Speaking + Events

Yes, I would love to share my story at your event

I graduated from a journalism school in Canada. I worked very hard to get rid of my foreign accent by taping CBC radio newscasts and would repeat the words over and over – I was ashamed of sounding different and all I wanted was to blend in.

But as I coach immigrants who want to open their businesses, I have realized two things:

a) OUR story matters
b) accents make us unique – what matters is the message.

The only way you grow is by mastering the uncomfortable.

I have spoken to audiences big and small – from intimate workshops to full stage events. I connect with listeners through relatable stories; teach them what I wish someone had taught my immigrant business family when we first came; and leave them inspired to strategically put their dreams into action.

Upcoming Events +
Speaking Engagements

I am looking forward to speaking at these events:

Creating a Business Pitch (3-hour workshop)

Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 – Students will learn how to develop an effective, concise and persuasive business pitch to an audience in this workshop. The instructor will provide a strategic canvas used in pitch fests internationally.

With a mix of videos and hands-on work, students will leave the workshop with an outline of their pitch and a strong understanding of delivering a compelling pitch in front of judges.

Tools and Resources for Entrepreneurs - 1

December 18th, 2020 – There are plenty of tools, membership groups and government resources – so many that it can be hard to decide which ones to choose. In this session, we go through the must-haves vs the nice-to-have. This is brought to you in Partnership with the Ottawa Newcomer Entrepreneurs Hub.

Stepping up Your Marketing and Social Media Strategy

December 4th, 2020 – This session will explain paid vs organic marketing strategies, lead generation opportunities, PR strategies, influencer programs and other exciting marketing trends. In Partnership with the Ottawa Newcomer Entrepreneurs Hub.

Creating a Great Business Pitch

December 3, 2020 – Students will learn how to develop a compelling, concise and persuasive business pitch to an audience in this workshop. The instructor will provide a strategic canvass used in pitch fests internationally. With a mix of videos and hands-on work, students will leave the workshop with an outline of their pitch and a strong understanding of how to deliver it before judges.

pricing your product/service effectively

December 1, 2020 – In this interactive course, students will learn how to price a product in a way that all Costs of Goods Sold, Labour, Packaging and other expenses associated with producing their product are taken into consideration. Oftentimes entrepreneurs undersell in an effort to move the items quickly. However, understanding how to develop an accurate pricing strategy with healthy margins will lead to great profit.

creating a business pitch

November 30, 2020 – hands-on workshop on creating a business pitch to bring to investors. This is a workshop in partnership with the Ottawa Newcomer Entrepreneurs Hub.

Networking for immigrant entreprneurs

November 23, 2020 – hands-on workshop on effective networking for aspiring immigrant entrepreneurs. This is a workshop in partnership with the Ottawa Newcomer Entrepreneurs Hub

How Ratios affects your Food Business

November 3rd, 2020 – Karla Briones brings her entrepreneurial soul to YourWay Program. She shares her entrepreneurial experience, knowledge and vital advice to help existing business owners grow their business to its highest potential. In this session, Karla highlights the ratios that affect the numbers in the food business.

From immigrant to entrepreneur: my story

October 27, 2020 – The WE-CAN Project is led by Queen’s University and supported by the Government of Canada. Its mission is to inspire and empower existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs by providing them with tools, resources, expert mentors, networks and community building to expand existing businesses and to launch new ventures.

women and colour bootcamp

October 20, 2020 – Your story can change people’s lives. Karla will teach the art of storytelling to a group of diverse womxn from all walks of life at the Women and Colour Speakers Bootcamp.

Tell me more!

Immigrant to Immpreneur

Would you like me to speak at your event?

Please contact me and tell me:

– Date, location and speaker budget
– Audience size
– Topic(s) you are looking for me to touch on

Let's Talk!

Past Speaking Events

She’s the Change

March 24, 2018

Speaker: From Immigrant to Entrepreneur

Perspectives from Female Founders & Funders – L-Spark

May 16, 2018

Panelist

Opening a Business in Canada

June 20th, 2018

You will come out of this seminar with a general idea of what to do to take your first step.

New Entrepreneurs of Ottawa Network (NEON)

April 25, 2018

Speaker

Creatorland

June 2, 2018

Immigrant Entrepreneurship panel discussion with City Councillor Mathieu Fleury

World Skills: Career Bootcamp

September 15, 2018

Guest Speaker and Business Mentor for high skilled newcomers

In-Tac Virtual Seminar

April 27, 2018

Speaker to an online Asian audience about to immigrate to Canada interested in opening a business upon their arrival.

Youth Can Do It!

June 11, 2018

Guest Business Mentor at Invest Ottawa for 25 youth from across Canada

Panelist: Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo

September 30, 2018
Ottawa, Ontario

Karla will be joining the Immigrant Women’s Small Business Expo hosted at the City Hall in Ottawa as a panelist speaking on the topic of minimum wage increases and the impact it is having on our businesses. This is a free all-day event full of learning, networking and exhibitors.

Slaven Radic, BUSINESSMAN

“Great presentation, excellent summary of what to be aware of, without overwhelming the audience. I would recommend it – looking forward to attending the future ones.”

Jennifer Fieldhouse, ALGONQUIN COLLEGE

“Karla Briones gave an engaging and informative presentation on Setting up your Business in Canada to my Business English class. She was able to provide timely information for my students, many of whom are considering opening small businesses in the future. Karla shared her experiences as an immigrant business owner, providing tips to help newcomers successfully navigate the bureaucratic hurdles in the Canadian business landscape. My students were inspired by Karla’s talk and discussed how they feel more prepared to begin the development of their own entrepreneurial dreams.”

Speaking + Events

Yes, I would love to share my story at your event