NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010STED0005-000102 Jan. 28, 2010

Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development

 

B.C. SMALL BUSINESSES OFFERED TOOLS TO BOOST COMPETITIVENESS

 

CASTLEGAR – Small businesses in Castlegar will benefit from a workshop aimed at improving productivity and competitiveness, announced Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

 

            Up to 30 businesses can attend the Feb.11, 2010 workshop, delivered by the Business Development Bank of Canada and sponsored by the Province, the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust and the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce. Participants who pre-submit financial information will receive a personalized analysis to better identify and execute business improvement strategies.

 

            “Helping a business become more productive is important to its long-term success and to strengthening British Columbia’s economy,” said Black. “Small businesses are a key driver in B.C.’s economic recovery, and this program will give local entrepreneurs techniques to boost their productivity. It means stronger businesses and stronger communities.”

 

            Economists consider productivity a key determinant of per capita income and improving productivity can lead to improved living standards.

 

“Increased productivity and competitiveness allows business to not only survive, but to thrive in today’s challenging economic environment,” said Jim Thomson, chair of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust. “We are proud to support this project, which will increase small business owners’ education and awareness around productivity.”

 

Following the workshops, up to ten businesses will receive a workplace visit from Business Development Bank of Canada consultants, who will perform a comprehensive business diagnostic and work one-on-one with clients to develop a detailed business development plan. Similar workshops have been held in Cranbrook, Campbell River and Prince George.

 

The Province’s contribution comes from the $1-million Building Skills for Small Business Fund, held in trust by the BC Chamber of Commerce and overseen by the Small Business Roundtable.

 

Other programs supported by the fund include a partnership with Okanagan College to deliver an online human resource quiz and small business resource guide to assist with staff recruitment and retention. Small businesses have also received business education through video conferencing sites set up throughout the province.

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Media Contact:

Carolyn Heiman Communications Manager Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development 250 952-0152

 

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