BDC Small Business Week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for almost 40 years. Entrepreneurs come together every year at hundreds of events across Canada to learn, network with other entrepreneurs and celebrate entrepreneurship. Small businesses make up a large part of our economy here on the South Shore and this week was filled with events marking Small Business Week from October 14-20, 2018.
Bernice Williams of Business Builders, organized two events to celebrate Small Business Week. The first was an Ask the Expert Breakfast held at the Mahone Bay Centre. Local Experts, including Meg Craig, Andrew Button, Liam Taylor, Shanna Joudrey, John Swain, Ashton Rodenhiser, David Eisner, Jennifer Fraser, Jared Perry, Todd Hubley, Wendy Vrooman and Bernice, circulated to different assigned tables, giving business owners a chance to ask them questions. It was a terrific way to hear from people in a variety of different industries and fields.
The second event Bernice organized was the Savvy Business Builders Luncheon. Held at Wile’s Lake Farm Market, this women’s networking event heard from a panel of four women business owners, discussing how they built their business, sharing advice and encouragement.
I was honoured to be asked to be part of the panel at the Savvy Business Builders Luncheon, along with Kacy Delong of Delong Designs Metalworking. Ashton Rodenhiser from Minds Eye Creative Consulting and Facilitation and Michelle Crouse, a wealth professional with BMO Nesbitt Burns.
The Chester and Area Chamber of Commerce also hosted their first ever Raising Sales Business Summit, aimed at helping micro, small and medium businesses (MSME) interested in improving the social, community and economic climate on the South Shore. They had a great line of speakers, panel discussions, a trade show and networking opportunities, held at the beautiful Oak Island Resort and Conference Centre, made for a fantastic day.
It was fantastic to see many events this year celebrating Small Business Week. Giving business owners a chance to learn and network in their own communities is powerful and gives everyone a chance to connect and celebrate.
Small Businesses are an essential part of our local economy. Small business owners are typically experts in their industry, pride themselves on providing quality customer service and help keep our money local. We have so many wonderful small businesses here on the South Shore. Be sure to go out and visit some this week…and all year…to keep our local economy growing and strong!
What is one of your favourite small businesses on the South Shore? Leave a comment and tell us why.
