"Small Business is Big in Canada"! Out of over 1.2 million businesses, a staggering 97% have fewer than 100 employees. Here is another thought to ponder:The one thing that both large and small business share is that they were both, at one time, small businesses. 39% of Canada's gross domestic product can be attributed to small businesses.
BDC, the Business Development Bank of Canada, is the only bank devoted entirely to these entrepreneurs. BDC values their hard working clients and each year thanks small business owners by hosting "Small Business Week" from the west coast to the east coast of Canada.
According to Mary Beth Edge of BDC, "BDC Small Business WeekTM is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for almost 40 years. Each year, more than 10,000 business people come together at hundreds of events across Canada to celebrate entrepreneurship, learn and network with other entrepreneurs. Great things happen when entrepreneurs get together." Mary Beth encourages entrepreneurs to "Come share ideas, find business opportunities and enjoy yourself at a BDC Small Business WeekTM event close to you."
The BDC Website explains how it all started:
"In 1979, BDC business centres in British Columbia’s Lower Fraser Valley pooled their resources to organize a week of activities for entrepreneurs. This initiative was so successful that we decided to launch BDC Small Business WeekTM across Canada two years later in 1981. BDC Small Business WeekTM has been embraced by Canada’s business community and has become a must-attend annual event for entrepreneurs."
This week, for the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, is very exciting - and busy - as they host BDC Small Business Week. The week began with a highly successful Kick-Off breakfast featuring Julia Hanna, Founder and Owner of Ristorante Julia and Ritorno Restaurant, and Founder of HealthyFam and Host of “Return to the Table”.
The Business After Hours Trade Show and the very successful Lunch and Learn, listed below, will round out the festivities. Hope to see you there!
Business After Hours Tradeshow
Wednesday, October 19 5:00-8:00pm
No registration required, unless registering as an exhibitor.
Free to Members and first-time guests. Returning non-members $20 at the door.
Register as exhibitor.
Lunch & Learn: If It Wasn’t For The People, This Job Would Be Easy
Presented by Tim Brennan, Co-Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Fit First Technologies
Friday, October 21 11:30am-1:00pm
Pre-registration required. Tickets are $35 Members; $45 Non-members
Register now!
All events will take place at the Oakville Conference and Banquet Centre, located at 2515 Wyecroft Road. Chamber members and non-members are welcome to register and attend all Small Business Week events. Follow the conversation using #SBW2016 & #SBWoakville2016