NEWS
BUSINESS CONSULTING IN THE REGION JUST GOT EASIER
Oct. 5, 2011
Need a little help with your current business, or are you looking for assistance in turning your business idea into reality? The Virtual Advisor may be an option.
The web-based system allows business consultations and seminars to be done online. And the service is provided free of charge.
What makes the system different from standard videoconferencing is that it allows for documents to be shared in a way that both end users can view it and make edits simultaneously. When reviewing business plans, which can be used to apply for government grants and low-interest loans, such software will come in handy.
The system is operated and staffed by the team at Business SSM, a division of the Economic Development Corporation, which services the Algoma District and Chapleau area.
“The Virtual Advisor provides a method of reducing distance barriers that are common in Northern Ontario, particularly in rural locations,” said Dave Murphy, Executive Director of Business SSM. “Given the travel distances between our head office and clients throughout our district, a face-to-face meeting isn’t always possible. This software will help us overcome this challenge.”
The purchase of the equipment was made possible thanks to a $15,000 investment from the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade.
“This software will make it much easier to reach out to our clients,” said Andrew Ross, General Manager of Enterprise Services for Business SSM. “Put simply, it will make our services more available for those looking to start or expand a business, which will ultimately benefit the region’s economy.”
To book an appointment, or for more information, contact Andrew Ross toll free at 1-866-558-5144 or a.ross@ssmedc.ca.
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BUSINESS SAULT STE. MARIE ESTABLISHING ENTREPRENEUR NETWORK; INPUT SOUGHT
March 30, 2011
Picture this: A number of local entrepreneurs, pooling together their financial resources and business wherewithal, thus working together for the betterment of the group as a whole.
That’s exactly what Business Sault Ste. Marie, a division of the Economic Development Corporation, is looking to establish by creating an Entrepreneur Network in the coming months.
It’s about “strength in numbers,” according to Zoltan Virag, the division’s Youth Business Development Coordinator. “We want to create a forum for people to collectively learn and grow as individuals and, through group support and mentoring, become inspired to be entrepreneurial in their ways of thinking,” he said. “From many walks of life, entrepreneurs will gather and share innovative thoughts and ideas for the pursuit of positive economic outcomes for their community at large. That’s the goal of this initiative.”
To best proceed with an Entrepreneur Network, Business Sault Ste. Marie is seeking input from the community. An online survey has been drafted and can be filled out by both active and aspiring entrepreneurs.
To take the short online survey, click here.
Meanwhile, with regards to an Entrepreneur Network, Business Sault Ste. Marie believes it will “enhance the entrepreneurial spirit within our community and allow different types of individuals to gather and share innovative thoughts and ideas in pursuit of positive economic outcomes for our community,” said Andrew Ross, the division’s General Manager of Enterprise Services.
The Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors identified an Entrepreneur Network as a priority project in its 2010-2013 Strategic Plan, and “Business Sault Ste. Marie is now taking the lead to carry out this strategic priority project,” said Executive Director Dave Murphy.
To learn more about the proposed Entrepreneur Network, or for general business advice, contact Zoltan Virag at 705-541-7329 or z.virag@ssmedc.ca.
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LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR PROVIDES A DELICIOUS ALTERNATIVE TO FLOWERS
Jan. 31, 2011
The bright-coloured walls and displays catch the eye with ease. However, as visually appealing as this place is, it’s what’s on the shelves that’s really causing heads to turn . . . and mouths to water.
Opening just a few weeks ago, Candy Bouquet, located at 290 Wellington St. West, appears to be the talk of the town. Offering a variety of goodies to pick from, its tasty products are flying off the shelves, with customers coming in to buy gifts or just to grab a treat for later.
Owner Teresa Burns couldn’t be happier with the success of the franchise, especially since it’s her first crack at entrepreneurship.
“It has been phenomenal so far,” she said. “I love getting up in the morning.”
Before opening the doors to her boutique, Burns met with staff at Business SSM, a division of the Economic Development Corporation.
“I’ve always wanted to be in business,” she said. “They (Business SSM) helped me reach this goal. They were very positive and reassuring.”
Encouragement can be a two-way street. While the Business SSM team helps clients realize their entrepreneurial dreams, they, too, often become encouraged.
“We get inspired by people like Teresa,” said Terri Chiarello, the division’s Small Business Advisor. “To see their passion is amazing, and to be a part of the process is very satisfying.”
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Enterprise Centre Sault Ste. Marie . . . Building Your Dreams!
Welcome to Enterprise Centre Sault Ste. Marie, your first step in planning and implementing your business ideas! Provided free of charge to clients are a tremendous number of easily accessible business information resources. These include pamphlets, information packages, comprehensive databases, an extensive resource library full of useful materials covering every area imaginable, business registration forms, and financing guides. Clients are strongly encouraged to take advantage of everything ECSSM has to offer!
One of the most important services we provide is private counseling to clients interested in more specific information. Experienced advisors provide a variety of services to clients during the counseling process. The services and the amount of detail vary with particular needs. However, staff are dedicated to providing as much information as possible to ensure client success, which includes continual feedback and regular communication between us and our clients. Some of the services provided by the consultants may include:
Simplifying the start up process for small business
Promoting proper business planning before business start up
Assisting with business plans, marketing, and management
Answering general questions about financial and legal elements of business
Improving the success rate of small businesses
Providing referrals where necessary and acting as a dependable liaison
Our office is located in the Civic Centre, 3rd Floor, and is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 4:30. However, should you need to make arrangements other than those hours we are always able to accommodate.
ECSSM operates in partnership with the Government of Ontario through the Ministries of Economic Development and Trade and Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.
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