Media Advisory: Facebook's 'Boost Your Business' Nationwide Summer Bus Tour Kicking Off in Ottawa

OTTAWA, July 6, 2015 /CNW/ - Taking a page from a long-standing Canadian tradition, Facebook Canada is embarking on a road trip across Canada this summer to celebrate small businesses in a big way. Facebook's Boost Your Business Summer Bus Tour is a series of events designed to teach small business owners how to optimize their presence on the world's largest social network – and it all starts on July 7th in Ottawa with MP David McGuinty.

The Ottawa Chamber of Commerce will serve as co-hosts and Mr. McGuinty will discuss the significant contributions small businesses make to Ottawa's economy. Additionally, attendees will hear directly from Facebook representatives about best practices for small businesses as well as from local businesses that have found success through Facebook, including: Beau's Brewery, Burgers n' Fries Forever and Kiddie Kobbler.

Following the launch of Facebook's Small Business Boost roadshow in January, which visited four cities across Canada and touched more than 2,000 small businesses, the Nation's Capital is the first stop of the Boost Your Business Bus Tour. A colourful – and carbon neutral – Facebook coach bus will travel from Ottawa to Toronto, Parry Sound, Winnipeg, and Richmond all in the next few weeks, ensuring entrepreneurs get their hands on helpful resources while showcasing the most interesting stories along the way. We'll be doing various local pop-ups, with educational sessions, prizes, special guests, and a fun, festive atmosphere. 

Ottawa boasts a thriving small business community and strong entrepreneurial culture. According to the recent Ottawa Business Growth Survey, the majority of local businesses expect revenues to grow this year, with 37.5 per cent seeing double-digit growth. Survey respondents believe that improving training and mentorship around entrepreneurship will have the greatest impact on their businesses – driving home the importance of educational events like Facebook's Boost Your Business Bus Tour.

WHAT:       
Free workshop on how to use Facebook to grow your small business

WHEN AND WHERE: Ottawa – Tuesday, July 7, 2015
St. Elias Centre
750 Ridgewood Ave., Ottawa, ON K1V 6N1
9:30a.m. – 12:00p.m. EST
**Photo Opportunity with all speakers will occur at 9:50a.m. EST
**Interview opportunities will take place following the event

WHO:  

• Representatives from Facebook Canada, including Nick Serjeant, Director of Technology, Public Sector and Politics, and Kevin Chan, Head of Public Policy
• The Honourable David McGuinty, MP for Ottawa South
• Local small business owners and partners including Ottawa Chamber of Commerce, Invest Ottawa, and the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses

*All media who wish to attend must RSVP by 5:00p.m. EST on July 6, 2015 to [email protected]

About Facebook Canada
Founded in 2004, Facebook's mission is to make the world more open and connected. People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what's going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them. Facebook® is a registered trademark of Facebook Inc.  All other brand or product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. 

SOURCE Facebook® Canada

*All media who wish to attend must RSVP by 5:00p.m. EST on July 6, 2015 to [email protected]