If you’ve ever wondered about navigating legal challenges, making marketing truly effective, or simplifying your small business finances, these sessions will deliver the clarity and direction you need. We polled our community and handed the most pressing topics to expert presenters who will provide sharp, actionable insights in under 30 minutes. These sessions are designed to answer the burning questions that YOU, the Business Sisters community, have asked about running a small business.
For entrepreneurs, legal challenges are an inevitable part of the journey. Whether it’s protecting your business through incorporation, having proper agreements, or succession planning, the legal side of business can be complex and overwhelming. Sophie Reitano and Stéphanie Murray of Reitano Law will break down key legal considerations for small business owners.
Sophie, a seasoned lawyer with experience in family, employment, real estate law, and wills, launched her own firm in 2019 after years of practice in Rockland and Ottawa. She’s well-versed in civil litigation and complex legal matters, making her a powerful resource for businesses looking to protect themselves. In addition to her legal acumen, Sophie is deeply rooted in the community through her involvement in various local organizations.
Stéphanie, who joined Sophie’s practice in 2020, brings a wealth of knowledge from her work at one of Canada’s largest law firms, Borden Ladner Gervais. Her expertise spans corporate law, employment law, and commercial real estate transactions, and she currently serves as Vice-President of the Board of Maison Interlude House. Together, Sophie and Stéphanie will guide you through the essentials of small business law, ensuring you’re legally prepared to thrive.
Tired of pouring money into marketing with little to show for it? Business strategist and coach Diana Lidstone is here to show you how to transform your marketing efforts and become an in-demand brand. With nearly 40 years of entrepreneurial experience, Diana has seen firsthand how small businesses often struggle to make their marketing work for them. But with her straightforward, no-nonsense approach, she’ll teach you how to streamline your efforts and maximize your impact.
Diana is not just a business coach; she’s a best-selling author, real estate investor, and award-winning speaker who is currently a finalist for Ottawa’s Business Woman of the Year. She specializes in helping small business owners build self-sustaining, profitable businesses—without burnout. Her session will give you the tools to stop wasting money and start making smart marketing choices that drive growth.
Finances are the backbone of any business, yet for many small business owners, they’re often the most confusing and stressful aspect to manage. Carla Colonna, a bilingual accounting expert from Rodina Professional Corporation, is here to simplify it all. In this session, she’ll help you move from chaos to clarity by breaking down the financial essentials every entrepreneur needs to know.
Carla brings over a decade of experience in bookkeeping, payroll, and tax services. Her hands-on expertise as a former business owner gives her a unique perspective on the challenges that small businesses face. Now, as a trusted accounting professional, she’s committed to helping businesses strengthen their financial health through strategic advice and meticulous reporting. Whether you’re struggling with tax planning or just want to get a better handle on your books, Carla’s insights will help you take control of your business’s financial future.
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