“Organizations with strong risk cultures report up to 25% higher long-term performance.” (McKinsey & Company, 2019)

Risk Management Training for SME & NPO Leaders

A premium, hands-on workshop designed for SME and NPO leaders seeking to implement risk-informed decisions-making framework and unlock strategic value through structured risk management.

  • VENUE: Delta Hotel, Saint John, NB
  • DATE: September 22-23, 2026.
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Why This Workshop Matters

Small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations (NPOs) today operate in an increasingly complex environment characterized by economic uncertainty, evolving regulatory requirements, funding volatility, cybersecurity threats, operational disruptions, and heightened government/stakeholder expectations. Yet, in many SMEs & NPOs, risk management remains:

Reactive

Fragmented

Compliance-driven

Transforming Risk Management

This workshop is designed to transform risk management into a strategic capability, enabling organizations to:

  • Strengthen governance and board oversight
  • Sustain trust of donors, lenders, and investors
  • Improve financial and operational resilience
  • Enhance strategic decision-making
  • Build a sustainable risk-aware culture

What You Will Gain

  • Reduce likelihood of project failure / funding clawbacks
  • Improve funding compliance and reporting quality
  • Increase success rate of grant applications and renewals
  • Reduce risk of error, waste, and fraud
  • Enhance decision-making using structured risk analysis
  • Strengthen governance and board oversight effectiveness
  • Increase success rates for investment and loan applications
  • Reduce funding and profit volatility, and improve cash flow

Sponsored Seats – 100%

A limited number of fully sponsored seats may be available for eligible nonprofits and small businesses through training sponsors.

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Workshop Structure

Day 1 – FOUNDATION, PRINCIPLES, AND FRAMEWORK

Focus: Building the conceptual foundation and developing a risk management architecture, strategy, and protocols , best suited for SMEs and nonprofits.

  • Module 1: The evolving risk landscape for SMEs and NPOs.
  • Module 2: Introduction to Risk Management Frameworks (COSO ERM and ISO 31000)
  • Module 3: Risk Identification, Analysis and Evaluation using ISO31000.

Guest Speaker: TBC

Day 2 – PRACTICAL APPLICATION AND STRATEGIC INTEGRATION

Focus: Embedding the risk management framework, culture, and capacity into governance, strategy, and execution.

  • Module 4: Risk Treatment Strategies – Avoid, Accept, Mitigate, Share/transfer, Exploit.
  • Module 5: Building an entity-wide risk register.
  • Module 6: Integrating Risk into Governance & Strategy
  • Module 7: Building sustainable risk-aware cultures, capacity, and implementation roadmap.

Guest Speaker:  Thomas Wood, CRM. Director of Planning and Operational Performance, WorkSafeNB

Executive Directors and CEOs

Finance Directors and Controllers

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is designed for

Ideal for organizations seeking to professionalize governance and strengthen resilience

Executive Directors and CEOs

Finance Directors and Controllers

Board Members and Audit Committee Members

Risk, Compliance, and Governance Leads

Deliverables Premium Experience

Each participant will receive: 

  • Risk Maturity Assessment Report
  • Risk Appetite Statement Template
  • Risk Register Template
  • Risk Monitoring & Reporting Templates
  • Risk Management Implementation Roadmap
 

Participation Fee & Discounts

  • Complete the Risk Maturity Assessment; we will email you the 20% Discount Code.
  • Submit your PETL (WorkingNB) application to PETLSaintjohn@gnb.ca, copying  Ayman.Jaouni@gnb.ca
  • Contact sales@avanguardbc.com if you have any questions regarding applicable discounts or require further support.
Take Risk Assessment Download Training Application Form

Post-workshop Support

Following the workshop, 5 participating organizations will be eligible to get 5 hours of pro bono advisory or implementation support to help you address any specific risk management gaps agreed upon in the implementation roadmap. The choice of participating organizations will be on a first come first serve basis. 

  • Advisory support and implementation guidance
  • Risk Management Manual, policy, appetite statement
  • Risk register and key risk indicators development
  • Board risk reporting systems design and training
  • Risk culture & capabilities development
  • Internal review in preparation for an audit or review by funder

Secure Your Spot!

Spaces are limited to ensure a highly interactive and impactful experience. 

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