NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release 2010STED0026-001176 Oct. 1, 2010

Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOGNIZED ACROSS B.C.

 

VANCOUVER – The economic strength of B.C. is powered by small businesses, and today – for the fourth consecutive year – the Province has proclaimed October as Small Business Month, announced Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

 

“Our government’s support for small business and the business climate that sustains it is unprecedented, and there is no end in sight or finish line to that support,” said Black. “Small Business Month is intended to highlight small business programs, to release new resources, to encourage communities and business organizations to host events that bring entrepreneurs together, and to have everyday British Columbians pause and take note of the contributions small businesses make to our communities and our economy.”

 

In 2009, about 395,900 small businesses were operating in B.C., up three per cent from 2008. Small business provides 57 per cent of all private-sector jobs in B.C. – the highest rate in the country – and employs over one million people. B.C. also has the highest share of self-employed workers in Canada, making up 19.7 per cent of total employment.

 

“We’re thrilled that Minister Black is on hand today to kick-off Small Business Month with some 150 entrepreneurs,” said George Hunter, CEO of Small Business BC. “This Vancouver event is only the beginning. We’ve compiled a calendar of Small Business Month events taking place in every region of B.C., and it now tops 85.”

 

Among its supports for small business, government has created a Small Business Roundtable to consult with business owners across B.C. to help inform government policy. The roundtable has met with more than 900 small business owners so far and has been active in planning and promoting Small Business Month.

 

“As a small business owner, I appreciate that government devotes a month to highlighting this sector and the resources in place to support start-up and growth,” said Sue Adams, owner of Bevendale Enterprises in Vancouver. “Nearly 35 per cent of self-employed people in B.C. are women, placing us fourth in the country, and I hope Small Business Month will inspire many more women to join in this community.”

 

“I’m proud of B.C.’s small businesses – how they drive innovation, contribute to community and expand into new markets – and I’m proud of our government’s role in supporting them,” said Black. “From cuts to taxes and red tape, to increases in export services and skills training, we are listening to the needs of small businesses and will continue to make British Columbia the most small business-friendly in Canada.”

 

For a calendar of Small Business Month events, visit: www.smallbusinessbc.ca/calendar

 

To read about real people, real small business stories, visit: www.bcjobsandeconomy.gov.bc.ca

 

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Media Contact:

Carolyn Heiman Communication Manager Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development 250 952-0152 250 888-3545 (cell)

 

For more information on government services or to subscribe to the Province’s news feeds using RSS, visit the Province’s website at www.gov.bc.ca.