The Bigger Picture: Your Business, Your Money, Your Next Move
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is step away from the day-to-day and look at the bigger picture.
At 10:30 am on November 9, we'll kick off the Business Sisters Conference with three very different one-hour workshops. Whether you want to explore how your past experiences influence your relationship with money, think about buying or selling a business, or simply talk through a challenge with other entrepreneurs, there's something here for you. You'll be asked to select your preferred workshops ahead of the Conference. Participants who registered in August will receive priority seating, as promised with their early registration bonus. Take a look at your three choices!
Workshop Choice #1: The Money Psychology Secret Every Business Owner Needs To Know
(This workshop is presented in English, though questions may be asked & answered in French)
It is estimated that 76% of Canadian adults (Ameringen, Mancini & Boyle, 2008) have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives—but most people don’t consider themselves trauma survivors. Our experiences, both negative and positive, leave imprints on us and can show up in surprising ways, especially in our relationship with money. Unless they understand how past experience affects money beliefs and behaviors, business owners may struggle with issues such as making financial decisions, managing cash flow effectively, setting and achieving financial goals, and others.
In this presentation, participants will learn:
- The one money psychology secret every business owner needs to know: it’s not scarcity mindset, it’s a trauma response
- Money shame and its sources
- How to respond to shame and trauma when they show up in their relationship with money
Please note that questions and discussion are invited throughout the presentation.
About Shulamit Ber Levtov (she/her)
Shulamit Ber Levtov (she/her) is The Entrepreneurs' Therapist™, an award-winning business owner, speaker, and trauma therapist who helps entrepreneurs navigate the weight and complexity of leadership. A master's-level, registered social worker with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Shulamit illuminates the unique challenges facing founders and provides actionable tools to build internal steadiness and sustainable growth. In 2019, she developed the Entrepreneur Mental Health Business Plan: a framework that enables entrepreneurs to systematically track, evaluate and care for their mental health as an integral part of their business processes.
With niche expertise in financial therapy, Shula brings specialized knowledge of the psychological and emotional dimensions of money, helping entrepreneurs understand and shift the patterns that shape their financial decisions. Shula combines her lived experience as an entrepreneur and trauma survivor with professional expertise including certifications in Dare To Lead™, Trauma of Money®, Financial Social Work, Nonviolent Communication, and somatic parts work, bringing a unique perspective to supporting entrepreneurs with their mental and emotional well being.
Workshop Choice #2: Buying a Business? Selling One? Two Entrepreneurs Share What They've Learned.
What happens when you're ready for your next chapter in business? And what if that next chapter involves buying someone else's?
We spend a lot of time talking about starting and growing businesses. But there's another part of entrepreneurship that doesn't get nearly as much attention: what happens when ownership changes hands.
Maybe you've spent years building a business and wonder what it might be worth someday. Perhaps you've been approached by a potential buyer. Or maybe you've spotted an opportunity to buy an established business rather than start one from scratch.
Whatever your situation, there's a lot to think about. And who better to learn from than two women who've actually been through it?
Your next choice for first slot of workshops brings together two Eastern Ontario entrepreneurs for a candid conversation about buying, selling and planning your next move.
Meet Erin Gurski: The Buyer's Perspective
In July 2023, Erin Gurski purchased Copyrightlaws.com from its founder, Lesley Ellen Harris.
Erin wasn't new to the business. A copyright consultant and educator with more than a decade of experience, she'd been teaching courses through Copyrightlaws.com since 2019.
The negotiations went smoothly, but looking back, Erin wishes she'd asked more questions, particularly about the tax implications of becoming a business owner.
Today, as owner and CEO, she's building on an established legacy while making the business her own.
Erin will share why she chose to buy rather than start from scratch, what surprised her along the way, and what she'd do differently.
Meet Pierrette Raymond: The Seller's Perspective
Pierrette Raymond knows a thing or two about building businesses worth buying.
A serial entrepreneur, mentor and four-time author, Pierrette has spent more than 30 years building and leading companies, including two 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchises serving Ottawa and Gatineau.
She's successfully sold two businesses, most recently for multiple seven figures, on her terms and at her price.
But getting to that point didn't happen overnight.
Pierrette will share what she learned about building a business that can operate without its owner, increasing its value, evaluating offers and preparing for an eventual sale.
And why you should start thinking about your exit strategy long before you're ready to leave.
Not Another PowerPoint Presentation
In their workshop, Your Business, Your Next Move: Buying, Selling and Planning Your Exit, Erin and Pierrette will interview each other, comparing experiences from opposite sides of the transaction.
There'll be plenty of time for your questions, too.
Even if selling your business isn't on your radar, understanding what makes a business valuable, sustainable and transferable can help you make better decisions today.
Workshop Choice #3: Ask Me Anything with Doreen
(This workshop will be in both English and French)
Got a business question you've been stewing on? Need a referral, a fresh perspective, or someone to help you figure out your next move?
Pull up a chair. Let's talk.
Join Business Sisters founder and Conference host Doreen Ashton Wagner for an informal, bilingual Ask Me Anything session where YOU decide what we talk about.
There's no presentation, no PowerPoint, and no prepared agenda. Just an open conversation about whatever's on your mind.
Maybe you're wrestling with a business decision, looking for a resource or introduction, or wondering how other entrepreneurs have handled a similar challenge. Bring it up!
Doreen has spent decades in business and knows a thing or two about its ups, downs and unexpected detours. She's also a natural connector who loves putting people in touch with the right people, programs and opportunities.
And don't be surprised if another woman in the room has just the experience or insight you're looking for. That's part of the magic of Business Sisters.
This session will be conducted bilingually, in English and French. Ask your questions in whichever language you're most comfortable using.
Come with a question, or just come to listen. No pressure, no pitches, just a good conversation.
About Doreen Ashton Wagner
Doreen is the founder and executive director of Business Sisters | Consoeurs En Affaires, a bilingual social enterprise she established in 2018 to connect and support women business owners in rural Eastern Ontario.
Her entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding Greenfield Hospitality Services Inc., a lead generation agency serving the meetings and events industry, which she exited in 2016. She subsequently consulted for non-profits and associations.
Doreen also holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, where her research explored the entrepreneurial resilience of rural women business owners during times of crisis. During the pandemic, she worked with ACCFutures to help entrepreneurs access financial support.
Based in Alexandria, Ontario, Doreen is passionate about entrepreneurship, social enterprise and building thriving rural communities where women don't have to grow their businesses alone.
Join us November 9 in Cornwall for any of these three conversations plus seven other practical workshops designed for women who are serious about their businesses.
Explore the overall conference program and register here.
Additional workshops being offered at 12:45 pm are accesible here, and at 2:15 may be viewed here.
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your business is step away from the day-to-day and look at the bigger picture.
At 10:30 am on November 9, we'll kick off the Business Sisters Conference with three very different one-hour workshops. Whether you want to explore how your past experiences influence your relationship with money, think about buying or selling a business, or simply talk through a challenge with other entrepreneurs, there's something here for you. You'll be asked to select your preferred workshops ahead of the Conference. Participants who registered in August will receive priority seating, as promised with their early registration bonus. Take a look at your three choices!
Workshop Choice #1: The Money Psychology Secret Every Business Owner Needs To Know
(This workshop is presented in English, though questions may be asked & answered in French)
It is estimated that 76% of Canadian adults (Ameringen, Mancini & Boyle, 2008) have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives—but most people don’t consider themselves trauma survivors. Our experiences, both negative and positive, leave imprints on us and can show up in surprising ways, especially in our relationship with money. Unless they understand how past experience affects money beliefs and behaviors, business owners may struggle with issues such as making financial decisions, managing cash flow effectively, setting and achieving financial goals, and others.
In this presentation, participants will learn:
- The one money psychology secret every business owner needs to know: it’s not scarcity mindset, it’s a trauma response
- Money shame and its sources
- How to respond to shame and trauma when they show up in their relationship with money
Please note that questions and discussion are invited throughout the presentation.
About Shulamit Ber Levtov (she/her)
Shulamit Ber Levtov (she/her) is The Entrepreneurs' Therapist™, an award-winning business owner, speaker, and trauma therapist who helps entrepreneurs navigate the weight and complexity of leadership. A master's-level, registered social worker with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, Shulamit illuminates the unique challenges facing founders and provides actionable tools to build internal steadiness and sustainable growth. In 2019, she developed the Entrepreneur Mental Health Business Plan: a framework that enables entrepreneurs to systematically track, evaluate and care for their mental health as an integral part of their business processes.
With niche expertise in financial therapy, Shula brings specialized knowledge of the psychological and emotional dimensions of money, helping entrepreneurs understand and shift the patterns that shape their financial decisions. Shula combines her lived experience as an entrepreneur and trauma survivor with professional expertise including certifications in Dare To Lead™, Trauma of Money®, Financial Social Work, Nonviolent Communication, and somatic parts work, bringing a unique perspective to supporting entrepreneurs with their mental and emotional well being.
Workshop Choice #2: Buying a Business? Selling One? Two Entrepreneurs Share What They've Learned.
What happens when you're ready for your next chapter in business? And what if that next chapter involves buying someone else's?
We spend a lot of time talking about starting and growing businesses. But there's another part of entrepreneurship that doesn't get nearly as much attention: what happens when ownership changes hands.
Maybe you've spent years building a business and wonder what it might be worth someday. Perhaps you've been approached by a potential buyer. Or maybe you've spotted an opportunity to buy an established business rather than start one from scratch.
Whatever your situation, there's a lot to think about. And who better to learn from than two women who've actually been through it?
Your next choice for first slot of workshops brings together two Eastern Ontario entrepreneurs for a candid conversation about buying, selling and planning your next move.
Meet Erin Gurski: The Buyer's Perspective
In July 2023, Erin Gurski purchased Copyrightlaws.com from its founder, Lesley Ellen Harris.
Erin wasn't new to the business. A copyright consultant and educator with more than a decade of experience, she'd been teaching courses through Copyrightlaws.com since 2019.
The negotiations went smoothly, but looking back, Erin wishes she'd asked more questions, particularly about the tax implications of becoming a business owner.
Today, as owner and CEO, she's building on an established legacy while making the business her own.
Erin will share why she chose to buy rather than start from scratch, what surprised her along the way, and what she'd do differently.
Meet Pierrette Raymond: The Seller's Perspective
Pierrette Raymond knows a thing or two about building businesses worth buying.
A serial entrepreneur, mentor and four-time author, Pierrette has spent more than 30 years building and leading companies, including two 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchises serving Ottawa and Gatineau.
She's successfully sold two businesses, most recently for multiple seven figures, on her terms and at her price.
But getting to that point didn't happen overnight.
Pierrette will share what she learned about building a business that can operate without its owner, increasing its value, evaluating offers and preparing for an eventual sale.
And why you should start thinking about your exit strategy long before you're ready to leave.
Not Another PowerPoint Presentation
In their workshop, Your Business, Your Next Move: Buying, Selling and Planning Your Exit, Erin and Pierrette will interview each other, comparing experiences from opposite sides of the transaction.
There'll be plenty of time for your questions, too.
Even if selling your business isn't on your radar, understanding what makes a business valuable, sustainable and transferable can help you make better decisions today.
Workshop Choice #3: Ask Me Anything with Doreen
(This workshop will be in both English and French)
Got a business question you've been stewing on? Need a referral, a fresh perspective, or someone to help you figure out your next move?
Pull up a chair. Let's talk.
Join Business Sisters founder and Conference host Doreen Ashton Wagner for an informal, bilingual Ask Me Anything session where YOU decide what we talk about.
There's no presentation, no PowerPoint, and no prepared agenda. Just an open conversation about whatever's on your mind.
Maybe you're wrestling with a business decision, looking for a resource or introduction, or wondering how other entrepreneurs have handled a similar challenge. Bring it up!
Doreen has spent decades in business and knows a thing or two about its ups, downs and unexpected detours. She's also a natural connector who loves putting people in touch with the right people, programs and opportunities.
And don't be surprised if another woman in the room has just the experience or insight you're looking for. That's part of the magic of Business Sisters.
This session will be conducted bilingually, in English and French. Ask your questions in whichever language you're most comfortable using.
Come with a question, or just come to listen. No pressure, no pitches, just a good conversation.
About Doreen Ashton Wagner
Doreen is the founder and executive director of Business Sisters | Consoeurs En Affaires, a bilingual social enterprise she established in 2018 to connect and support women business owners in rural Eastern Ontario.
Her entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding Greenfield Hospitality Services Inc., a lead generation agency serving the meetings and events industry, which she exited in 2016. She subsequently consulted for non-profits and associations.
Doreen also holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, where her research explored the entrepreneurial resilience of rural women business owners during times of crisis. During the pandemic, she worked with ACCFutures to help entrepreneurs access financial support.
Based in Alexandria, Ontario, Doreen is passionate about entrepreneurship, social enterprise and building thriving rural communities where women don't have to grow their businesses alone.
Join us November 9 in Cornwall for any of these three conversations plus seven other practical workshops designed for women who are serious about their businesses.
Explore the overall conference program and register here.
Additional workshops being offered at 12:45 pm are accesible here, and at 2:15 may be viewed here.
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