October 15 to 21, 2006
Every year for the past 27 years, BDC has organized Small Business Week® to pay tribute to Canadian entrepreneurs, creating opportunities for them to share success stories and talk to experts interested in small and medium-sized business and dedicated to its growth and development.
A world without boundaries, open to new markets
The world's developing economies are growing at a rapid pace and giving rise to huge emerging middle class markets. Businesses across the globe are already setting their sights on the enormous potential of these expanding new economies. To survive and thrive, Canadian entrepreneurs need to be part of this movement by taking advantage of the tremendous opportunities that are arising in a world without boundaries.
BDC supports Canada's entrepreneurs, and will join them, during Small Business Week, in exploring ways of tapping into the burgeoning spending power of emerging markets across the globe. By sharing innovative ideas, business owners will learn from each other and enlighten us on the secrets of powering entrepreneurial success in Canada.
A wide range of activities
Unprecedented synergy has resulted from the active participation of members of the chambers of commerce and our (national and local) partners/sponsors in organizing events in BDC branches. Conferences, trade fairs, seminars, workshops and business luncheons are held throughout the country on behalf of Small Business Week. Entrepreneurs are given the chance to network and exchange innovative ideas in order to further enhance business growth.
View BDC events in your area; it is also available at the nearest branch and in the Fall issue of Profit$ journal.
National launching
The events surrounding the national launch take place in a different city every year. A number of local entrepreneurs, federal and provincial government representatives and prominent business leaders are invited.
The 2006 Small Business Week launch will take place in Moncton (New Brunswick).
Young Entrepreneur Awards
The major element of Small Business Week national launch is the Young Entrepreneur Awards ceremony that BDC has held since 1988. These awards are presented to young entrepreneurs aged between 19 and 35, representing Canada's 13 provinces and territories, who have distinguished themselves for their business sense and innovative spirit.
CFIB Business Transition Award – new category
Business ownership transition
Over the coming years, the Canadian economy will undergo an unprecedented wave of company successions as a result of population aging. For the next three years, CFIB Business Transition Award aimed at recognizing entrepreneurs who have successfully completed a business succession, and as a means of encouraging other companies to plan in this regard.
The award will henceforth be presented to a company that has a new owner following an inter-generation succession initiative. The entrepreneur/buyer as well as the entrepreneur/seller will both be honoured, and a business grant of $20,000 will be offered to help the company carry out projects enabling attainment of its growth objectives.
Subscription period ended on June 8, 2006
The BDC Forum – a Small Business Week feature event – primarily seeks to offer young entrepreneurs a special opportunity for discussion and additional exposure. Winners of the 2006 Young Entrepreneur Awards will be invited to attend the 5th edition on October 16. The BDC Forum is a rewarding networking experience that promotes the business success of young entrepreneurs.
Information
To obtain more information, please call 1 877 BDC-BANX (232-2269).
