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The Canadian Champion, Tuesday, October 21, 2003-15 Much of the growth of the Canadian economy can be attributed to dynamic entrepreneurs and the businesses they create. With their ability to innovate rap- idly, they respond to the changing needs of the marketplace and create jobs, mak- ing them one of the most significant forces driving the economy. Since its 1979 inception Small Business Week has substantially grown in size and scope, and is now a nation-wide celebration of entrepreneurship, held from October 19 to 25, 2003. Organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and endorsed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Week continues to pay tribute to the important contribution that small businesses make to the national economy. Small Business Week activities provide entre- preneurs and potential entrepreneurs with training and development opportunities, and offer a forum for meeting other busi- ness people and sharing ideas. Events include conferences, trade fairs, seminars, workshops and business luncheons. BDC branches, with the assistance of numerous public and private sector organizations from their area, play an active role in planning and publicizing these events. Small Business Week theme Each year, a theme reflecting current inter- ests is chosen for Small Business Week. This year's theme YOU'RE THE POWER behind the Canadian economy, let's share the energyl As the theme suggests, Small Business Week 2003 focuses on the power within every entrepreneur who has taken an idea and used it as the foundation for building a busi- ness. It recognizes individual efforts and acknowledges the importance of financial and consulting assistance in support of inno- vative ideas that have potential and promise. BDC Young Entrepreneur Awards The highlight of Small Business Week is the presentation of the Business Development Bank of Canada Young Entrepreneur Awards. These awards are given to thirteen -entrepre- neurs, one from each province and territory, between the ages of 19 and 35. Winners are selected on the basis of their outstanding business achievements, innovative spirit and community involvement. BDC's Ongoing Achievement Award This year, a new award is being offered for the first time: BDC Ongoing Achievement Award. The award will be presented to one of the winners of the Young Entrepreneur Awards between 1988 and 2002 whose company has shown sustained growth since the entrepreneur won the award. This award, presented by the BDC consult- ing Group, comes with a $20,000 grant. The winner will also get a free Growth Potential Assessment from the BDC Consulting Group. This consulting service, valued at $5,000, provides a detailed profile of the company's strengths and areas requir- ing improvement, and includes a written report on the business' ability to meet the challenges of future growth as well and advice on increasing profitability. For more information For more information, call 1-877-BDC-BANX (2332-2269). Family Owned & Making Memories Since 1966 487 Laurier Ave.•- 905-878-2881 October is Small Business Month www.cibc.com/smallbusiness Financial planning for your personal and business needs... Successful entrepreneurs build their business using a combination of visionary optimism and down-to-earth reality checks. Both are needed to do successful planning. Small business owners should look to their business advisor to help them build a finan- cial plan, so they can address their needs for cash flow management, asset management, & borrowing, as well as examine whether they have adequate insurance protection. CIBC offers the innovative products, services & expertise you need to help you succeed. Contact your CIBC Small Business Advisory Team. Kim Yamashita Business Coordinator 905-875-0189 Nikki Wilson Senior Business Advisor 905-875-3160