Like a cherry filling inside a chocolate truffle, Small Business Week (October 14-20) exists within Small Business Month during the month of October.
Launched nationally in 1981, Small Business Week is the trademark event for the BDC (Business Development Bank of Canada) and still stands as the best opportunity for communities to show their support for entrepreneurs while offering programs and activities for business people. As the height of the local business events and celebrations, next week is full of the best of business in Prince George.
To whet your appetite, a public open house and networking event is being held at Community Futures (1566-Seventh Avenue) from 5 to 6:30pm today, inviting you to "Experience what's Beyond the Green Door" and discover how Community Futures can support you and your business ventures.
Then, to formally kick off Small Business Week, the Prince George Chamber of Commerce welcomes guest speaker Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Attorney General as their key note speaker at a luncheon sponsored by Employment Action titled "Recognizing Leadership and Diversity" on Monday, October 15. The lunch will be held at the Coast Inn of the North from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and reservations are required in advance by visiting the Prince George Chamber of Commerce website at www.pgchamber.bc.ca
The next open house event is hosted by the BDC (150-177 Victoria St.) on Tuesday, October 16 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. as they welcome you to their office for coffee and snacks. Meet the people that help create business opportunities year round in our community while networking with other business people.
And finally, Saturday, October 20, rounds off the celebrations with the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards Gala. This is the premier business event held to celebrate excellence in ten award categories from Service Excellence to New Entrepreneurs. This year's event theme is "An Evening at the Oscars" with a red carpet entry to the Coast Inn of the North greeted by paparazzi and fanfare. Appetizers will follow with a hosted cocktail hour before entering a professionally designed ballroom where you will join "Oscar" and his friends. There are just a few tickets available for $85 plus HST per person. Call the Prince George Chamber of Commerce to reserve tickets 250-562-2454 or visit www.pgchamber.bc.ca
I recognize that, as business people and entrepreneurs, it is difficult to leave your operations to venture outside of the parameters of your business. But this is your week. Come up for a breath and take a few moments out of your busy week ahead to join in on the Small Business Month/Week activities and make some new connections in Prince George. You will return to your duties refreshed, invigorated, and more productive than if you'd stayed at the office.
Until next time, stay in the black and keep coming back.
