November 2, 2009
Southern Interior small businesses to benefit from new program aimed at increasing productivity and competiveness
Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust teams up with province, BDC and local Chamber of Commerce to assist entrepreneurs
Cranbrook, British Columbia, November 2, 2009 – Jim Thomson, Chair of the Southern Interior Development Initiative Trust (SIDIT) is pleased to announce the Trust’s support of a productivity and competitive enhancement program for business offered by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) in the Cranbrook, Nelson, Castlegar and Trail areas. “SIDIT’s objective is to support regionally strategic investments in economic development projects that will have long-lasting and measurable regional benefits for the Southern Interior” said Thomson. “This investment leverages the skills, knowledge and experience of existing economic development organizations, creates significant positive impacts across the region and allows smaller communities opportunities to remain or become economically sustainable.” The program is co-sponsored by the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development (STED) and the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce.
In collaboration with the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce, BDC will kick-start the program by delivering a productivity and competitiveness workshop November 5 in Cranbrook. Two additional workshops will take place in Prince George and on Vancouver Island later in November. These events will provide small businesses with information and tools to improve their productivity and competitiveness, and raise awareness of the benefits of investing in productivity improvements.
BDC developed this program in recognition that challenging economic times force entrepreneurs to rethink how they manage their business. “We wanted to provide entrepreneurs with an opportunity to hone their capabilities and those of their key staff members,” said Renata King, Managing Partner, Prairies and Western Region at BDC. “We look forward to helping small businesses in British Columbia overcome productivity challenges and become more competitive in the national and global markets.”
“Helping a business become more productive is important to its long-term success and to strengthening British Columbia’s economy,” said Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development. “Small businesses are a key driver in B.C.’s economic recovery, and this program will give local entrepreneurs more tools and techniques to boost their productivity. It means stronger businesses and stronger communities.”
The workshop is open for up to 30 businesses. Participants have the option of submitting materials (i.e. financial statements) ahead of time for a one-on-one session with BDC consulting following the workshop session.
Ten of the businesses attending the workshop will also have the opportunity to receive a comprehensive productivity and competitiveness diagnostic and a business improvement plan prepared by BDC Consulting.
The Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development (STED) supports the program through the Building Skills for Small Business Fund, held in trust by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and overseen by the Small Business Roundtable.
Businesses interested in participating can call the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce at (250) 426-5914.
