The Greater Vancouver Board of Trade offers a range of training programs and professional development opportunities designed to help members build skills, strengthen leadership capacity, and stay ahead in a changing business environment. Guided by input from our advisory committees and the needs of our members, these programs cover timely topics that support individual growth, organizational resilience, and long-term business success.
Thanks to the generous sponsors whose support makes this training possible.
Business Growth Series
The Business Growth Series offers practical learning opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses
Curated by the Scale-up Centre for SMEs advisory committee
This series is made possible through the generous support of the Scale-up Centre for SMEs sponsors.
Upcoming Events
Leadership Lab Series
The Leadership Lab Series, presented by the Rix Centre for Leadership, offers practical learning opportunities for emerging leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs looking to grow their leadership skills and navigate today's evolving workplace. Guided by input from the Rix Centre for Leadership advisory committee, the series explores timely topics that reflect the perspectives, priorities, and development needs of rising leaders across the region.
This series is made possible through the generous support of the Rix Centre for Leadership sponsors.
Upcoming Events
Engaged Leadership Program
Designed for emerging managers, business leaders, and entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their leadership impact, this program develops resilient, purpose-driven leaders through a combination of mentorship, experiential learning, and community engagement. Presented by the Rix Centre for Leadership, participants gain access to leadership roundtables, practical leadership development opportunities, and a diverse network of peers and senior leaders. By fostering collaboration[RH2.1][AR2.2], real-world learning, and meaningful connections, the program prepares future leaders to contribute effectively to their organizations, industries, and communities.
Guided by input from the Rix Centre for Leadership advisory committee and supported by our generous sponsors.
2028 cohort applications open in spring 2027 — check back or contact us to be notified.
Upcoming Events
Indigenous Relations Training
As part of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 92 to provide education on the history of Indigenous Peoples, we are pleased to offer this training exclusively to members. In collaboration with Indigenous Corporate Training, a variety of topics on Indigenous relations is offered throughout the year and delivered virtually.
This training is sponsored by BCMEA, guided by input from the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership advisory committee, and supported by our generous sponsors.
Upcoming Events
Fri | Sep. 25 2026
Indigenous Opportunities Forum 2026 Presented by CN
Fri | Oct. 02 2026
Indigenous Consultation & Engagement: Level One
Fri | Nov. 27 2026
Indigenous Consultation & Engagement: Level Two
Inclusive Leadership
Designed to advance workplace wellbeing, this series offers practical insights, evidence-informed strategies, and meaningful conversations that help individuals and organizations build resilience, foster balance, and thrive in today's evolving world of work.
Guided by input from the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership advisory committee and supported by our generous sponsors.
Upcoming Events
Fri | Sep. 18 2026
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Fri | Oct. 09 2026
A Leader’s Guide to Mental Health in the Workplace
Leaders of Tomorrow
Founded in 1999, the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) is GVBOT's flagship mentorship program supporting the next generation of leaders. Designed for post-secondary students in their final year, LOT helps bridge the gap between school and the professional world through leadership development, business skill-building, and meaningful community connections.
Guided by input from the Leaders of Tomorrow advisory committee and supported by our generous sponsors.
Upcoming Events
Mon | Sep. 14 2026
2026 Leaders of Tomorrow AwardsMentees
Joining the Leaders of Tomorrow
The Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program offers an inspiring, one-year journey designed to empower you for success in your career and beyond. Gain the skills, experiences and connections you need to build your purposeful and impactful future with confidence.
The LOT program, valued at over $2,000, provides you with exceptional opportunities to accelerate your professional growth:
- 1:1 Mentorship — Get paired with an experienced local business professional who will guide you in achieving your personal and professional goals while answering your unique questions.
- Professional Tools — Enhance your professional brand with personalized business cards, a Greater Vancouver Board of Trade nametag, and a professional headshot for both in-person and online presence.
- Tailored Programming — Access over 10 exclusive events and workshops crafted specifically for LOT mentees to build skills and connections.
- Event Access — Enjoy a $250 credit tab to attend Greater Vancouver Board of Trade events, expanding your network and industry knowledge.
- Board of Trade Membership — Receive a full, one-year membership with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade, valued at $729, connecting you with Vancouver's thriving business community.
The program runs annually from September to August, with applications closing at the end of May for the upcoming cohort.
Tuition: $379 + GST
Bursaries are available for qualifying candidates and will be distributed based on financial need and/or scholastic excellence. Participants must pay the full tuition fee upfront and will be reimbursed upon approval. You can apply for a bursary during the application process. Participants who fail to meet the graduation requirements of the program will be required to pay back the bursary to the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the LOT program, you must:
- Education: Be entering the final year of a post-secondary or graduate program from an accredited institution in the Lower Mainland.
- Residency: Reside in the Greater Vancouver region for the program's duration.
- Commitment: Fulfill graduation requirements, including:
- Meeting with your mentor at least five times
- Attending a minimum of five events
- Actively participating in your assigned volunteer committee activities
- Respecting the LOT Code of Conduct
- Leadership Ambitions: Demonstrate aspirations for or experience in leadership roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Details about the mentee experience will appear here.
Application and Interview FAQ
Details about the application and interview process will appear here.
Application deadline for the 2026–27 LOT program is April 30, 2026.
For any immediate questions, please contact us at lot@boardoftrade.com.
Mentors
Why You Should Consider Becoming an LOT Mentor
As a mentor in the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program, you have the unique opportunity to shape the next generation of leaders by sharing your knowledge, experiences, and network. For one year, you'll be paired with a driven mentee, helping them build meaningful professional relationships and providing invaluable insights as they prepare for their future careers in Canada.
Being an LOT mentor allows you to make a lasting impact on a mentee's life while gaining fresh perspectives from ambitious individuals. These mentees offer unique insights into their demographic, helping you better understand the evolving impact of your business. Additionally, you'll connect with a diverse group of mentors from various industries and organizations, enriching your own network.
The majority of our mentors return year after year, drawn by the fulfilling experience of helping mentees succeed, reflecting on their own careers, and continuously growing as leaders.
What We Ask of Our LOT Mentors
- Engage regularly with your mentee, meeting at least 5 times between September and August.
- Support your mentee in setting and achieving their goals throughout the year, and help them prepare to enter the workforce with confidence.
- Share your network and experiences, being open about both your successes and challenges to provide valuable insights.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you must:
- Be a cardholding member of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
- Reside in the Greater Vancouver region for the duration of the program
- Have at least five years of work experience, including a leadership position
Frequently Asked Questions
Details about the mentor experience will appear here.
Application deadline for the 2026–27 LOT program is July 15, 2026.
Please note: given the limited program capacity, we cannot guarantee to engage everyone who expresses an interest in being a mentor. We will only connect with those whose expertise we are able to pair with an incoming mentee.
For any immediate questions, please contact us at lot@boardoftrade.com.