The Stratford Public Library workshops for small business owners start Nov. 12, when journalist, communications strategist and AI educator Amanda Cupido leads an evening session on how artificial intelligence is changing recruitment and hiring. A Canva breakfast series and a tax program with the Canada Revenue Agency follow later this month.
The Stratford Public Library workshops are for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. They cover artificial intelligence, digital marketing and tax preparation, with practical tools to help local firms grow and adapt. These are free small business workshops: the library lists them as free to attend and open to everyone, though some need registration and seats can be limited.
When and where the Stratford Public Library workshops run
Three programs make up the lineup. They run between Nov. 12 and Dec. 4 at two venues. Two need advance registration and one is drop-in.
| Program | Date and time | Location | How to attend |
|---|---|---|---|
| AI and hiring | Thursday, Nov. 12, 6 to 8 p.m. | Tim Taylor Lounge, Stratford Rotary Complex | Register online |
| Canva breakfast series | Fridays, Nov. 13, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 9 to 10:30 a.m. | Library auditorium | Register for each session, ages 18+ |
| Tax Help for Small Business | Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2 to 4 p.m. | Library auditorium | Drop-in |
The library sits at 19 St. Andrew Street. Only one of the Stratford Public Library workshops is held off-site: the AI session, at the Rotary Complex on McCarthy Road. Check the venue before you head out.
AI and hiring for small business with Amanda Cupido
The first of the Stratford Public Library workshops looks at how AI is changing recruitment, hiring and workforce development, officials said. Participants will get practical insights into the opportunities and challenges AI presents for small businesses. They’ll also learn how new tools can support hiring while keeping a human-centred approach.
The library’s event listing for the session gets more specific. It says candidates now use AI to write résumés and cover letters. Many of those tools read an employer’s job posting, social media and website first. Attendees are promised help writing job postings with AI and spotting hiring tools that are risky or discriminatory.
This one fits owners who plan to hire soon or already test software that screens candidates. The listing says no technical background is needed, so a first-time employer can follow along. AI and hiring for small business gets two full hours, with time set aside for questions.
Canva for small business breakfast series
The longest of the Stratford Public Library workshops is a hands-on series that begins Nov. 13. It teaches entrepreneurs and business owners to make professional marketing materials in Canva, a free online graphic design tool. Participants will learn design basics, branding best practices and time-saving techniques. The focus is on social media posts, presentations, flyers and other materials.
Three Friday sessions
Each session has its own subject, and you can sign up for one, two or all three. Nov. 13 covers Canva’s layout and tools. Nov. 20 moves to posters, flyers and print projects, with layout, type, colour and visual hierarchy. Dec. 4 ends with newsletters, brochures and multi-page documents that keep one style across pages. Continental breakfast and coffee or tea are provided.
Canva for small business suits owners who design their own materials. The Nov. 13 session covers the basics, so owners who already know Canva well may want to start with Nov. 20 or Dec. 4 instead.
Tax help for small business from the CRA
In the Tax Help for Small Business program, Scott Reaume from the Canada Revenue Agency will give guidance and resources. He’ll cover tax obligations, record-keeping requirements and available supports.
The library’s page for the tax session pitches it at self-employed people and small business owners who aren’t sure which deductions they can claim. Reaume will explain what to collect all year and how to get the most out of every filing. It’s the only drop-in among the Stratford Public Library workshops, so you can walk in with a question about your own records. Tax help for small business here needs no booking.
What the library says about the programs
“Small businesses are a vital part of our local economy, and access to practical learning opportunities can make a significant difference,” Stratford Public Library community engagement supervisor Brandi Gillett said in a statement. “These programs are designed to give entrepreneurs the knowledge and confidence they need to navigate emerging technologies, strengthen their marketing efforts and manage important financial responsibilities.”
The lineup builds on earlier work. The library launched a Business Resources webpage during Ontario Small Business Week in October 2025. It gathers local business resources, books and programs in one place. That page now lists the Stratford Public Library workshops and links to registration.
Why Perth Community Futures sponsors the programs
All programs are sponsored by the Perth Community Futures Development Corporation. It is a longstanding champion of entrepreneurship, business development and economic growth across Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County. For Perth County entrepreneurs, the Perth Community Futures office also offers one-on-one coaching and financing.
“Our partnership with the Stratford Public Library is incredibly important to the work we do at Perth Community Futures,” said Megan Marshall, the Perth Community Futures Development Corporation general manager. “The library is so much more than a place for books — it is a vital community resource that connects people with opportunities, education, technology and support they might not otherwise have access to. Their commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses makes them an essential partner in the community.
“We are proud to support these programs and recognize the tremendous value the library brings to Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County.”
How to register for the Stratford Public Library workshops
Details and sign-up links for all three programs are at splibrary.ca/business-resources. Book the AI session and each Canva morning one by one; the tax session needs no booking. Some sessions have limited space, so Perth County entrepreneurs who want a seat at the Stratford Public Library workshops should register early. These free small business workshops end Dec. 4. Pick the one that matches your next real task, whether that’s a hire, a flyer or a tax question, and book it today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the business workshops at Stratford Public Library free?
Yes. The library lists all of its small business workshops as free to attend and open to everyone. Some sessions need registration and have limited seats, so book early. The programs are sponsored by the Perth Community Futures Development Corporation, which supports entrepreneurship across Stratford, St. Marys and Perth County.
Who is presenting the AI session on Nov. 12?
Amanda Cupido, a journalist, communications strategist and AI educator, leads the session. She will cover how artificial intelligence is changing recruitment, hiring and workforce development, and how small businesses can use new technology in hiring while keeping a human-centred approach. It runs 6 to 8 p.m. at the Stratford Rotary Complex.
Can I attend just one Canva session?
Yes. You can attend one, two or all three Friday sessions on Nov. 13, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4. Each runs 9 to 10:30 a.m. in the library auditorium and covers a different topic, from Canva basics to print projects and multi-page documents. Attendees must be 18 or older and register.
Do I need to register for the tax program?
No. Tax Help for Small Business on Nov. 24 is a drop-in session from 2 to 4 p.m. in the library auditorium. Scott Reaume from the Canada Revenue Agency will explain tax obligations, record-keeping requirements and available supports, so it suits self-employed people with questions about their own records.
Where can I find details for upcoming library business programs?
The library’s Business Resources page at splibrary.ca/business-resources lists every current workshop with dates, venues and registration links. It also gathers local business services, professional development courses and business books, and it is the fastest way to check whether a session still has space before you sign up.
