Greater Collingwood
Small Business Enterprise Centre
Ribbon Cutting - August 30, 2007
Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier, Director of Entrepreneurship Branch for the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ann Hoy, Doug Garbutt and Collingwood Economic Development Officer Catherine Durrant cut the ribbon to officially open the new Small Business Enterprise Centre.
Office To Provide Support And Resources To Local Small Business Community
Small business operators in Collingwood and surrounding area now have a support system in place for assistance. The Greater Collingwood Business Enterprise Centre officially opened its doors for business at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday August 30th. The new facility will begin operations working out of the Collingwood Chamber of Commerce office on Second Street.
Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier outlined the importance of small business to the overall well being of the community. "We want this centre to be the launching pad for Collingwood area entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities and advantages" added Mayor Carrier.
Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar says the new Collingwood office will give local small businesses the tools they need to develop and grow, leading to job creation and increased prosperity. "Running a small business is an exciting, rewarding, and at times, challenging experience," said Takhar. "This office will give entrepreneurs the assistance they need to transform their innovative ideas into successful business ventures" Takhar added.
Jointly operated by the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship and local municipalities in conjunction with other partners, Small Business Enterprise Centres provide support to start-up and small enterprises during their initial years of development and operation and deliver ministry youth entrepreneurship programs, including Summer Company.
Contact the Small Business Enterprise Centre in Collingwood by calling 441-2762 or by email at smbiz@collingwoodsbec.ca
Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier is a strong supporter of the entrepreneurial spirit within the community. "Whether it is helping those business owners with 10 employees or less to better understand the employment standards act, or with business plan development, or with financial forecasting, this greater Collingwood team will be here to offer such assistance" Mayor Carrier said.
Collingwood Economic Development Officer Catherine Durrant hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday August 30th. The SBEC name will assume a leadership role (under the direction of Economic Development) in the provision and delivery of information, learning and counseling and other resources that support start-up and early stage business growth.
Ms. Ann Hoy, Director of Entrepreneurship Branch for the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship was joined by Mr. John Martin, Manager, Mr. Paul Homer, Regional Advisor, Partnerships & Alliances, Entrepreneurship Branch and Mr. Ted Northcott, Regional Advisor, Central Region.