By Naomi Yamamoto
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business

Small businesses are the heart and soul of B.C. communities.

We have a lot to celebrate in the Province and once again Small Business BC launched Small Business Month in style with Inspire, an event attended by B.C.'s top entrepreneurs. Now that Small Business Month has drawn to a close, I would like to look back on some of the highlights from the past few weeks that are making the small-business heart in B.C. beat a little stronger.

I was honoured to join local community leaders at several small business month inspired events to thank small-business owners and partner organizations for the work they do every day in their communities to improve the economic well-being of our province. These events gave me an opportunity to speak with individuals and organizations about the Small Business Accord to find out what really matters to small businesses, create awareness about the resources available to them, and what further actions can be taken to best support their future growth and success. To find out the many resources available to small businesses, visit: www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/Small_Business_Resource_Handout_Sept2014.pdf
We will continue to work with community and small business leaders to create the most small business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada: www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/sbaccord/

The B.C. Small Business Roundtable was working hard on behalf of the small business community by presenting its 9th Annual Report to Government and hosting an Aboriginal Small Business Consultation in Kamloops. I also had the pleasure of being a part of the 2014 Open for Business Awards where a record nine B.C. communities were honoured by the Small Business Roundtable for their efforts in supporting Small Business. To learn about the roundtable's priorities and recommendations to government and small business, visit:
https://www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/Advise-(1).aspx

Making sure our entrepreneurs and small business owners have the economic environment they need to maintain momentum is one of government's key priorities. The "BC Economic Forum: Women as a catalyst for growth" was held in Vancouver Oct. 24. It was an honour to be among the outstanding women, pillars in their communities and contributors to the success of our economy.

The 2014 Small Business Profile launched on Oct. 6, indicates that in 2013, women became more prominent in the small business community, comprising 38% of B.C.'s self-employed: www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/SmallBusEngWeb.pdf

I am continually inspired by the impact that entrepreneurs and small business owners have throughout the province, and I encourage you to nominate your favourite for a Small Business BC Award before the Nov. 30 deadline: http://sbbcawards.ca/

Once again this year, the Premier's People's Choice Award - part of a series of ten Small Business BC Awards - will go to a B.C. small business that demonstrates that their community thinks they go above and beyond.

Thank you again to all the small-business owners and entrepreneurs who create jobs and contribute to local economies. And thank you, also, to all of the organizations that support B.C. small business success. You are making B.C. a better place to live, work and raise a family.

Media Contacts:

Media Relations
Minister of State for Tourism and Small Business
250 387-2799