BBOT Ask an Expert Advice Sessions

We know these challenging times are causing a lot of change and transition for local businesses, and raising lot of questions along the way.  That’s why the Burnaby Board of Trade is pleased to offer free “Ask an Expert Advice Sessions” to help businesses get guidance, ideas, and tips for their business in the areas of:

Accounting/CPA
Law
Sales and Marketing
IT
Finance and Banking

A number of local, subject-matter experts are volunteering their time to offer free, 30-minute discussions to provide guidance, bounce ideas off of, and offer food for thought to support your business.

Review our Experts below, and contact us to apply for one of these free sessions!

These sessions are, of course, for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional or legal advice.
Upon approval of your application, you will be connected directly with your expert to schedule and arrange your one-on-one consultation.
Priority will be given to BBOT members when booking sessions, but our Advice Sessions are open to all. 


Accounting/CPA Experts

Our Expert:    Chad Chang, CPA, CMA    Converge Business Advisory
Contact this expert to discuss maximizing cash flow during these uncertain times, using technology to do more with less, mitigating CRA risks, and for broad corporate tax and business planning strategies.
RegisterClick here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Matt Wong, CPA    Purpose CPA
Contact this expert to discuss accessing government grants and deferrals, developing cost containment, resilience and business pivot strategies, and for tips on budgeting for lower revenues and cash flows.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Cecilia de Roca-Chan, CPA, CGA, CFDS,  KH Burnaby
Contact this expert to discuss tax and accounting issues facing your business, and tips on what you should be considering for your business during these times.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Sunny Vashisht, CPA,  AKV Accounting
Contact this expert to discuss tax and accounting best practices during this changing time, and tips on what to be thinking of for your business.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Jimmy Le-Tang, CPA, CA,   J. Le-Tang Ltd.
Contact this expert to discuss the various relief programs available to small businesses and complete a preliminary assessment to determine whether your business meets the qualifying criteria for such programs.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!


Sales and Marketing Experts

Our Expert:    Randy Hnatko, Trainwest Management and Consulting
Contact this expert to discuss strategies and tactics for leading and managing during this challenging time, and ask for guidance on maintaining and enhancing your sales efforts in a COVID environment.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Paula Skaper, Kinetix Media Communications
Contact this expert to discuss how to adapt your sales funnels and strategies for this online, digital period.  Seek practical guidance on social selling for B2B companies and on getting your company more digitally-enabled.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Michelle Castillo, Spot on Digital Marketing
Contact this expert to discuss the creation of online business assets such as online courses and online stores.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Humphrey Ng, Juuga Marketing
Contact this expert to discuss ways to engage and communicate with your customers during this ever-changing time, using online, digital and social strategies to keep in touch despite distancing.
Register: Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Sakshi Bharwani, Rise Advisors
Contact this expert to discuss marketing and business development strategies during this challenging and changing time, and for best practices to consider in your business. She’s happy to brainstorm low-cost marketing ideas to keep the business going.
Register: Click here to apply for a session with this expert!


Law Experts

Our Expert:  Aikay Oduoza, Vincent Mark Law Office
Contact this expert to discuss legal challenges and questions you and your business may be facing including legal rights, responsibilities, and duties of individuals and entities under the COVID-19 situation.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:  Cynthia Lam, GBC Law
Contact this expert to discuss legal questions you and your company may be facing with regards to issues involving business agreements, service contracts or commercial leases or for guidance on matters involving your business operations/ownership and real estate.
Register: Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Sasha Ramnarine, Remedios and Company
Contact this expert to discuss business law related issues you and your business may facing: including but not limited to, contracts, incorporations, real estate and financing, wills and estates, corporate restructuring and business set up and succession planning.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!


IT Experts

Our Expert:    Jeremy Colwell, CPG Systems
Contact this expert to discuss IT issues your business may be facing during this changing time, and tips and tools to help your business adopt a Work From Home model or operate more efficiently.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Jonathan Yue, Turbo IT Solutions
Contact this expert to discuss IT solutions for your business, including:
1) If you have challenges with working from home related to IT, this is a perfect opportunity to discuss it.
2) What can be done from the IT perspective to ensure your business can handle an unexpected interruption such as this pandemic.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Mike Romaniuk,  Rent-a-Nerd
Contact this expert for IT advice for what you should be considering to make sure your business can handle this shift to online business and remote-working.
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!


Banking and Finance Experts

Our Expert:    Tommy Wan, CIBC
Contact this expert to discuss the federal financial relief programs and bank financial relief programs available, as well as for advice on personal and business cash flow planning, retirement planning, debt management, and investment planning. 
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!

Our Expert:    Gerry Steckler, Bridge to Prosperity
Contact this expert to discuss strategies and tax-efficient tactics to guard, support and enhance your financial well-being during these turbulent times. 
Register:  Click here to apply for a session with this expert!