Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier, Director of Entrepreneurship Branch for the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ann Hoy, Doug Garbutt and Collingwood Economic Development Officer Catherine Durrant cut the ribbon to officially open the new Small Business Enterprise Centre at a special ceremony held on August 30th in Downtown Collingwood. Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier outlined the importance of small business to the overall well being of the community. "We want this centre to be the launching pad for Collingwood area entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities and advantages" added Mayor Carrier.

Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar says the new Collingwood office will give local small businesses the tools they need to develop and grow, leading to job creation and increased prosperity. "Running a small business is an exciting, rewarding, and at times, challenging experience," said Takhar. "This office will give entrepreneurs the assistance they need to transform their innovative ideas into successful business ventures" Takhar added.

Jointly operated by the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship and local municipalities in conjunction with other partners, Small Business Enterprise Centres provide support to start-up and small enterprises during their initial years of development and operation and deliver ministry youth entrepreneurship programs, including Summer Company.

 

Catharine Frith has joined the Greater Collingwood Small Business Enterprise Centre. Frith had previously worked as a Self Employment Benefit Coordinator with the Georgian Triangle Economic Development Corporation, and brings a weath of experience to her new position. The new Centre provides support to start-up and small enterprises during their intial years of growth. "We provide information on things that they need to start a business, or if they have a business but have concerns about avenues they haven't explored" said Frith. "I will sit down with people, look at their business plan, and help them prepare to move forward" Frith added.

The Greater Collingwood Small Business Enterprise Centre has big plans including an initiative to work with the high schools to participate in business competition programs. The Centre is also working with the province to help young people run their own business this summer under a program called "Summer Company." In addition, Frith says the Centre has plans to offer both evening and afternoon courses in the new year structured to help develop a person's entrepreneurial skills.

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Contact Catharine Frith at the Greater Collingwood Small Business Enterprise Centre.
25 Second Street, Collingwood, ON L9Y 1E4
Telephone (705) 441-2762
email: sbec@collingwood.ca

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