The EDO/SBEC office supports new and existing businesses by providing information opportunities that will benefit all businesses in Orangeville.  

SBEC Target On Business - Small Business Learning Opportunities

Determined to help small businesses succeed, the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre provides support, guidance, resources and information to new and existing entrepreneurs throughout our region.  As part of this mandate, the SBEC is pleased to launch its fall workshop schedule.   

Starting a Small Business, September 30, 9 a.m.

In this session, participants will learn about what is involved in starting a small business in Ontario, why a business plan is so important and what is involved in developing a successful business plan.  This workshop will answer many start-up questions and provide participants with the tools needed to begin working on their own "road maps" to success. Cost - $10.

Running a Home-Based Business, October 6, 6:30 p.m.

With the ongoing growth of service-based businesses, along with ever-growing technological and communication developments, many small businesses are well suited to a home-based location.   Running a business from home can have many advantages, but this option doesn't work for everyone. 

In this workshop, participants will explore the advantages and disadvantages of running a home-based business and discover solutions to some of the challenges involved, including communication and technological systems, office design and layout, time management, marketing strategies, accessibility, staffing and planning for the future. Cost - $10.

Low-Cost Marketing Strategies, October 19, 9 a.m.   

For entrepreneurs, creative thinking can be an important and effective marketing tool and successful small business owners are always looking for innovative and inexpensive ways to promote their businesses.

In this session, participants will learn about different strategies that can be used to take charge of their marketing without breaking the bank. Cost - $10.

Orangeville Economic Outlook Breakfast, October 22, 7:45 a.m.

Featuring a networking breakfast and keynote address by Derek Burleton, Vice-President of TD Economics and Deputy Chief Economist (Canada), this event will provide entrepreneurs with a great way to start their days while getting the latest updates on the economy and activities within the Town of Orangeville. Cost - $15.

8^th Annual Bridges to Better Business - Strategies for Growth, November 10, 11:30 a.m.

The always popular, half-day Bridges to Better Business is back and this year's event will focus on providing participants with valuable information geared to helping them to grow their ventures.   The day includes lunch, keynote address, a peer-led panel discussion, a workshop, and many opportunities for networking.

Featuring a "Strategies for Growth" theme, Bridges will feature a keynote address by David Roscoe, CEO of AdFlow Networks.  AdFlow Networks was ranked 46 in Profit Magazine's 2009 list of Canada's Fastest Growing companies -- no small feat considering the recent shaky and uncertain economic climate.  Mr. Roscoe will share the management practices and strategies that he used to build and grow AdFlow Networks to the successful venture that it is today and will provide tips, tools and inspiration that entrepreneurs can implement in their own ventures. 

Following the keynote, an interactive panel of well-established local business owners and representatives will share their strategies for overcoming the challenges to growth.  From managing cash flow and accessing financing to reaching the right customers and sharpening management skills, our panelists will provide insight targeted to helping entrepreneurs develop solutions to growth challenges in their own businesses.  Wrapping up the day will be a presentation on developing social media excellence as a tool for business growth. Cost $25.

Introduction to Business Planning, November 23, 9 a.m.

One of the most important tools any business has is its business plan. A well-written business plan provides a "plan of action" which outlines the business goals and how they will be achieved.

In this workshop, business owners who are getting started or who are currently operating but want to take it to the next level, will gain the tools needed to determine whether or not their ideas are viable. Participants will receive a comprehensive overview of the components of a successful business plan and learn more about how to prepare their own. Free.

Seminars and workshops offered by the SBEC are delivered in a variety of locations and pre-registration is required.  For more detailed information, or to register for any of these wonderful learning opportunities, including Bridges to Better Business, please contact the SBEC directly at 519-941-0440 Ext. 2286.

Ruth Phillips is the Coordinator of the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC).  She can be reached at or by calling 519-941-0440 Ext. 2291.  The SBEC provides entrepreneurs with one-stop services from start-up through the crucial first years of growth. 

Enabling Accessibility Fund

Organizations can now apply for grants of up to $75,000 for projects that will improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Our Government supports Canadians with disabilities and their families through the Enabling Accessibility Fund which improves access to facilities, activities and services. 

Private organizations with less than 50 employees, not-for-Profit and educational organizations and can submit proposals until September 10, 2010, under the Fund's Small Projects component. These may include renovation, construction and retrofitting of buildings, modification of vehicles for community use, or enhancements to make information and communication technologies more accessible.  To find out how to apply or more about the Fund, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability <https://webmail.ontario.ca/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability>  or call 1-866-268-2502.

SBEC Target On Business - Creating a Vibrant Downtown is Key

Approximately 17.9 million people visit Canada every year and while here, they spend over $15.5 billion US annually according to the Ministry of Tourism. Recognizing that tourism is a major driving force in our economy and with 90% of tourism-related businesses being small businesses, the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre and the Centre for Business and Economic Development hosted a Tourism Conference on June 23^rd. The conference featured Roger Brooks, an internationally renowned speaker known as the "Dr. Phil" of tourism, who has spent a decade studying and surveying more than 400 well-branded vibrant communities in North America to find the common elements that make them successful. He gave numerous tips on how to attract tourists and keep them coming back for years to come.

Emphasizing the importance of a strong brand and retail focus, Brooks advised that most people are often confused about what a brand is.  From his perspective, a brand is how people perceive a business and the feelings they associate with the product or service offerings. Therefore, a brand is earned, not created and is often built using public relations and by strong word of mouth. The strongest brands are built through differentiation and specialization.  Businesses cannot possibly appeal to every person or offer "something for everyone".  Instead, the most successful brands find a niche market and stick to it.

That being said, the downtown district is the heart and soul of any community - it's where 80% of visitor spending occurs and where visitors are likely to shop, dine and be entertained. Brooks believes that to keep a vibrant downtown thriving, a ‘mall mentality' is required - healthy downtowns need to include the following mix within three blocks: 10 places that sell food, 10 retail stores and 10 places that are open after 6 p.m. Stores must be open later because the majority of the consumer's day is normally spent at work, school or in meetings and approximately 70% of all consumer spending (both local and visitors) takes place after 6 p.m., with visitors looking for a way to spend their evening.

The biggest trend in successful downtowns is the creation of intimate surroundings and businesses can contribute to the attractiveness of their downtown core in a number of ways. Extending window displays to exterior spaces, softening the transition of building facades and the sidewalk and utilizing perpendicular or "blade signs" help merchants to pull visitors into their shops.  In fact, according to Brooks, curb appeal can account for 70% of visitor sales. Additionally, he points out that customers should be receiving invitations, not rejections, and as an example suggests using "We'll be Open at" signs instead of using "Closed" signs; instead of using a "restrooms are for customers only" sign, tell customers where they can find public restrooms.

Small businesses in the downtown core can also enhance spending by concentrating on customer service. Store employees who are well informed about the community and are ready to assist customers who may need directions or have questions about the area in general are a big asset. By becoming a source of information for the consumer, employees create a positive impression of the store and the community, and this in turn helps encourage repeat visits.

Becoming a tourism destination doesn't happen overnight, rather it takes a plan, patience, enthusiasm and the community working together to create a vibrant downtown.

Ruth Phillips is the Coordinator of the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (SBEC).  She can be reached at or by calling 519-941-0440 Ext. 2291.  The SBEC provides entrepreneurs with one-stop services from start-up through the crucial first years of growth.