Town of Cobourg Economic Development Department Implementing Fall 2025 Programming

Cobourg, ON (August 20, 2025) – The Town of Cobourg Economic Development department and Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre have dynamic and insightful programs, seminars and workshops coming this fall. 

Aspiring entrepreneurs, seasoned business professionals, and anyone seeking to elevate their business will benefit from the following series, curated to equip participants with the tools they need to succeed in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Protect Yourself Series
This series addresses common operating and legal issues. These sessions equip you with the knowledge to navigate these complexities and protect your business interests.

Intellectual Property - This session is designed to empower creators, entrepreneurs, and innovators. This session will explore how to identify, protect, and leverage your IP assets, from trademarks and patents to copyrights and trade secrets

Presenter: Tony Orsi, Principal at Smart + Biggar

Date: Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Lecture Hall – 739 D’Arcy Street

Cybersecurity - Cyber security feels complicated, but really there are preventative measures to protect yourself. Wash away all the tech jargon and AI and remember that the foundation of cybersecurity is built on having strong passwords, keeping your computers up to date, and being savvy about phishing emails. Get informed and feel empowered as we lay out the practical steps that you can take to secure your digital life.

Presenter: Michael Bakaic, CEO and Founder at Iceberg Cyber

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025 | Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Lecture Hall – 739 D’Arcy Street

Cobourg Growth and Development Symposium
Returning this fall is the annual Growth and Development Symposium. This session will provide a development update over the past year and a discussion among development professionals about leading growth and development trends. This symposium will prove to be a resourceful experience for anyone who is interested in Cobourg’s development trends and projects and learning about leading urban development trends among industry professionals.

Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025 | Time: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. | Venue: Venture13 – 739 D’Arcy Street

Funding Forum: Rural Opportunities - Round 3
In partnership with the Northumberland Manufacturers Association, the Economic Development team is hosting it’s third funding forum featuring two expert panelists: Laurie Caouette, Economic and Business Advisor at the Ministry of Rural Affairs, and Randy Lawrence, Senior Relationship Manager at Farm Credit Canada. Together, they will share insights on securing business funding, with a focus on crafting compelling funding applications. The discussion will highlight essential components of successful submissions to better equip you for your next funding opportunity.

Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025 | Time: 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Lecture Hall – 739 D’Arcy Street

The following small business, innovation, and entrepreneurial programs will be hosted at the Venture13 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre:

Venture13 is excited to introduce the Fireside Chat Series, a new initiative focused on local business and community development. This series will provide an intimate, warm, and welcoming space for learning, discussion, and connection. We will be hosting two sessions this fall.

The first session, AI in Hospitality Industry, will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping the dining and service industries and how local businesses are adapting to these changes. These events are open to the public and are especially relevant for small business owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders, or anybody looking to network. Guests can expect engaging conversations, inspiring insights, and meaningful connections in a cozy setting complete with food and drinks.

Date: October 2, 2025 | Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Lecture Hall – 739 D’Arcy Street

The second session, The Spirit of Small Businesses, will highlight the important role small businesses, independent artisans, and home-based entrepreneurs play during the holiday season. It’s a chance to share stories, ideas, and inspiration, and to connect with others who care about keeping the spirit of local alive during the busiest time of year.

Date: November 6, 2025 | Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Lecture Hall – 739 D’Arcy Street

The Business Accelerate Series is delivered by local digital media strategist Erin Law, Story Unlocked.

Sales Funnel Management: Are you struggling to convert local leads into loyal customers? Want to optimize your marketing efforts and drive more sales? A well-designed sales funnel could be the key to unlocking your business’s potential.  This interactive workshop will dive deep into the art of creating a tailored sales funnel that resonates with your local customers. From attracting new leads to converting them into repeat buyers, this session will provide you with practical tools and strategies to boost your sales and grow your local business.

Date: September 10, 2025 | Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Lecture Hall – 739 D’Arcy Street

Digital Storytelling: Do your marketing efforts feel forgettable? Want to stand out and create a lasting connection with your customers? The secret isn’t just in what you sell—it’s in how you tell your story. This interactive workshop will break down the power of digital storytelling and how local businesses can use it to captivate, convert, and retain customers. You’ll learn how to craft a compelling brand story, apply it across your website and social media, and use proven storytelling techniques to boost engagement and sales.

Date: December 3, 2025 | Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Lecture Hall – 739 D’Arcy Street

Finally, the STEM Education program continues this fall.

PA Day STEM Camp: Looking for an exciting and educational way for your youth to spend the upcoming PA Day? Join us at Venture13 for a day filled with hands-on learning and discovery. Designed for youths ages 11-14, campers will dive into the world of STEM through fun, engaging activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity.  From coding challenges and robotics to engineering experiments and interactive science demos, this day camp is perfect for young innovators ready to explore!

Date: October 24, 2025 | Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Lecture Hall – 739 D’Arcy Street

The Business Blend: This monthly discussion with small business owners and entrepreneurs continues each month in the Part-time CFO Services Community Kitchen. The discussion is an opportunity to share your experiences and learn from others in a structured format.

Dates: September 4, October 9, November 6 and December 4, 2025 | Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Venue: Venture13’s Part-time CFO Services Community Kitchen – 739 D’Arcy Street

Register for upcoming 2025 scheduled programs or events here.

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