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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, June 5, 2014 | 16 Halton must be a place where all can contribute continued from p.9 the region's population is comprised of immigrants, with 18 per cent being visible minorities. "Diversity strengthens communities and workplaces and enhances economic competitiveness... it is all inclusive and recognizes everyone and every group as part of something that should be valued," said Sue Daharry of Almak HR Solutions, one of the members of HEDR. "Diversity includes, but is not limited to race, socio-economic status, nationality, age, language, sexual orientation, gender, gender Halton.ca 311 Halton Small Business Centre Starter Company Do you know a youth between the ages of 18 ­ 29 interested in starting a small business or expand an existing business? Starter Company program is an entrepreneurship program geared to help youth between the ages of 18 ­ 29, by providing training and business skills development, mentorship and guidance from local business professionals and where eligible, a micro-grant of up to $5,000 to help kick-start a new business, expand an existing business or buy a business. General information sessions are held twice monthly. Please see below for schedule. Upcoming Business Seminars and Programs Starting a Small Business Seminar A general overview of the things you will need to consider, along with the resources to help you succeed. Covers structure, registrations, regulations, licences, taxes and financing options. Wednesday, June 11 Milton Public Library, Main Library 6:30 ­ 8:30 p.m. $25/person Wednesday, July 9 Halton Region Administration Building 6:30 ­ 8:30 p.m. $25/person First Steps in Importing: Understanding product-related regulations, suppliers and country of origin, financial aspects, logistics and other partners, customs documentation and clearance. Wednesday, June 25 Halton Region Administration Building 6:30 ­ 8:30 p.m. $25/person Getting Started Information Session: A one hour overview of all the rules and regulations you need to know if you are starting a business in Halton. Staff will guide you through a checklist for starting a new business. The sessions are casual, informative small groups of five or less. Every Tuesday 9:00 ­ 10:00 a.m. Halton Regional Centre, Small Business Centre Free, but registration is required. Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) ­ General Information Session: A one hour overview of the CYBF financing program, including a review of the application process and evaluation and eligibility criteria. Canadian Youth Business Foundation provides financing based on character and a great business plan of up to $15,000 for young entrepreneurs between 18 and 39 years of age who are looking to start their own full-time small business. 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month in 2014 10:00 ­ 11:00 a.m. Halton Regional Centre, Small Business Centre Free, but registration is required. Starter Company Program ­ General Information Session: A one hour overview of the program, including a review of the application process and eligibility criteria. Starter Company program is an entrepreneurship program geared to help youth between the ages of 18 ­ 29, by providing training and business skills development, mentorship and guidance from local business professionals and where eligible, a micro-grant of up to $5,000 to help kick-start a new business, expand an existing business or buy a business. 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month in 2014 11:00 a.m. ­ 12:00 p.m. Halton Regional Centre, Small Business Centre Free, but registration is required. identity and physical or mental abilities." Daharry was one of several HEDR members who spoke at last Friday's launch, including representatives from the community, Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton (BBBSH), Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services (SAVIS) of Halton, and the Halton Multicultural Council (HMC). Sita Jayaraman of BBBSH called HEDR a unique and equally authentic opportunity to build equity and equitable outcomes for Halton residents, organizations and businesses. "Fairness is a critical component of equity," she said. "Equity is not about treating everyone the same way, it's about recognizing that people do not always start from the same place and therefore have different needs that need to be supported differently in order to have positive outcomes." Kathryn Baker-Reed from SAVIS Halton says the role of the roundtable is "to move us forward in a coordinated community fashion to identify and celebrate our strengths as well as to facilitate discussions in those areas that need work. "Diversity is a strength in our community and we need to learn to work together effectively to make sure each member in the Halton community is able to contribute the best of their talents," she continued. "We all need to make sure Halton is a community where all members feel safe and free to work, live, and play." Lam added, the HEDR is hoping to further expand its membership to include local businesses, the Paula Lam Equity is not about treating everyone the same way, it's about recognizing that people do not always start from the same place and therefore have different needs that need to be supported differently in order to have positive outcomes. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Halton (BBBSH) Sita Jayaraman municipal governments and other "integral" organizations to help it successfully achieve its mission. REBATES ARE BACK! ACT NOW!! UP TO RECEIVE $ IN REBATES 2800 $1450 FACTORY REBATE UP TO + UNION GAS REBATE $700 UP TO $ CALL NOW, QUANTITIES ARE LIMITED! THE FORECAST CALLS FOR 050614 Was Per month 58 NOW ONLY Was $ Registration and pre-payment for all seminars is required as seating is limited. Contact us for more information and registration details for these events. Join our online community. Get connected at www.haltonsmallbusiness.ca Please contact us as soon as possible if you have any accessibility needs at Halton Region events or meetings. AIR CONDITIONING & FURNACE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE 29 ONLY + $650 OPA REBATE UP TO * Per month OAC $99 $ 49 HEATING & COOLING www.aireone.com · 1-888-827-2665 905-849-4998 905-632-0505 9 Locations To Serve You Better! A+ RATING *See dealer for details