October 15, 2004
Small Business Week Launched
Small Business Week Launched- - -
Aboriginal Entrepreneur Winners Announced During 25th Anniversary Celebrations
WINNIPEG—Small Business Week was kicked off today with congratulations to the winners of the Aboriginal Business Plan Contest at a celebration at the Aboriginal Business Centre.
Federal, provincial and municipal officials were on hand at the Winnipeg centre to sign a proclamation declaring Oct. 17 to 23 Small Business Week in honour of the achievements of small and medium-sized businesses.
"Small businesses are vital to Manitoba's economy and continued future growth," said Stephen Owen, federal minister of Western Economic Diversification and minister of state (sport). "The Government of Canada is committed to helping small businesses succeed and we clearly recognize that the Aboriginal community has a strong role to play in the small business community and the future economic development of Manitoba."
"The entrepreneurial spirit is an important element of the economic well-being of our province," said Jim Rondeau, Manitoba minister of industry, economic development and mines. "I salute the winners of this year's business plan contest and wish them well as they embark on their business future."
Business Startup/Growth category winners are:
- Innovative Laser Works: Alice Taylor, Marquette, laser inscription/art work; and
- XXtreeme Xxposure: Luke Swan, Winnipeg, a unique mobile sign business.
Youth Business Dream category winners are:
- Awakening Spirit Excursions, Winnipegosis Collegiate Team, ethnic entertainment excursions; and
- Juice bar/music store, Catherine Merasty, Joe A. Ross School, Opaskwayak.
Small businesses employ five of every 10 Canadians and are the fastest growing business sector in the province. The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre (C/MBSC) was established in 1998 as a joint partnership between the federal and provincial governments to consolidate similar small business services into one central area.
The C/MBSC is part of Western Economic Diversification Canada's network of services for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs including Community Futures Development Corporations, the Women's Enterprise Centre and Francophone Economic Development Organizations as well as Western Diversification offices throughout western Canada.
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