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1 7 Thursday, O ctober 6, 2011 O A K V ILLE B EA V ER w w w .in sid eH A LTO N .co m (NC)If your business plan has been col- lecting dust since you launched, it's likely time to refresh. Updating your business plan on a regular basis is critical for any business to stay relevant and be successful in the future. What better time to consider renewal than during Small Business Week, begin- ning October 17? Elements of a business plan change in as little as a yearfor example, sales targets, competitors and cash flow. A plan should be a continually evolving roadmap to where your want your business to be in the future. Doing It Alone: It's hard to be impartial when it comes to your own business. So involve employees, experts and other small business owners who may have an interest in the process. They can help you generate new ideas for the future. Too Much Information: Keep it short and simple. Present your business ideas clearly and stick to the facts: incorporate market studies, benchmark reports and sales projec- tions. Let these facts persuade your investors or lenders that your business will make a profit. The Wrong Details for the Wrong Audience: You don't want too much infor- mation, but you need to include the num- bers and facts that back up your ideas. If you want lenders or investors to take your business plan seriously, make sure the format is appropriate for your audience and look into different templates and sample business plans. Canada Business Ontario has free templates and sample business plans for a variety of industries and a business plan- ning video to help get you started. They also offer secondary market research and demo- graphic information to get you started. Call the Business Info Line at 1-888-745-8888 or visit www.canadabusiness.ca. Filing It Away: A business plan can give fyou an objective picture of the viability o new projects. But it can only do this if you keep it up to date and refer to it regularly. Create a semi-annual or annual schedule to keep it fresh and current. Continuous business planning helps identify opportunities, competition and changing industry trends. Your business plan will not only sell your idea to potential investors or lenders, it will also keep your business goals on track. For information about Small Business Week go to www.bdc.ca/sbw. www.newscanada.com p yTune u our small business COMMITTED TO REDUCING THE INCOME TAXES THAT YOU PAY www.thetaxadvisory.ca THE TAX ADVISORY COMMITTED TO INCORPORATING YOUR COMPANY THE RIGHT WAY THE FIRST TIME www.theincorporators.ca THE INCORPORATORS COMMITTED TO MAKING YOUR BUSINESS A SUCCESS www.thebusinessadvisory.ca THE BUSINESS ADVISORY Why Should I Have The Tax Advisory Prepare My Business And Personal Income Tax Returns? We have been preparing corporate and personal income tax returns for over twenty-nine years. We can help you achieve a 15.5% income tax rate on your combined business and personal income. We will ensure that you pay only those income taxes you absolutely have to pay. We will ensure that you take advantage of every deduction available to you. Once per year, we will prepare for you, an income tax plan specifically designed to your business and personal circumstances. Our rates are one-third to one-half that of our competition. Voted First Place Diamond Award Winner In The Categories of Incorporation Services, Tax Preparation Services And Business Advisory Services 9 YEARS IN A ROW! CALL THE TAX ADVISORY NOW FOR A FREE ASSESSMENT OF YOUR CORPORATE AND PERSONAL INCOME TAX PLANNING SITUATION AT 905-469-8777 Wouldnt You Like To Know That You Are Paying The Minimum Amount Of Income Tax Possible? The Tax Advisory Will Prepare A Corporate And Personal Income Tax Plan For You That Will Help You Attain This Goal. BUSINESS OWNERS CALL THE TAX ADVISORY NOW FOR A FREE ASSESSMENT OF YOUR CORPORATE AND PERSONAL INCOME TAX PLANNING SITUATION AT 905-469-8777 SERVING SMALL AND HOME BASED BUSINESSES FOR OVER 29 YEARS Member of ED FOSTER TAX PREPARATION SERVICES Wendy Rinella Chair of the Board MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Small Business Week Welcome to Small Business Week Oakville is privileged to be home to a diverse business community.Companies of every size serve a wide variety of industries and customers. Some of our businesses are household names throughout the world others are well on their way to becoming the leaders in their field, and some are beginning their entrepreneurial journey. The common keys to success for these businesses large and small, new and established are: innovation, service and entrepreneurship. Small Business Week is the annual celebration of the dedication and spirit that drive small businesses. It is also an opportunity to learn from each other, provide support for your efforts and create opportunities for continued growth. Over the last 57 years the Oakville Chamber of Commerce has been the voice of business in Oakville your voice. The Chamber is proud of the role that we play in serving you and in bringing the business community together. Small businesses employ most of the people who work in this country and create most of the wealth that we enjoy. The Chamber is here to ensure that governments at all levels understand and take into account the needs of business when developing policies. Oakville is a wonderful place to live, work and play. A vital business community is critical for a community to provide services, products, employment, revenue, and innovation. We need to create business opportunities not only for today but also for tomorrow. Local business means local jobs and less commuting. Wages paid to local employees are circulated within the community. A strong local economy will help attract new businesses, bringing their variety of products and services with a focus on the needs of our community. We invite you to join your fellow members, the Chamber Board and staff in celebrating the innovation and creativity of our small businesses in Oakville and we urge to you get involved in continuing to create and grow our vital business community. A strong local economy will help attract new businesses, bringing their variety of products, services and creating more local career opportunities. Business After Hours & Trade Show October 19th TheChambers popular monthly evening reception is combined with our Annual Trade Show. Come to network with local business leaders and over 100 exhibitors. Enjoy food catered by Oakville Conference Centre, Beer Sampling fromCamerons Brewing Co. & Wine Sampling from Peller Estates ALL FREEOF CHARGE Time: 5:00 - 8:00 pm Location:Oakville Conference Centre, 2515Wyecroft Rd., Oakville FREE ADMISSION OPENTOTHEPUBLIC