Southern Interior small businesses to benefit from new program aimed at
increasing productivity and competiveness - BDC teams up with province and
local Chamber of Commerce to assist entrepreneurs

CRANBROOK, BC, Oct. 29 /CNW Telbec/ - The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is pleased to announce that it will offer a productivity and competitiveness enhancement program for businesses in the Cranbrook, Nelson and Castlegar and Trail areas. The program is sponsored by the Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development (STED), the Southern Interior Development Trust, and the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce.

In collaboration with the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce, BDC will kick-start the program by delivering a productivity and competitiveness workshop November 5 in Cranbrook. Two additional workshops will take place in Prince George and on Vancouver Island later in November. These events will provide small businesses with information and tools to improve their productivity and competitiveness, and raise awareness of the benefits of investing in productivity improvements.

BDC developed this program in recognition that challenging economic times force entrepreneurs to rethink how they manage their business. "We wanted to provide entrepreneurs with an opportunity to hone their capabilities and those of their key staff members," said Renata King , Managing Partner, Prairies and Western Region at BDC. "We look forward to helping small businesses in British Columbia overcome productivity challenges and become more competitive in the national and global markets."

"Helping a business become more productive is important to its long-term success and to strengthening British Columbia's economy," said Iain Black, Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development. "Small businesses are a key driver in B.C.'s economic recovery, and this program will give local entrepreneurs more tools and techniques to boost their productivity. It means stronger businesses and stronger communities."

The workshop is open for up to 30 businesses. Participants have the option of submitting materials (i.e. financial statements) ahead of time for a one-on-one session with BDC Consulting following the workshop session.

Ten of the businesses attending the workshop will also have the opportunity to receive a comprehensive productivity and competitiveness diagnostic and a business improvement plan prepared by BDC Consulting.

The Ministry of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development (STED) supports the program through the Building Skills for Small Business Fund, held in trust by the B.C. Chamber of Commerce and overseen by the Small Business Roundtable.

Businesses interested in participating can call the Cranbrook and District Chamber of Commerce at [phone].

About BDC

BDC is Canada's business development bank. From more than 100 offices across the country, BDC promotes entrepreneurship by providing highly tailored financing, venture capital and consulting services to entrepreneurs. Visit www.bdc.ca for more information.

For further information: Media: Renata King, Managing Partner, Prairies and Western Region, BDC, [phone], [email protected]