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Track III — Operations · Module 3B 2.5 hrs

About this module

This workshop teaches entrepreneurs how to identify, evaluate, select, and manage suppliers that support profitable and reliable business operations. Participants will learn how supplier decisions directly impact product quality, customer satisfaction, cash flow, and operational stability.

The session focuses on practical supplier sourcing methods, quotation analysis, negotiation techniques, payment terms, service-level expectations, and risk management strategies relevant to Ontario and Canadian businesses.

Participants will also learn how to avoid common supplier mistakes, negotiate professionally without damaging relationships, and create systems that improve purchasing consistency over time.

Learning objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate suppliers using structured selection criteria
  • Compare quotations and supplier proposals using operational and financial metrics
  • Negotiate pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and service expectations
  • Reduce supplier-related operational risks and disruptions
  • Build long-term supplier relationships that improve reliability and profitability
  • Create supplier management systems suitable for growing small businesses

What you'll walk away with

Participants will leave with usable supplier evaluation tools, negotiation templates, procurement checklists, and operational frameworks ready to apply immediately:

  • Supplier Evaluation Scorecard Template
  • Request for Quotation (RFQ) Template
  • Supplier Comparison Spreadsheet
  • Negotiation Preparation Worksheet
  • Purchase Order Template
  • Vendor Onboarding Checklist
  • Supplier Performance Tracking Dashboard
  • Inventory & Reorder Calculation Worksheet
  • Contract Review Checklist
  • Risk Assessment Matrix for Suppliers
  • Payment Terms Negotiation Guide
  • Canadian Procurement Resources & Directories

Who should enroll

Entrepreneurs who choose suppliers based on price alone without evaluating reliability or risk
Small business owners who have experienced supply disruptions, quality issues, or delivery failures
Ontario operators who want to negotiate better terms but don't know how to approach the conversation
Founders sourcing products or materials who need a structured evaluation and onboarding process
Product-based businesses looking to reduce costs, improve margins, and build supplier redundancy
Anyone who wants to turn supplier relationships into a competitive advantage rather than a liability

This 2.5-hour workshop is structured around six teaching blocks, each paired with a practical exercise you complete using your own business as the case study.

01
Why Supplier Decisions Drive Business Performance
How supplier quality, reliability, and terms directly affect your margins, customer experience, and operational stability. A breakdown of supplier types — manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, importers, and service vendors — and how to identify which your business needs.
02
Sourcing & Evaluating Suppliers
Where to find suppliers in Canada and internationally, how to issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ), and how to score and compare supplier proposals using a structured scorecard. Participants complete a supplier evaluation exercise for their own business during the session.
03
Negotiation Techniques & Preparation
How to prepare for a supplier negotiation, what to negotiate beyond price — payment terms, delivery windows, minimum order quantities, exclusivity, and service levels — and how to negotiate professionally without damaging the relationship.
04
Payment Terms, Contracts & Purchase Orders
How to structure payment terms that protect your cash flow, what to look for in a supplier contract, and how to use purchase orders to create accountability and reduce disputes. Includes a contract review checklist and PO template participants take and use immediately.
05
Supplier Risk Management & Redundancy
How to identify and mitigate supplier risk — single-source dependency, quality failures, delivery disruptions, and geopolitical risk. Building supplier redundancy, setting reorder points, and using a risk assessment matrix to protect your business from upstream disruptions.
06
Managing & Growing Supplier Relationships
How to onboard new suppliers effectively, track performance against agreed standards, and build long-term relationships that improve pricing, priority, and flexibility over time. Participants leave with a completed vendor onboarding checklist and supplier management plan for their business.

This module runs as a single 2.5-hour interactive workshop. Choose the format that works best for you.

Live In-Person Workshop

Held at our Richmond Hill facility. You'll work alongside other Ontario entrepreneurs in a hands-on environment with direct access to your instructor. Maximum group size ensures personal attention.

Live Online Workshop

Instructor-led via video with the same interactive exercises, group discussions, and real-time implementation. Participate from anywhere in Ontario without missing any content.

Workshop Structure

Every session follows the same proven format: 20 minutes of context and objectives, focused teaching blocks with practical exercises, two Ontario-based case studies, and a 30-minute action planning close.

What's included with every session

Full slide deck
12 templates & tools
2 Ontario case studies
Supplier evaluation scorecard
Negotiation prep worksheet
25-question assessment

Operations · Module 3B

Choosing Suppliers & Negotiating Terms

$250.00

Duration 2.5 hours
Format In-person or Online
Track Track III — Operations
Assessment 25-question quiz