Celebrate Your Small Business!

There are just over 1 million small businesses with employees in Canada. In fact, ninety-eight percent of businesses in Canada have fewer than 100 employees. Between 2002 and 2006, 130 000 new small businesses, on average, were created in Canada each year.

In October of each year, the government of Ontario recognizes the contributions that entrepreneurs and small businesses make to the economic well-being of the province. Ontario’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make a significant contribution to this province in terms of jobs, investment, trade, innovation and prosperity. The Ontario Ministry of Economic Development & Trade (MEDT), through its network of 57 Enterprise Centres, conducts events throughout October to salute small business owners.

In Brampton, there are a number of ways to celebrate being a small business, through this partnership between MEDT and the Brampton Small Business Enterprise Centre (full details at www.brampton-business.com)

Start-Up Stories inspiration and networking event, Tues. Oct 5th, 9:30-11:30 a.m., hosted by the Brampton Library, 65 Queen St. East. Hear motivational launch stories and network with other small businesses. FREE.

Lunch ‘n Learn seminar series, a different topic each day, noon – 1 p.m., October 18-22nd. Bring along your lunch. FREE.

Energize! professional development event, Thurs. Oct 28th, 7:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Select, Peel Centre Dr. Continental breakfast, networking, round table experts (12+ topics) and keynote speaker Sunjay Nath on his 10-80-10 principle. Sponsored by Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade. FREE.

Business-to-Business Trade Show, immediately following the Energize event, 12:30-3:30 Thurs. Oct. 28th. An affordable marketing tool and great networking opportunity. Sponsored by Rider Enterprises. Full table $75, shared table $50. Visitors – Free.


Reward yourself! Celebrate with the Small Business Enterprise Centre by registering (905-874-2650) for one or all of these free events. Meeting with others, talking about your mutual challenges, hearing best practices and sharing successes is a great way to re-discover your vitality. You’ll be refreshed and motivated to take on the next big thing, whether it’s balancing the books or reinventing your strategy. And while you’re there, give yourself a big pat on the back for a job well done!