Small Business Week 2000 in the Coast of Bays

Mayor Rogers welcoming everyone to Harbour Breton

Baxter House, Coast of Bays Tourism Association, discussing tourism with Cynthia Kelly of the Community Youth Network

Human Resources Development Canada staff talk about their programs

Paula Flood, NLOWE, sharing some information

Anastasia Day of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centre talks about finding the right information

Gail Hoskins, DDRR, giving some pointers about business startup

Liz Barlow, Provincial Aquaculturist, talked about finfish and shellfish

The day began with an open house of displays at the Harbour Breton Lions Club to give the public an opportunity to seek out information about starting a business, financing, getting timely information, business ideas and government agency programs.

The evening session began with an address by Oliver Langdon, MHA, followed by Mr. Bill Stirling, Executive Director of the Investment Prospecting Group of the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology.  Mr. Stirling said that it's the entrepreneur behind the business that Small Business Week salutes.  It is small business that is the engine of growth in this province.

He spoke of the many initiatives that the provincial government is involved in to create a climate for growth in small business in this province.  These include a Venture Capital Tax Credit Program that is being developed, a renewal of the Micro Business Lending Service program with the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Co-operatives and a partnership with the Federeal Government in the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Centrea around the province.

Mr. Stirling then told the group how NOT to run a business. These include:

1. Go it on your own
2. Spare the investment, operate on a shoestring
3. Stay home and don't talk to anyone
4. Don't go to tradeshows
5. Don't go outside the province
6. Don't upgrade your technology
7. Don't stay focused, go all over the map
8. Don't focus on your strengths
9. Don't hire specialized expertise
10. Don't train your employees, they'll just start their own business and compete with you !!

The scope of investment prospecting is to attract well capitalized companies with good markets and are focused on core competencies.  They want to come here because it is economical to be here, not because of the incentives.  The Investment Prospecting group matches the opportunities and strengths at the local level.

The staff of the South Coast Community Development Corporation provided financing information

Bill Stirling talking Small Business

ummmm....that's a good idea !

MHA, Oliver Langdon, addresses the group

Tina Baker, HRE, discussing their programs

Pansy and Bernice promoting Harbour Breton