“Small and medium sized businesses make up 99.9% of the companies in Canada employing 60% of all private sector workers,” says Suzanne Andrews, manager at the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce. “All companies in the Quinte Region are considered SME’s and this week gives us the chance to thank them for their contributions to our local economy.”
The purpose of the week is to highlight the importance of Small and Medium sized companies to the Canadian and local economies. This year in the Quinte Region the four local Chambers of Commerce from Belleville, Brighton, Prince Edward County and Quinte West have joined forces to bring a weeks’ worth of events to our local businesses.
“Quinte Business week celebrates the contribution of business to our local economy as well as the people whose work provides an amazing quality of life for us all,” says Bill Saunders, CEO of the Belleville Chamber. “We're proud to take some time to recognize and celebrate these community builders that help provide the Quinte Advantage for our region.”
There are events going on every day starting on Monday Oct 19 at 11am with the big Kick Off for the week at the National Air Force Museum of Canada. Everyone is invited to attend the kick off which is sponsored by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and will feature messages about business week from local Mayors and Chamber Presidents and a short presentation from BDC.
There are two workshops per day being offered to the local business community on Tuesday & Wednesday, all designed to help businesses access the information they need to maximize their efforts to grow and develop. The seminars are at the Trent Port Marina so check out your local chambers website for full details and locations. There is no cost to attend these seminars. “Businesses are encouraged to find at least one seminar during the week they can fit into their already busy schedules,” says Mike McLeod, Manager at the Prince Edward County Chamber. “These seminars are a great way to pick up new ideas and best practices to bring back to your own company.”
Wednesday October 21 is the Mega Mingle sponsored by TD Bank. This is a great opportunity to enjoy an evening out at the Sixty-Six Gilead Distillery mingling with business people from Quinte West, Belleville, Prince Edward County and Brighton. Enjoy light refreshments, samplings from the distillery, live entertainment, door prizes and transportation from the Belleville and Quinte West chambers all provided at no charge thanks to our sponsor. There will also be a cash bar offering county wines by the glass. “This will be an excellent opportunity for business people across the Quinte Region to network and exchange ideas,” says Sherry Hamilton from the Brighton Chamber of Commerce.
Friday October 23 is the Quinte Business Achievement Awards Gala at the National Air Force Museum of Canada. Representatives from the local Municipalities, Chambers of Commerce, BDC, Trenval, Small Business Centre, QEDC and RBC Royal Bank form the organizing committee to ensure the success of this program. This year there were 90 businesses from throughout the region that completed the nomination process and everyone is invited to join in as we celebrate business excellence in the Quinte Region. Tickets are still on sale and can be purchased through the website at www.qbaa.ca/tickets or by calling your local Chamber of Commerce.
All Small Business Week events need to be reserved in advance through your local Chamber of Commerce or by calling 1-800-930-3255.
Many local companies and organizations have come together with the local Chambers to make Small Business Week Quinte a success. Special thanks to our sponsors: BDC; TD Bank; Trenval CFDC, the Small Business Centre, Trenton & District Business and Professional Women’s Club, East Central Ontario Training Board, HRPA and Launch Lab.
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