Bob Singh Minhas

Analysis:
In 2023, the Ontario Government recognized the need to support young entrepreneurs in acquiring businesses from retiring owners in rural areas. The #OwnersWanted program was launched to ensure business continuity and economic growth by addressing gaps in buyer knowledge and access to available businesses.

Design:
The program included several key elements developed with feedback from the Ontario Business Development Manager:

Virtual Workshops: Three workshops in… Show more

Analysis:
In 2023, the Ontario Government recognized the need to support young entrepreneurs in acquiring businesses from retiring owners in rural areas. The #OwnersWanted program was launched to ensure business continuity and economic growth by addressing gaps in buyer knowledge and access to available businesses.

Design:
The program included several key elements developed with feedback from the Ontario Business Development Manager:

Virtual Workshops: Three workshops in November 2023, January, and February 2024, focused on acquisition strategies, financing options, and succession planning. These sessions featured experts from across Canada on business acquisition and ownership.
Live Workshop: Conducted in March 2024 in the Niagara Region, based on inquiries about buying a business. This workshop featured local experts and included in-person group activities to enhance knowledge transfer.
Mentorship Networks: Established to connect young entrepreneurs with experienced business owners, providing ongoing support.

Development:
Content was developed to address identified gaps, ensuring it was informative and engaging. Guest speakers, panelists, and community partners were selected for their expertise in business acquisition and entrepreneurship.

Implementation:
Workshops and Webinars: Engaged over 80 attendees through interactive sessions and Q&A opportunities. Notable speakers included industry experts and Futurpreneur alumni who had experience in buying or selling businesses.
Community Engagement: Organized events that brought together aspiring entrepreneurs and experienced local support providers, fostering a supportive network and community​.

Evaluation:
Participant feedback indicated increased confidence in pursuing business acquisitions, highlighting the program's positive impact in facilitating first steps towards ownership in Ontario. Show less

Analysis:
Conducted needs assessment based on Employment and Social Development Canada (EDSC) initial project charter.
Collaborated with an Economic Development agency to conduct further needs assessment.

Design:
Worked with chief learning officer and instructional designers to develop the digital transformation program curriculum aligned with EDSC learning objectives.
Developed copy for marketing materials for the Digital Transformation Program (DTP).
Created partnership… Show more

Analysis:
Conducted needs assessment based on Employment and Social Development Canada (EDSC) initial project charter.
Collaborated with an Economic Development agency to conduct further needs assessment.

Design:
Worked with chief learning officer and instructional designers to develop the digital transformation program curriculum aligned with EDSC learning objectives.
Developed copy for marketing materials for the Digital Transformation Program (DTP).
Created partnership frameworks and outreach materials to attract ecosystem partners for program awareness in Puslinch and Wellington County.

Development:
Designed internship placement procedures and wage subsidy guidelines in collaboration with EDSC guidelines.

Implementation:
Recruited 24 job seekers and onboarded 33 employers and employees into the Digital Transformation Program.
Facilitated the placement of 11 youth interns into quality employment positions.

Evaluation:
Monitored internship progress and evaluated employer and participant satisfaction.
Summarized program results to create the "Rural Economic Development Playbook" in partnership with Prepr.
Assessed outcomes and impact on digital skill enhancement within the local community. Show less

Analysis: Directed the successful launch and implementation of the Flexible Upskilling Network (F.U.N.) program, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. Conducted comprehensive analysis to refine program based on participant, employer, team, and stakeholder feedback.

Design: Updated onboarding using SurveyMonkey Apply to seamlessly integrate applicants and employers, enhancing participant experience and engagement.

Development: Forged partnerships across sectors… Show more

Analysis: Directed the successful launch and implementation of the Flexible Upskilling Network (F.U.N.) program, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada. Conducted comprehensive analysis to refine program based on participant, employer, team, and stakeholder feedback.

Design: Updated onboarding using SurveyMonkey Apply to seamlessly integrate applicants and employers, enhancing participant experience and engagement.

Development: Forged partnerships across sectors benefiting from digital adoption to secure internships. Executed guidelines for employer onboarding and support, refining processes based on feedback.

Implementation: Placed 60 youth in internships, providing crucial skills and industry exposure. Conducted training across diverse cohorts to ensure learning outcomes. Actively monitored intern progress to ensure compliance and support.

Evaluation: Implemented pre- and post-participant surveys to measure learning and program impact. Assessed post-employment feedback for alignment with real-world skills.

Key Achievements: Trained 60 youth, resulting in 52 quality employment opportunities across various sectors.

Collaboration with Employers: Worked with Growth Team to engage employers in hiring interns. Guided seamless onboarding and secured wage subsidies, fostering mutual benefit and growth.

This initiative empowered youth and addressed industry needs, contributing to Ontario's economic workforce development. Show less

Futurpreneur’s Growth Accelerator is a premier program for young entrepreneurs in their second year of business, combining digital facilitation with an in-person strategy pitch session in Toronto.

1. Analysis:
Research identified ways to better support funded entrepreneurs, focusing on learning problems, goals, and assessing current knowledge and skills.

2. Design:
The design phase, in collaboration with the Director of Programs, created application guidelines, processes… Show more

Futurpreneur’s Growth Accelerator is a premier program for young entrepreneurs in their second year of business, combining digital facilitation with an in-person strategy pitch session in Toronto.

1. Analysis:
Research identified ways to better support funded entrepreneurs, focusing on learning problems, goals, and assessing current knowledge and skills.

2. Design:
The design phase, in collaboration with the Director of Programs, created application guidelines, processes, and a program outline with a weekly agenda to align with learning objectives. High-level lesson plans guided expert presentations.

3. Development:
Subject matter experts were recruited to deliver content on marketing, operations, and finance. Workshops provided actionable strategies, and a session prepared participants for the pitch competition. Instructional materials were developed and pilot-tested.

4. Implementation:
Starting in February 2023, the program included marketing workshops, operational assets in March, and financial forecasting in April. Mastermind groups were facilitated, guiding participants toward their goals.

5. Evaluation:
Continuous support and evaluations ensured learning objectives were met. The program culminated in a pitch competition for a $10,000 prize, with post-event analysis identifying areas for improvement.

Results:
The program guided 24 young entrepreneurs in financing, operations, and marketing, emphasizing teamwork, strategic planning, and presentation skills.

Conclusion:
Futurpreneur’s Growth Accelerator successfully empowered young entrepreneurs with essential knowledge and tools for growth, showcasing impactful community support. Show less

Analysis
The Futurpreneur EIR Road Tour, part of Canadian Business Week, was held across Ontario in October 2022. The initiative, backed by the Ontario Government, aimed to support and inspire young entrepreneurs in rural and remote areas, providing them with essential resources to launch their businesses.

Design
The tour's design included in-person workshops led by Futurpreneur's Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. These workshops were structured to help participants:

Determine the… Show more

Analysis
The Futurpreneur EIR Road Tour, part of Canadian Business Week, was held across Ontario in October 2022. The initiative, backed by the Ontario Government, aimed to support and inspire young entrepreneurs in rural and remote areas, providing them with essential resources to launch their businesses.

Design
The tour's design included in-person workshops led by Futurpreneur's Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. These workshops were structured to help participants:

Determine the stage of their startup.
Understand the next steps in their entrepreneurial journey.
Translate these steps into actionable information for creating a strong business plan.
Development
To develop the tour, collaboration occurred with the Ontario Business Development Manager to:

Coordinate workshop locations with regional partners.
Plan specific routes and dates for workshop delivery.
Ensure accessibility and benefits for all rural entrepreneurs.
Establish and re-establish relationships with regional partners.
Visit post-dispersed entrepreneurs to gather feedback on their progress and challenges.
Implementation
The implementation involved:

Conducting workshops across various locations in Ontario.
Ensuring events were accessible to rural entrepreneurs.
Facilitating direct engagement with new and existing service partners.
Collecting feedback from entrepreneurs to refine support strategies.
Evaluation
The evaluation of the road tour indicated significant impacts, including:

Supporting over 40 new entrepreneurs.
Strengthening relationships with new and existing partners.
Gathering valuable insights to improve ongoing support for rural communities.
Highlighting the importance of direct engagement and localized support in fostering entrepreneurial growth in rural Ontario.
Contributing to the economic development of these communities by addressing the needs of rural entrepreneurs. Show less

Overview:
The FOCUS YESS Program Level 4: Becoming the Boss is a 14-week program aimed at supporting at-risk youth by providing essential business skills, mentorship, and practical experience to foster entrepreneurial spirit and self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities:
Developed curriculum and lesson plans
Created presentation outlines
Coordinated business expert mentorship
Facilitated mentor presentations
Delivered content presentations as a subject matter expert
Led… Show more

Overview:
The FOCUS YESS Program Level 4: Becoming the Boss is a 14-week program aimed at supporting at-risk youth by providing essential business skills, mentorship, and practical experience to foster entrepreneurial spirit and self-sufficiency.

Responsibilities:
Developed curriculum and lesson plans
Created presentation outlines
Coordinated business expert mentorship
Facilitated mentor presentations
Delivered content presentations as a subject matter expert
Led mastermind sessions

1. Analysis:
Conducted in-person group interviews to define knowledge gaps and learning styles of at-risk youth
Refined learning objectives: developing a business plan, business cash flow, entrepreneurial soft skills

2. Design:
Structured 14-week program into weekly modules
Structured 14-week lessons into daily education modules to be delivered asynchronously
Included interactive activities, case studies, real-life examples
Designed evaluation methods: quizzes, project submissions, feedback sessions

3. Development:
Created detailed lesson plans on business topics
Prepared presentation materials
Developed mentorship framework with business experts
Prepared to deliver presentations on key topics

4. Implementation:
Launched program and set expectations
Delivered weekly lessons: lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities
Coordinated and facilitated mentor presentations
Delivered subject matter expert presentations
Led mastermind sessions

5. Evaluation:
Created weekly quizzes and journal entry prompts to assess knowledge levels and identify gaps
Conducted regular assessments to monitor progress
Collected feedback for improvement
Conducted post-program survey about participants' experience
Evaluated success based on business plan development and entrepreneurial skills

Outcome:
The FOCUS YESS Program Level 4: Becoming the Boss served 15 at-risk youth. Outcomes included:
4 launched their own businesses
8 used entrepreneurial skills in employment
2 returned to school
1 dropped out Show less

Overview:
In response to Covid-19 shutdowns, I launched the "Storefront to Online" program to help rural small businesses in Simcoe County transition to digital operations. This initiative enabled 40 small businesses to stay open and discover new markets.

1. Analysis:
Needs Assessment: Identified challenges faced by rural businesses due to shutdowns.
Target Audience: Small business owners lacking digital presence.
Goal: Transition 40 businesses online to ensure continuity and… Show more

Overview:
In response to Covid-19 shutdowns, I launched the "Storefront to Online" program to help rural small businesses in Simcoe County transition to digital operations. This initiative enabled 40 small businesses to stay open and discover new markets.

1. Analysis:
Needs Assessment: Identified challenges faced by rural businesses due to shutdowns.
Target Audience: Small business owners lacking digital presence.
Goal: Transition 40 businesses online to ensure continuity and explore new markets.

2. Design:
Program Structure: Created a framework including digital assessments, training modules, and one-on-one consultations.
Assessment Tools: Developed a tool to evaluate each business's digital capabilities.
Content: Focused on e-commerce setup, social media marketing, website development, and online customer engagement.

3. Development:
Training Materials: Created guides, video tutorials, and case studies.
Assessment Integration: Tailored training based on assessment results.
Consultation Framework: Developed a structure for personalized consultation calls.

4. Implementation:
Onboarding: Enrolled 40 businesses and conducted digital assessments.
Training Delivery: Provided targeted training through online workshops and self-paced resources.
One-on-One Consultations: Offered personalized guidance to troubleshoot issues and provide solutions.

5. Evaluation:
Performance Metrics: Monitored transition to online platforms, website traffic, online sales growth, and customer engagement.
Feedback: Collected feedback via surveys and follow-up calls.
Impact Analysis: Analyzed the program's impact on business sustainability and growth.

Results:
The "Storefront to Online" program successfully transitioned 40 businesses in Simcoe County to the digital space, ensuring continued operations during shutdowns. Many businesses found new markets and experienced growth, demonstrating the critical role of digital expertise in supporting rural businesses. Show less

Analysis:
Through the Starter Company Plus program, I identified the need for comprehensive support for entrepreneurs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. The program offers:

One-on-one guidance from Small Business Enterprise Centre advisors.
Access to business workshops, seminars, and networking events on topics such as business planning, budgeting, and marketing campaigns.
Mentorship from experienced business professionals.
Grants up to $5,000 for starting, expanding, or buying a… Show more

Analysis:
Through the Starter Company Plus program, I identified the need for comprehensive support for entrepreneurs in the City of Kawartha Lakes. The program offers:

One-on-one guidance from Small Business Enterprise Centre advisors.
Access to business workshops, seminars, and networking events on topics such as business planning, budgeting, and marketing campaigns.
Mentorship from experienced business professionals.
Grants up to $5,000 for starting, expanding, or buying a business.

Design:
Utilizing the available resources, I designed a 3-day live course to enhance the teaching curriculum. The course focused on the key areas of business development identified in the analysis phase.

Development:
The curriculum was meticulously redeveloped to cover critical aspects of entrepreneurship, business plan and cashflow financials. I created engaging and practical content tailored to the needs of aspiring and existing business owners. I also used LivePlan as the business plan cloud software to allow participants to continue to refine their plan after launch.

Implementation:
I spearheaded the marketing and promotion efforts to attract participants. Through targeted campaigns and strategic outreach, I successfully engaged a diverse group of entrepreneurs. Additionally, I conducted interviews to select the most promising participants, ensuring a high-impact learning environment.

Evaluation:
The program's success was measured through participant feedback and post-course evaluations. The revamped curriculum and structured selection process resulted in highly satisfied participants and several successful business launches and expansions. Show less

I led a two-part series to help newcomers in Simcoe County network effectively for business and career growth. The initiative provided essential skills and practical experience, tailored to the Canadian context.

Event 1: Introduction to Networking Basics
Participants learned:
Typical Canadian introductions and greetings.
Understanding personality and gender dynamics.
Crafting and communicating a versatile networking pitch.

Event 2: Practical Networking… Show more

I led a two-part series to help newcomers in Simcoe County network effectively for business and career growth. The initiative provided essential skills and practical experience, tailored to the Canadian context.

Event 1: Introduction to Networking Basics
Participants learned:
Typical Canadian introductions and greetings.
Understanding personality and gender dynamics.
Crafting and communicating a versatile networking pitch.

Event 2: Practical Networking Application
Participants practiced skills from the first session through:
Interactive activities to initiate networking conversations.
Personalized feedback to refine techniques.
Confidence-building exercises for comfortable engagement.

Analysis:
Identified the challenge for newcomers to connect with locals for business opportunities.
Conducted interviews revealing cultural gaps in initiating conversations.
Recognized this skill would aid community integration.

Design:
Objectives: Understand networking norms, create pitches, apply skills, and build confidence.
Developed a structured two-part series with instructional materials.

Development:
Created presentations, practical exercises, and feedback tools.

Implementation:
Conducted interactive sessions with active participation and support materials.

Evaluation:
Twenty newcomers attended both sessions.
Positive feedback on confidence in local engagement.
Unexpected outcomes: increased civic engagement and networking among attendees.
This series effectively addressed newcomers' needs, boosting their networking skills and confidence. Show less