Inclusive Workplace and Supply Council of Canada

IWSCC Webinars: Unlocking Opportunities: A Practical Guide to SAP Ariba
2025-09-11 15:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Procurement is complex! Learn to navigate SAP Ariba, and more in the latest IWSCC Webinar featuring special guest educator: Stone Procurement.
What To Expect:
Stone Procurement Inc.’s Igli Xhango joins IWSCC to share their experience with one of Canada’s most popular e-procurement tools: SAP Ariba. Learn to navigate the tool, set up a profile as a supplier, and maximize buyer interest by completing that profile the right way.
PLUS get quick tips for other common Canadian e-procurement platforms, with time for Q&A. Expose your business to new opportunities, reduce mis-match and notification spam, and set yourself up for success in the wide world of Canadian e-procurement!
Questions about this webinar? Having trouble registering? Contact Alex Duerksen at AlexD@iwscc.ca.
Agenda (ET):

(3:00 – 3:05) Introduction & Welcome
(3:05 – 3:15) Module 1: Building a Winning Profile
(3:15 – 3:40) Module 2: Live Platform Demo – Finding & Analyzing Bids
(3:40 – 3:45) Module 3: Best Practices & Intro to AI
(3:45 – 3:55) Open Q&A
(3:55 – 4:00) Closing & Resources

About Igli Xhango:
Igli Xhango is a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran and the founder of Stone Procurement Inc., a Veteran- and Disability-Owned business certified by the IWSCC. He brings over 10 years of experience in the military and 6 years as an entrepreneur and procurement specialist. Igli applies his expertise in logistics, supplier management, and government contracting to Stone Procurement and uses this experience to help demystify the often-complex world of public sector procurement. His work spans key platforms such as SAP Ariba, Bids & Tenders, CanadaBuys, and Ontario’s Jaegger portal.
Accessibility Features sponsored by RBC:

Closed Captions (auto-generated)
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation for Spoken English

Register:
This webinar requires registration to attend. Click here to access the registration page.

BCPF & SALN Present: A Marketing & Promotion Workshop for Self-Advocacy Leaders in BC
2025-09-24 21:30 - 23:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Join us for a presentation by Margaux Wosk – BCPF President, local business owner, event planner, and content creator.
You’ll learn about:

General tips for promotion and marketing – getting the word out for events, advocacy information, newsletters, invitations
Social media – what to post and share, how to boost traffic, how to engage people.
Other marketing and promotion strategies: website, email, mail, newspapers
Marketing strategies to reach out to people who do not have technology and live in isolated communities.
Online safety tips.

We hope you can make it!
This presentation is for:

BCPF Members
BCSALN Members
Other self-advocacy group members
Self-Advocates in BC
People with intellectual or developmental disabilities who want to learn about self-advocacy in BC, or ways to get involved in the self-advocacy movement

Hosted by BC People First Society and the BC Self-Advocate Leadership Network — Self-Advocates supporting Self-Advocates!
Accessibility At This Event:
Let us know if you have an accommodation request or if there is something that could help you participate or better enjoy this presentation style workshop event. Email us at hello@bcpeoplefirst.com.
RSVP Here.
This event is hosted by an organization other than the IWSCC. For questions about this event, IWSCC recommends visiting the host’s website or registration page for more information.

BGIS Supplier Diversity Engagement Event
2025-10-22 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
With the goal of increasing Indigenous and diverse supplier engagement, BGIS is hosting a “Doing Business with BGIS” event and invite you to attend and learn about our company.
BGIS is a global leader in integrated facility management services including Facility Management, Project Delivery Services, Critical Environments, Energy and Sustainability, Strategic Asset Management, Technical and Real Estate Services, Workplace Solutions and Sustainable Cleaning Solutions.
Indigenous Engagement and Supplier Diversity & Inclusion are important BGIS strategic initiatives that ensure we are inclusive in our strategic procurement practices. We recognize and value the innovations and importance that a diverse supplier group contributes to our business and are committed to providing opportunities to historically underutilized groups.
We will hear from some of our BGIS Procurement Professionals from the Government Sector as Project Delivery Services.
We will focus on the following topics:

BGIS company information and brief background
BGIS procurement processes and what type of opportunities we have
Where to find opportunities and how to register to become a BGIS supplier

This is an IWSCC Corporate Member Event, hosted by BGIS.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Corporate Members here.

Thriving as a Disabled Entrepreneur: Zoom Workshop
2025-12-03 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Are you a disabled entrepreneur or have you been dreaming of starting your own business?
Offered for the first time on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this workshop celebrates the strengths and insights you bring to the table. Join Community Futures BC on Zoom for an empowering session on building a business that works with—not against—your body, brain, and life. We’ll explore why self-employment can offer unique access and agency, how to harness your lived experience as a professional asset, and practical ways to design for sustainability and prevent burnout. You’ll leave with real-life examples, actionable tools, and the encouragement to define success on your own terms.
Cost to Attend
This event is free to attend for BC residents. For attendees outside of BC there is a $30 ticket fee. For more information, or for questions about ticketing please visit the official page.
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by Community Futures BC.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.

Marketing for Mere Mortals: Authentic Connection & Growth
2026-01-20 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Feel like marketing is a soulless grind? This workshop is for small business owners who want to skip the social media noise and connect authentically with real people. Learn why person-to-person marketing outshines digital hype for small businesses in BC, how to craft a genuine story, and practical ways to spread the word without feeling salesy. From effective business cards to networking that feels natural, you’ll gain tools to build meaningful business relationships that work for you.
Learning Outcomes:

Why Person-to-Person Marketing Works Better
Finding Your Marketing Style
The Foundations: Who & Why Before How
Practical, Sustainable Marketing Strategies
Measuring What Matters
Building Your Minimum Viable Marketing Plan

Cost to Attend
This event is free to attend for BC residents. For attendees outside of BC there is a $30 ticket fee.
IWSCC Certified Suppliers outside of BC can contact us at info@iwscc.ca to reimburse their ticket cost for this event. For more information, or for questions about ticketing please visit the official page.
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by Community Futures BC.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.

AI Tools That Will Be Your Employee of the Month
2026-01-27 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Feeling overwhelmed by all the AI hype but curious about what it could actually do for your business? This practical, jargon-free workshop is your friendly introduction to AI tools that can genuinely lighten your load. We’ll explore real-world applications for tasks you’re probably doing manually right now—from drafting emails and creating content to managing data and generating ideas. No technical background needed! You’ll see live demonstrations, learn which tools are worth your time (and which are just noise), and discover how to ethically integrate AI into your workflow without losing your authentic voice. Leave with a starter toolkit and the confidence to experiment.
Learning Outcomes:

Why AI Matters for Small Business Now
Categories of Useful AI Tools
The Tools Worth Knowing
Using AI Ethically & Authentically
Getting Started: Your AI Integration Plan

Cost to Attend
This event is free to attend for BC residents. For attendees outside of BC there is a $30 ticket fee.
IWSCC Certified Suppliers outside of BC can contact us at info@iwscc.ca to reimburse their ticket cost for this event. For more information, or for questions about ticketing please visit the official page.
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by Community Futures BC.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.

How do the changes to the SR&ED program affect you?
2026-01-28 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Join us for an insightful webinar exploring the recent proposed changes to the Scientific Research & Experimental Development (SR&ED) program. Our experts will break down what these updates mean for your organization, highlight key opportunities and challenges, and provide practical guidance on navigating the evolving landscape. Whether you’re new to SR&ED or a seasoned participant, this session will equip you with the knowledge you need to maximize your innovation incentives. Don’t miss out—register today!
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by Boundless Accelerator.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.

Stress Management for Entrepreneurs - Thriving Beyond Survival Mode
2026-01-28 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Starting and running a business while managing disability, neurodivergence, and/or veteran-related challenges creates unique stressors that standard entrepreneurial advice rarely addresses. Many face a triple burden: business demands, the realities of disability or neurodivergence, and systemic barriers.
This interactive webinar offers an evidence-based, accessibility-focused, and lived-experience-driven approach to stress management. Instead of pushing harder, participants will learn to honor their energy patterns, integrate sustainable self-care, and build supportive systems that align with their authentic way of working. The goal is to move from survival mode into sustainable success.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will be able to:

Recognize stress patterns unique to disabled and Veteran entrepreneurs
Develop self-care practices that affirm your needs
Build energy-aware time management systems
Apply delegation strategies to reduce overwhelm
Establish boundaries that protect both well-being and propel business growth

Who is Jenine Lillian?
Jenine Lillian is a disabled Canadian entrepreneur and educator who knows first-hand what it’s like to struggle with meeting social expectations in traditional work environments and how open office plans are detrimental to our health. After a very late-in-life diagnosis of Autism and Dyslexia, Jenine started their own 100% remote business to offer consulting, education and advocacy for neurodivergent adults. Their lived experience, humour, and unique approach shows how we can do business differently and actually bring our whole selves to work which benefits everyone. You can learn more about Jenine and their work at www.jeninelillian.com
Accessibility Features at this Event:

Closed Captions (auto-generated)
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation for Spoken English

Register:
This webinar requires registration to attend. Click here to access the registration page.

Public Sector Buyers Expo: Victoria
2026-02-03 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt, Chief and Petty Officers’ Mess Hall, 1575 Lyall Street, Victoria, BC
Join PSPC for a dynamic regional Public Sector Buyers Expos to connect face-to-face with federal and other public procurement professionals, diverse suppliers and British Columbia community partners. If you are a government or public buyer searching for more diverse suppliers, or a small and medium enterprise (SME) looking for new opportunities come to these events. Our free expo is for both industry and community groups to: highlight economic opportunities in public procurement, tailored to the unique needs of the Pacific region, host informative sessions, and ample networking to build relationships.
This Event is In-person only. The Event Time shown is in local time (PT).
Accessibility At This Event:
Accessing the venue requires use of some stairs. For any accommodations please contact: SACPacifique-PACPacific@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca by January 15th to ensure your requests can be met.
This is an IWSCC Corporate Member Event, hosted by Procurement Assistance Canada.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Corporate Members here.

Self-Care for Solopreneurs: A Revolution Within
2026-02-10 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
As a solopreneur, you’re wearing every hat—but who’s looking out for you? For entrepreneurs, especially in rural communities, constant pressure and isolation make burnout almost inevitable without a strategic approach to well-being. This workshop reframes self-care from a luxury to your most essential business
strategy. Moving beyond quick fixes, you’ll learn to identify burnout triggers, set boundaries, and weave genuine rest into your business model. Leave with practical tools, the freedom to redefine “enough,” and a personalized framework to build a resilient business that thrives because you do.
Learning Outcomes:

The Solopreneur Paradox
Recognizing Your Depletion Signals
The Four Pillars of Sustainable Self-Care
Practical Strategies for Integration
Redefining Success & Setting Boundaries

Cost to Attend
This event is free to attend for BC residents. For attendees outside of BC there is a $30 ticket fee.
IWSCC Certified Suppliers outside of BC can contact us at info@iwscc.ca to reimburse their ticket cost for this event. For more information, or for questions about ticketing please visit the official page.
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by Community Futures BC.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.

Public Sector Buyers Expo: Vancouver
2026-02-19 09:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Simon Fraser University Harbour Centre, Joseph & Rosalie Segal Centre, 515 West Hastings Street, Vacouver, BC
Join PSPC for a dynamic regional Public Sector Buyers Expos to connect face-to-face with federal and other public procurement professionals, diverse suppliers and British Columbia community partners. If you are a government or public buyer searching for more diverse suppliers, or a small and medium enterprise (SME) looking for new opportunities come to these events. Our free expo is for both industry and community groups to: highlight economic opportunities in public procurement, tailored to the unique needs of the Pacific region, host informative sessions, and ample networking to build relationships.
This Event is In-person only. The Event Time shown is in local time (PT).
Accessibility At This Event:
ASL interpreters are available. Accessing the venue does not require use of stairs. For any accommodations please contact: SACPacifique-PACPacific@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca by February 9th to ensure your requests can be met.
This is an IWSCC Corporate Member Event, hosted by Procurement Assistance Canada.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Corporate Members here.

Networking for Introverts
2026-02-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Are you an introvert who dreads networking, feels overwhelmed in large gatherings, or struggles to make meaningful professional connections? This workshop is designed just for you! Join us for insightful strategies, practical tips, and friendly practice to leverage your introverted nature as a powerful networking tool. You’ll discover how to master the art of prepping and recovering from events, build authentic relationships, communicate effectively, and network without exhaustion—all while staying true to yourself.
Learning Outcomes:

Understanding Your Introverted Superpowers
Preparation: Your Secret Weapon
Quality Over Quantity: The Introvert’s Advantage
Navigating Networking Events with Ease
Follow-up: Where Introverts Shine

Cost to Attend
This event is free to attend for BC residents. For attendees outside of BC there is a $30 ticket fee.
IWSCC Certified Suppliers outside of BC can contact us at info@iwscc.ca to reimburse their ticket cost for this event. For more information, or for questions about ticketing please visit the official page.
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by Community Futures BC.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.

Celebrate Neurodiversity!
2026-03-18 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
For Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Jenine Lillian, #ActuallyAutistic neurodiversity consultant and educator, is offering a FREE International Zoom event! Wednesday, March 18th 10am PT – 11am PT. Grab a bevvy and join us for a celebration of our ND strengths and talents. No registration required.
This is an IWSCC Community Event hosted by Jenine Lillian Neurodiversity Education & Consulting, an IWSCC Certified Supplier.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Certified Suppliers here.

Breaking Barriers: Building Belonging - BCPF Self-Advocates Conference 2026
2026-03-20 10:00 - 16:30 (America/Toronto)
*This In-Person Event is Sold Out*
Join BC People First for our learning and networking conference hosted by BC People First Society and this year featuring Self-Advocates for a Brighter Future in Esquimalt, BC.
Are you in the Victoria area and want to join us for the event?
This event is only for registered attendees. We need to know who is coming and only have so much space.
Please register by March 6th here.
If you have dietary restrictions or need any accessibility accommodations to take part – please let us know by March 6th.
We have a stronger voice when we push for changes in society together. Conferences make it easier for people to share information, ideas, and tactics. This gives self-advocates more tools for advocating for themselves and helps make policy better for everyone in our province.
Event attendees will get to connect with peers while gaining experience and knowledge in leadership development areas such as self-advocacy, human rights, presentation skills, networking, community building, government policy, and much more.
Come and support the presenters! Learn and connect with us!
This event is for:

BCPF members and other self-advocacy group members
Self-advocates or people interested in self-advocacy
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Doors open and networking at 10:00am. We’ll begin by 10:30am.
Presentations and activities from BCPF Members and our community partners include:

Tips for getting your voice heard and taking advocacy action
Human rights laws and using the CRPD for advocacy
Understanding and dealing with ableism
Plain language as a human right
Being brave and confident for self-advocacy success
How to speak up and be heard
Leadership looks like us!
Advocacy project overviews and successes
Mental health and disability justice
Being a self-advocate online and in the community
Brainstorming activities
Self-advocacy bingo game
Lunch and networking and door prizes!

Contact Information
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event hosted by BC People First Society.
Visit the event’s official page and register here.
For questions about this event, including ticketing and accessibility, please contact the hosts at hello@bcpeoplefirst.com

IWSCC Webinar - Using RFPs to Build Your Brand: A Practical Approach for SMEs
2026-03-24 13:00 - 14:30 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Rather than a broad “tips for procurement” session, the webinar will focus on a single, concrete lesson: how Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) can use the Request for Proposal (RFP) process as a strategic branding and positioning tool, regardless of outcome.
Participants will be guided through how procurement processes signal values, credibility, and capability, and how suppliers can respond to build long-term visibility and trust with buyers, even when a contract is not awarded.
Key Elements Include:

How RFPs function as brand touchpoints, not just transactional hurdles
Practical guidance on “right-sizing” responses to avoid over-investment and burnout
How to make strategic decisions about when to pursue, pause, or decline opportunities
Where SMEs can create differentiation without inflating scope or cost

Agenda (ET):

1:00 – 1:10 : Welcome, Context, and Reframing the Problem
1:10 – 1:25 : RFPs as Brand Touchpoints
1:25 – 1:45 : Right-Sizing: Protecting Capacity & Staying Visible
1:45 – 2:05 : Strategic Differentiation for SMEs
2:05 – 2:30 : Live Q&A and Applied Discussion

About EMC³ Consulting
EMC³ Consulting Corp. (Culture. Collections. Coaching. Powered by Purpose™) is an Alberta-based consulting firm that helps governments, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs plan, manage, and grow with purpose.
Our mission is to make culture accessible, inclusive, and future-ready. Every project applies an equity and accessibility lens, ensuring that diverse voices and abilities are represented.
Founded and led by a neurodivergent, disabled, and 2SLGBTQ+ entrepreneur, EMC³ Consulting contributes to Canada’s creative economy by promoting inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth in the cultural sector.
Accessibility Features at this Event:

Closed Captions (auto-generated)
American Sign Language (ASL) Interpretation for Spoken English

Register:
This webinar is free to attend, but requires registration. Click here to access the registration page.

Beyond Awareness: Why World Autism Acceptance Day Matters
2026-04-02 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Join BC People First Society Board Member and #ActuallyAutistic neurodiversity consultant & educator, Jenine Lillian for a short presentation about persistent myths and misconceptions about autism followed by an open Q&A session. This event marks the annual World Autism Awareness Day, which many autistic individuals are renaming to World Autism Acceptance Day to encourage the shift from awareness to action.
This event is free and open to everyone.
As a neurodiversity consultant, Jenine regularly answers questions such as:

I’m not sure if I should get a formal disability assessment, what are the benefits of doing that?
I’ve recently been diagnosed as neurodivergent, what should I do next?
I feel like I’m always working, can you help me find balance?
Are there financial benefits available to Canadians with a formal diagnosis of a disability?
I’m neurodivergent and I want to start a small business, can you help?
Can I identify as disabled even without a formal diagnosis?
How do I ask for accommodations at work without risking my job?
My workplace says they’re inclusive, but I don’t feel supported. What can I do?

This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by BC People First Society.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.

Marketing for Mere Mortals: Authentic Connection & Growth
2026-05-06 13:00 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Feel like marketing is a soulless grind? This workshop is for small business owners who want to skip the social media noise and connect authentically with real people. Learn why person-to-person marketing outshines digital hype for small businesses in BC, how to craft a genuine story, and practical ways to spread the word without feeling salesy. From effective business cards to networking that feels natural, you’ll gain tools to build meaningful business relationships that work for you.
Learning Outcomes:

Why Person-to-Person Marketing Works Better
Finding Your Marketing Style
The Foundations: Who & Why Before How
Practical, Sustainable Marketing Strategies
Measuring What Matters
Building Your Minimum Viable Marketing Plan

Cost to Attend
This event is free to attend for BC residents. For attendees outside of BC there is a $30 ticket fee.
IWSCC Certified Suppliers outside of BC can contact us at info@iwscc.ca to reimburse their ticket cost for this event. For more information, or for questions about ticketing please visit the official page.
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by Community Futures BC and Jenine Lillian Neurodiversity Consulting & Education.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.

Networking for Introverts
2026-06-10 21:00 - 22:00 (America/Toronto) | Virtual
Are you an introvert who dreads networking, feels overwhelmed in large gatherings, or struggles to make meaningful professional connections? This workshop is designed just for you! Join us for insightful strategies, practical tips, and friendly practice to leverage your introverted nature as a powerful networking tool. You’ll discover how to master the art of prepping and recovering from events, build authentic relationships, communicate effectively, and network without exhaustion—all while staying true to yourself.
Learning Outcomes:

Understanding Your Introverted Superpowers
Preparation: Your Secret Weapon
Quality Over Quantity: The Introvert’s Advantage
Navigating Networking Events with Ease
Follow-up: Where Introverts Shine

Cost to Attend
This event is free to attend for BC residents. For attendees outside of BC there is a $30 ticket fee.
IWSCC Certified Suppliers outside of BC can contact us at info@iwscc.ca to reimburse their ticket cost for this event. For more information, or for questions about ticketing please visit the official page.
This is an IWSCC Community Partner Event, hosted by Community Futures BC and Jenine Lillian.
To learn more about this event, including registration, accessibility, and contact information, please visit the host’s official page with the link below.
Learn more about the event and register here.
Learn more about IWSCC Community Partners here.
