Live workshops:
1. Market Research
The most important workshop you may ever take. Learn how to test your idea and the realities of the needs of your intended market – a two-hour program that answers your questions where you’ll also learn the questions to ask of your target market. You’re convinced that your idea will work. We’ll show you how to prove it.
2. Marketing
Learn how to brand and position your product or service to your target market as well as using appropriate media to assist you in spreading the word. This course teaches you how to market your business step by step.
3. Bookkeeping and taxes
Most of us hate to do it but we have to learn how to record all transactions in a way that tells us where the profit and costs are and how to use that information to make money. We have to pay our taxes but you can learn how to minimize the pain and keep the taxman happy.
4. Surviving Tough Times
This highly motivational seminar provides you with techniques to anticipate challenges, address them and overcome them. Learn how to build important positive relationships with your bank or credit union that will bring rewards in lower interest rates and faster approval of loans and other assistance.
5. The Internet for Business Success
This session will dispel the myths and open up opportunities for you to have a first class Internet presence. Learn about e-commerce models and how to promote your site above the competition.

Monthly Small Business Newsletter
Each month all learner/clients receive the Business Success newsletter full of helpful information to make your business succeed, sparking new ideas simply by investing a few minutes in a fast and clear read.

Your Venture in Victoria – Guide
Unique in Canada, over two hundred information-crammed chapters on running your unique business in this unique market. Hundreds of vital statistics and references – specifically about Greater Victoria.

Video-Conferencing training
Each month, a half dozen online interactive training sessions are available in our state of the art video-conferencing studio with real time instruction on every aspect of setting up and successfully running your business. Included in the Firestarter program for entrepreneurs is a 50% discount on any number of Video Conference sessions of their choice. After each video session, you can contact a counsellor to clarify any issues arising out of the session.

A Major Training Subsidy
The true cost of the Fire-Starter program is $3,000 annually but the program is heavily subsidized to ensure that more local companies succeed. As a result you pay only $795 for the entire package of services and a full year of support. A second member of your team can take part in all sessions and services at 50% or $397.50.

A Guarantee of Success
More than two thousand companies have started and succeeded with the help of Business Victoria. We are confident that you too can be successful in your venture. Business Victoria is therefore prepared to guarantee your success: Complete the training package over a period of one year or less, and produce a business plan - and if after two years your business cannot sustain itself, Business Victoria will return your entire course costs.