Bealeton-based Canva Verified Expert Roger Coles is coming to Laurel Ridge’s Fauquier Campus as part of the Canva World Tour on Thursday, Nov. 12. The Warrenton Community Lab, which Coles is hosting in partnership with the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center, is free to attend, and is a hands-on opportunity to learn how to better use the online graphic-design tool.
“We’re going to share practical Canva tips, do some live demos, and give people time to try things for themselves,” Coles said. “And of course, we’re going to have some fun along the way.”
In addition to live demonstrations and opportunities for participants to practice the tools themselves, there will be food, networking and a “few surprises throughout the evening,” he added.
The event, which is 5:30 – 8 p.m., is targeted to business owners, as well as entrepreneurs, marketers and creatives.
“Small business owners wear a lot of hats, and designer usually isn’t one of them,” Coles said. “I want to show people how Canva can help them create better marketing faster, especially with Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday promotions right around the corner.”
Andy Gyurisin, director of the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center, is excited to be hosting the first Canva World Tour community event to come to Virginia.
“At the SBDC, we’re always looking for ways to connect entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and relationships they need to succeed,” he said. “Partnering with Canva and Laurel Ridge Community College allows us to bring a world-class learning opportunity directly to small business owners in Virginia. Attendees will walk away with practical marketing strategies, a better understanding of AI and design technologies, and valuable connections that can help them grow their businesses and increase their impact in the communities they serve.”
Coles said while Canva has just a handful of in-person events in the U.S., there are numerous virtual ones.
“Canva World Tour is happening in cities around the world, and it’s really special to bring that experience to the business owners and creatives right here in Virginia,” said Coles.
Any questions can be directed to Gyurisin at [email protected].
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