October 2007

The Business Resource Centre at City Hall is proud to be a partner for Small Business Week in Corner Brook and area. Small Business Week is an opportunity to share success stories, talk to business leaders, exchange innovative ideas, and participate in seminars, workshops, and business luncheons. Keeping that in mind there is a wide range of activities planned.

On Monday, October 15th, from 4-6 pm, join us in a networking session to officially launch Small Business Week at the SWGC Art Gallery. The President of the Greater Corner Brook Board of Trade, Shawn Woodford will be taking a few minutes to highlight the vision and future direction of the Board. There will also be two other special guest speakers highlighting their business ventures. It is an opportunity to market yourself and your business to other business owners in the room.

On Monday from 7-10:30 pm, our keynote speaker, Roy Prevost, will be hosting a workshop entitled, "How to prosper in a box store economy." If you are a small business and have any concerns about the effect that big box stores are having on your business, this workshop is for you. Roy Prevost offers a humorous and interactive workshop that will provide you with the tools necessary to compete in such a competitive environment. This is an event to invite your staff as well.

On Wednesday, October 17th, at noon, guest speaker Larry Short, author of "In Short, secrets to make your dollar grow," will be providing a workshop on Succession Planning. There are many ways to 'retire' from your business. Knowing the right way is crucial to protecting your wealth and maximizing your financial gain. If you do not have an exit strategy from your business, you need to attend this workshop. Family members are invited as the planning should include all who are affected financially.

On Thursday, October 18th at noon, Mayor Andy Wells of St. John's will talk about the Oil & Gas Industry and the mistakes that were made on the East Coast. He hopes that by learning from their mistakes, we can be better positioned for success. If you are in the oil industry or are a supplier to the oil industry or want to learn more about the industry to explore potential business ideas, you need to be there.

Finally to bring a close to Small Business Week and to provide one last networking opportunity for the week, we will be hosting happy hour at Gitano's on Friday, October 19th from 4-7 pm.

Special thanks to the sponsors of Small Business Week events, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC); BMO Financial Group; Brook Street Credit Union; Humber Community Development Corporation (CBDC); City of Corner Brook; Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development (INTRD); Scotiabank; Royal Bank of Canada; and TD Canada Trust. Because of these sponsors, we are able to offer these events at very reasonable rates. Please see attached schedule for details on location, prices and how to register.