The BC Business Service Network – comprised of Community Futures British Columbia, Small Business BC, and the Société de développment économique Colombie-Britannique and the Women’s Enterprise Centre -- are adding their voices to raise awareness of Prime Minister Steven Harper’s proclamation for 2011 as the Year of the Entrepreneur.
As lead agencies in the province working together to provide support, training and small business loans for entrepreneurs, these community partners share the Prime Minister’s view that “Canada’s entrepreneurs are the backbone of our economy, creating jobs and driving economic growth in communities”. Each one of these agencies have been touched by the determination of entrepreneurs who are prepared to learn, grow and take risks to improve his or her future and the community’s served.
"We are grateful to have this level of attention focused on the entrepreneurs we serve and the work we do” says Marie Gallant, Executive Director of Community Futures British Columbia “especially as this announcement comes at a time when we are celebrating Community Futures’ 25th year of providing business training, access to small business loans and supporting entrepreneurs.”
These sentiments were bolstered by George Hunter, CEO of Small Business BC, “As the largest provider of information based products and services to the small business community, Small Business BC, certainly agrees with the sentiments expressed in the Prime Minister’s announcement.” says Hunter, “Small businesses are the backbone of the BC economy and its largest single employer group.”
“Given how tough it’s been over the last couple years for small business owners, this recognition is well-earned. We’re seeing strong increases in demand for our loans and business advisory services these days, so in spite of the tough times, BC’s women entrepreneurs are taking the initiative to start and grow businesses more than ever,” says Laurel Douglas, CEO of Women’s Enterprise Centre.
"La Société de développement économique de la Colombie-Britannique (SDE) apprécie grandement la déclaration très significative du Premier Ministre du Canada” ajoute Donald Cyr, Directeur général ” et nous sommes très motivés à diffuser nos services consultatifs de façon personnalisée et à valeur ajoutée aux entrepreneurs francophones. Ce sera toujours là le levier d’un avenir durable à la SDE.”
BC Business Service Network, each funded by the federal government through Western Economic Diversification Canada, plans to re-double their efforts in 2011. Their combined expertise will help to make the most of this move to empower more people in BC and build a more diverse, prosperous region.