Want to become an Entrepreneur? Already an Entrepreneur and have questions?
Come to this 12-session online entrepreneurship lectures offered by Martin Copeland through The East and West Learning Connections for free!
A successful business owner with over 40 years’ experience in practice in both Canada and the U.S., and a business mentor since retirement, Martin would also be happy to answer audience’s questions on everything about entrepreneurship, to share practical advice as well as cultural context, and mindset insight of the business world to help guide early stage entrepreneurs.
This course is developed by Martin specifically for our audience; each lecture will be broken into several sections, and certain sections will relate more specifically to the immigrant community. The total 12 lectures will span over 2025-27 in the quarterly EAWLC Entrepreneurship Mentoring Program.
You can bookmark this playlist for both previous and upcoming videos of Martin’s lectures and Q&A’s at East and West Learning Connections.
You are welcome to subscribe to our newsletter to receive latest event announcements by sending a request to info@eawlc.org (or any inquiries), or come here often to check the latest dates of the lectures.
Cost: Free
Language: English. Transcript in other languages available on Zoom.
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 P.M. (Eastern Time)
Program dates in 2025: March 12, May 14, September 10, and November 12
Venue: online Zoom meetings
Click here to register.
Meeting will open 15 minutes prior, and will start sharp.
For inquiries, please contact info@eawlc.org.
Course Outline
Click the title of each lecture to expand.
Lecture 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Canada
- Key traits of successful entrepreneurs
- Differences between doing business in China versus Canada
- Overcoming challenges as an immigrant entrepreneur.
Lecture 2: Identifying Business Opportunities in Canada
- Understanding Canadian consumer behavior
- Finding niche markets and underserved communities
- Leveraging cultural heritage in business
Lecture 3: Business Structures and Legal Basics in Canada
- Choosing the right business structure (Sole Proprietorship, Corporation,
Partnership, etc.) - Registering a business, permits, and licensing requirements
- Understanding contracts and legal protections
Lecture 4: Business Planning and Strategy
- Writing a business plan tailored for the Canadian market
- Accessing government resources and support programs for immigrants
- Setting realistic goals and milestones
Lecture 5: Financial Management & Funding for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
- Banking and credit basics in Canada
- Small business loans, grants, and government funding programs
- Budgeting, pricing strategies, and managing cash flow
Lecture 6: Marketing and Sales in Canada
- Understanding Canadian branding and marketing trends
- Digital marketing (social media, websites, and e-commerce)
- Networking and building relationships in Canadian business culture
Lecture 7: Product Development and Services Adaptation
- Tailoring products or services for the Canadian market
- Import/export regulations and trade agreements
- Meeting Canadian quality and safety standards
Lecture 8: Hiring, Team Building, and Employment Laws
- Hiring employees vs. independent contractors in Canada
- Understanding Canadian labor laws and workplace culture
- Managing cross-cultural teams and employee expectations
Lecture 9: Operations, Logistics, and Scaling the Business
- Supply chain management and sourcing suppliers in Canada
- Expanding to new locations or online platforms
- Navigating competition and adapting to market changes
Lecture 10: Overcoming Cultural and Language Barriers in Business
- Effective communication and negotiation in English and French
- Understanding Canadian business etiquette and expectations
- Resources for improving business language skills
Lecture 11: Challenges, Resilience, and Adapting to the Canadian Economy
- Common struggles of immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada
- Problem-solving, pivoting, and overcoming setbacks
- Case studies of successful Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs in Canada
Lecture 12: Next Steps – Growing Your Business and Networking
- Connecting with local business organizations and immigrant support groups
- Expanding business knowledge through mentorship and further education
- Planning for long-term growth and success
Entrepreneur Mentor Bio
Martin Copeland was the Managing Director of Content Management Corporation since 1975 with offices throughout North America. The company was acquired by Multiview, a Warburg Pincus company and a B2B marketing agency, in 2011. Martin remained for 2 years on a management contract as an SVP of Multiview with 688 employees who generates more than 100 million dollars in sales a year.
Martin was honoured with many awards in his nearly 50 years of business, currently mentors early stage companies, and still finds time to volunteer with several organizations.
He resides in Innisfil, Ontario, and frequents Toronto. Martin is a proud father of 3 successful grown-up children and grandfather of 2 adorable grandsons, and is excitedly expecting a 3rd grandchild in May 2025!
Host Bio
Dr. Frank Wang is a professional engineer in Ontario who has worked in areas of robotics & automation, aerospace engineering, and nuclear engineering. He runs a book club for parents, advocating for lifetime study and generalist education. He also writes columns for online educational magazines. His two elder university-age children both involve in start-up projects, which triggers his great interest in entrepreneurship education.
Everyone is welcome. Don’t miss the opportunity. Walk home with inspiration, insight, and practical tips!
• We greatly appreciate Mr. Martin Copeland’s vision and passion to give back to the community, and help young generation develop entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, please note Martin would not take any responsibility of any decision you make for your own business. His opinions and advice are for your reference only, and do not necessarily reflect those of the East and West Learning Connections.
• Please consider to support us by volunteering, donating or participating in our endeavor to help people of different heritages break cultural barriers and get connected. Together, let’s make learning and connections happen!