Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business, Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch encourages British Columbians to celebrate local innovative entrepreneurs as Global Entrepreneurship Week comes to a close.

Global Entrepreneurship Week is the world’s largest recognition of entrepreneurship, and is being celebrated in communities throughout B.C. with networking events and regional competitions.

Futurpreneur, the official Canadian host of the week for the seventh consecutive year, has organized activities from Nov. 16 – 22, 2015, that will connect participants with mentorship opportunities and potential investors.

Through support of the BC Small Business Roundtable, MentorshipBC and organizations like Small Business BC, the B.C. government is ensuring that the proper tools and supports are in place for entrepreneurs so they can focus on growth and job creation.

Organizations such as Futurpreneur and Women’s Enterprise Centre provide mentoring and support for entrepreneurs in their local communities and they play a significant role in building links as business advocates.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister Responsible for Small Business, Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch –

“I want to thank our partners who support B.C.’s entrepreneurs. The success of many small businesses is rooted in the spirit and determination of entrepreneurs who not only dream big, but who also receive support and encouragement along the way. Entrepreneurs make a vital contribution to our communities and to B.C.’s economy and I want to ensure they are encouraged to reach their potential.”

Paulina Cameron, regional director, Futurpreneur Canada –

“Futurpreneur Canada is proud to be the Canadian Host of Global Entrepreneurship Week, and to engage with entrepreneurs, mentors and their supporters across the province to promote and celebrate British Columbia’s innovators and job creators. We are encouraged by the strong interest in entrepreneurship in sectors critical to the British Columbia economy, including in service and retail.”

Dawn McCooey, skills development manager, Women’s Enterprise Centre –

“This year, Women's Enterprise Centre celebrates 20 years of providing capital for success for B.C. women entrepreneurs, delivering training to over 90 B.C. communities and providing business advising services and mentoring to over 22,000 women. We have provided over $47 million in direct and leveraged financing, generating more than $1.4 billion in economic activity in B.C.”

Quick Facts:

• Each year, approximately 7 million people in 150 countries participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week.
• 98% of all businesses in British Columbia are small businesses.
• Women-owned businesses represent $117 billion of annual economic activity in Canada.
• MentorshipBC, launched in November 2013, connects entrepreneurs with mentor programs throughout the province by providing a central database of business-mentoring programs.

Learn More:

Small Business Resources: www.resourcecentre.gov.bc.ca/pdf/Small_Business_Resource_Handout.pdf

Mentorship BC: http://www.mentorshipbc.ca/Pages/default.aspx

Futurpreneur Canada: http://www.futurpreneur.ca/

Women’s Enterprise Centre: http://www.womensenterprise.ca/