l’art du marketing stratégique et développer votre entreprise dès aujourd’hui !
Inscrivez-vous maintenant !
Nous sommes en mesure de proposer cet atelier gratuite grâce au soutien généreux de YSpace : l’Université York et Innovation, Sciences et Développement économique Canada. Tous nos programmes ne sont pas entièrement financés, mais nous nous efforçons continuellement de proposer nos services gratuitement ou à un coût minimal. Merci d’avoir choisi YES !
Cet atelier sera animé en anglais, mais inclura des sous-titres en français.
*Veuillez noter : Une préinscription est requise. Cet atelier est disponible en personne ainsi qu’en ligne.
Si vous vous êtes inscrit à l’atelier en personne, veuillez vous présenter au bureau de YES, situé au 666, rue Sherbrooke Ouest, au 7e étage, 15 à 30 minutes avant l’heure de début de l’atelier.
Si vous vous êtes inscrit à l’atelier en ligne, vous recevrez un e-mail avec des instructions sur la façon de vous connecter quelques heures avant l’heure de début de l’atelier.

About the speaker:
Jen DeTracey has over 30 years of strategic marketing experience, complemented by her extensive consulting background in diverse sectors, including retail, wholesale, distribution, manufacturing, financial services, insurance, education, non-profits, business-to-consumer services and business-to-business services. This wealth of experience positions her an expert in the field.
She takes complex ideas and breaks them down into simple, easy-to-understand concepts. This applies to her LIFFT® Process, a proven 5-Step Strategic Marketing approach designed to assist micro business owners in focusing their efforts, setting achievable goals, and strategically growing their businesses.

French for the Workforce
2024-01-24 09:30 - 12:30 | Online / Remote, Canada
Improve Your French for Work – Join Our Online Course Today

Are you ready to improve your French for work and gain the language skills you need to thrive in a bilingual workplace? Whether you’re aiming to improve your reading, writing, speaking, or listening, this immersive program will help you grow your confidence and professionalism en français.

Why Join This Program?
Designed for high beginners and intermediate-level learners, our French for the Workforce course is more than just grammar and vocabulary—it’s about real-world application.
Whether you’re just entering the workforce or looking to advance your career, this course is tailored to help you communicate clearly and effectively in French.

Upcoming Sessions
High Beginner Level

📅 September 17 – October 10, 2025
🕘 Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
💰 $105 (8 sessions)

Are you looking to improve your French communication skills for the workplace?
Whether you’re focusing on reading, writing, speaking, or listening, our French for the Workforce program is designed to help you succeed in professional settings.
In this interactive, four-week virtual course, you’ll:
✅ Expand your vocabulary and grammar skills
✅ Practice mock interviews and learn to answer “Tell me about yourself” with confidence
✅ Improve your CV writing and business email communication
✅ Gain hands-on experience for workplace meetings and job interviews

Intermediate Level

📅 November 5 – December 5, 2025
🕘 Wednesdays & Fridays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
💻 Online via Zoom
💰 $125 (10 sessions)

Want to feel more confident communicating in French at work?
Whether you’re writing business emails, participating in meetings, or crafting a professional cover letter, our French for the Workforce program is here to help you thrive in a bilingual workplace.
In this interactive, five-week virtual course tailored for intermediate-level learners, you’ll:
✅ Strengthen your grammar and expand your vocabulary
✅ Practice writing professional emails and cover letters
✅ Boost your confidence in workplace conversations and meetings
✅ Receive personalized feedback from both your instructor and peers
Build on your existing skills, gain real-world practice, and take your French to the next level—one professional interaction at a time.

What to Expect
Each session includes:

Group discussion and role play
Email and CV writing exercises
Interview and meeting preparation
Grammar, conjugation, and comprehension practice

You’ll also gain insight into using French keywords and terminology to strengthen your job applications. If you’re looking to improve your French for work, this program offers the support and structure you need to succeed.

Ready to Register?
Spots are limited and registration is required. To ensure proper placement, you’ll complete a brief written and oral evaluation.
📞 Call 514-878-9788 or ✉️ email

More Resources
Additionally, we offer professional French translation services for your CV and cover letter.
For more information about our services for job seekers, click here.

NEW! Where the Jobs Are: Unlocking Strategies for Getting Hired!
2024-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Online / Remote, Canada
Do you find it difficult to uncover good employment opportunities on online job boards?
Many of the opportunities that you’re looking for lie within the hidden job market and tapping into this requires a network of professional and personal contacts.
This session is designed to assist you in creating a strategic action plan so you can build and expand your network and meet new people, conduct informational interviews and successfully start and build professional relationships. If you want to move beyond the limitations of job postings and increase your chances of accessing unadvertised jobs and insider information about potential opportunities, networking is a crucial skill for any job seeker or career shifter.
Pre-registration is required.
Register Now
This workshop is available as an online, live-streaming webinar.
Once you have registered, you will receive an email with instructions on how to log on a few hours before the start time of the workshop. Please check your Spam/Junk folder if you have not received your email with instructions one hour before the start time of the workshop.
