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10 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday October 5, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Your Halton Connection October `07 www.halton.ca October is Salute to Small Business Month by Regional Chair Gary Carr Each year, the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship promotes Salute to Small Business month to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the Ontario economy. Halton Region, which provides small business resources as part of the Ministry's Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC) network, proudly supports Salute to Small Business month by offering unique learning and networking opportunities to business owners across Halton. One of the goals of Halton Region's Business Development Centre is to empower small and medium-sized enterprises and give them the tools to achieve success. By supporting entrepreneurialism, we are supporting the potential of increased employment opportunities in communities across Halton. Access the right tools for success Today, economic growth is powered by knowledge, skills, innovation and an entrepreneurial mind-set--skills possessed by the best small businesses. The Business Development Centre supports business in all these areas. We: · Provide workshops and seminars to provide information, advice and coaching on business start-up and development. · Offer one-on-one consultations for new business owners through on-site appointments and the Access to Professionals program. · Encourage youth entrepreneurship in cooperation with government partners and local sponsors. · Make print and online resources available for start-ups and other businesses. · Liaise with Local Municipal economic development offices to assist businesses with growth and relocation. · Initiate forums for sharing best practices between educational institutions, other levels of government, and businesses and community associations. The Business Development Centre is Halton's walk-in resource for small businesses. Entrepreneurs can register their business name and access a variety of research and resource materials, as well as computer workstations. Business Consultants will provide advice and information on business and marketing plans, Halton's business environment, exporting and employment and training programs. What can the Halton Region Business Development Centre do for you? · Initial start-up consultations with a · Review of business plans · Consultations through our Access to Professionals referral service · Access to current resource materials, including publications, directories, trade indexes and reference materials, all of which can be loaned out · Workshops and seminars · Import and export information · Information on patents, copyright and trademarks · Mentoring and networking opportunities · Internet and computer access for business research and planning · Business registrations Visit www.halton.ca/business to see what Halton Region's Business Development Centre can do for you! · Halton Region's Business Development Centre had more than 1,600 in-person business registrations completed in 2006. · As of December 2006, there are 35,267 enterprises* in Halton Region, and 88% have fewer than 10 employees. Ready, set, launch! If this is the year that you plan to start or grow your business, contact the Business Development Centre, or visit www.halton.ca/business to find out what services and resources you can access. *Enterprises have a minimum of $30,000 in annual sales revenue, or are incorporated under a federal or provincial act and corporate income tax form within the past three years. Don't forget to vote on October 10th! The Ontario general election and referendum on electoral reform is on Wednesday, October 10th. Read more about Fairness for Halton and issues facing our community at www.halton.ca On October 10th, think Fairness for Halton when you vote. October Meetings at Halton Region Headquarters Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 3, 9:30 a.m. Oct. 3, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 8 Oct. 10, 9:30 a.m. Health & Social Services Cte Planning & Public Works Cte Administration & Finance Cte Offices closed for Thanksgiving Regional Council Meeting We welcome your feedback. Contact Access Halton at accesshalton@halton.ca 905-825-6000 · Toll free: 1-866-4HALTON · TTY: 905-827-9833 · www.halton.ca The Regional Municipality of Halton · 1151 Bronte Rd., Oakville, Ontario L6M 3L1 This page has been donated by this newspaper to communicate important information to Halton residents at no cost to taxpayers.