The next Comox Valley Small Business Association meeting is Thursday, March 5 at the Filberg Centre's Evergreen Room.

The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. Networking is from 5:30-6, followed by the educational portion which runs until 7 p.m.

The guest speaker is Bob Cassady, owner of Software Systems. He will speak about custom and off-the-shelf software solutions, pros and cons, and advice for knowing when custom is better.

The Small Business Association's March 19 meeting, also at the Filberg, will include networking and a 'mastermind' session that promotes a 'group-think' approach to addressing hypothetical but realistic business scenarios often faced by entrepreneurs.

There is no charge to attend SBA meetings as a guest for up to two meetings per year.

Dues to join the group, which meets on the first and third Thursdays of the month (except December, July and August) are $95 per year.