About us
Are you starting or growing a small business? We can help. You call them Meetups; we've always called them free programs, seminars, workshops and small business networking - on various topics like social media, taxes, the law, networking, franchising- everything you'll need to run your small business. Meet experts and other like-minded professionals at our programs/networking events, and get your idea rolling! Ask library staff at our branches to help you find what you need- from business resources to great business material in our vast collections! We also have spaces for you to work and meet - everything you need to make your business a success.
Join our Meetup group today and you will never have to pay membership dues, and you will be notified of exciting and informative business programs which will help take your business to the next level!
Upcoming events
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Cashflow Projections: The Numbers Your Business Needs to Work
Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2G8, Canada, Toronto, ON, CAThis session will teach you how to assess your numbers to determine if your business will survive. We will cover:
- Costs of operation
- What each sale earns after costs
- How many sales it takes to break even
- Building a straightforward monthly cash flow projection
- Setting justifiable prices
We'll work through the numbers of real businesses together before you begin thinking about your own. No accounting experience required — bring a calculator or your phone.
The program includes a short networking component, providing participants with an opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs.
Presented by Ryan Knight, TPL's 2026 Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) at Toronto Reference Library.
Registration via TPL website: https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6a99b901d94765189bb97c31
Drop-ins welcome until room capacity is reached.Accessibility
Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: tpl.ca/accessibility-events.8 attendees
The Three “Know’s for Success as an Entrepreneur
Toronto Public Library - Fort York Branch, 190 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 0E7, Canada, Toronto, ON, CAIn this highly interactive workshop with Entrepreneur in Residence (Newcomer Focus), Jean Chow, we’ll explore how well you know yourself, know your reason why you want to own a business, and will your customers need and want to buy what you are offering. What are the key traits of an entrepreneur? Is this an opportunity worth pursuing, a T.R.U.E. (Testable, Real. Unique, Essential) value proposition? Who are your customers?
This session will include:
- Know your dominant dimension as an entrepreneur – “heart, smarts, guts, or luck”.
- Pinpoint your “why” with your T.R.U.E. value proposition and articulate the problem you are solving. Is it an opportunity worth pursuing?
- Create a buyer persona/ideal customer profile (ICP) to demonstrate how well you know your target audience.
Come early to network from 6-6:30pm!
Presented by Jean Chow, TPL's Fall 2026 Newcomer Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) at Fort York branch.
Registration via TPL website: https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6aaad5e3ab7a8e0037c24145
Drop-ins welcome until room capacity is reached.Accessibility
Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: tpl.ca/accessibility-events.2 attendeesNetworking: Anywhere, Anytime with Anyone (Part 1)
Toronto Public Library - Fort York Branch, 190 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 0E7, Canada, Toronto, ON, CAWhy is the #1 skill that will help you thrive as a newcomer entrepreneur networking? This workshop with Entrepreneur in Residence (Newcomer Focus), Jean Chow, will show you how to build your networking skills and help you achieve your professional and personal goals. Learn the true meaning of networking and why it’s not what you know and it’s not who you know.
In this session:
- Get outside your comfort zone and grow your confidence in meeting new people.
- Employ strategies to network effectively both in-person and on-line.
- Gain a better understanding of how networking can help you grow your business.
Come early to network from 6-6:30pm!
Presented by Jean Chow, TPL's Fall 2026 Newcomer Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) at Fort York branch.
Registration via TPL website:
https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6aaad603ab7a8e0037c241bb
Drop-ins welcome until room capacity is reached.Accessibility
Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: tpl.ca/accessibility-events.3 attendeesCreating a Landing Page: Tell Your Story and Track Your Customers
Toronto Public Library - Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2G8, Canada, Toronto, ON, CAYou don't need a full website when you're getting started with a new business, one page can get the job done. This session covers what a landing page should contain, how to attract customers, and how to inform them about your product. During the session, we will look at free tools that don't require coding knowledge, learn how to collect emails, and learn how to assess if a business page is functioning correctly.
The program includes a short networking component, providing participants with an opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs.
Presented by Ryan Knight, TPL's 2026 Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) at Toronto Reference Library.
Registration via TPL website: https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/events/6a99b901d94765189bb97c31
Drop-ins welcome until room capacity is reached.Accessibility
Live or automated closed captioning, sign language interpretation, intervenor services, or attendant services are available upon request. Please submit your request at least 2 weeks in advance to: tpl.ca/accessibility-events.10 attendees
Past events
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