First launched in 2007, CEDEC’s Small Business Support Network made key strides this year towards helping Quebec’s small business owners cut through red tape, network, pool and leverage resources, test ideas, and ensure access to timely professional development.
Now, with six formalized network groups distributed throughout Southwest Quebec, Eastern Townships, Estrie and the Greater Montreal area, CEDEC’s Small Business Support Network is preparing to expand once again. CEDEC has developed a business plan to improve upon our current SBSN model through the expansion of activities, partnerships and the use of new technologies to reach small businesses. We also got some help from MBA students at the John Molson School of Business to develop a marketing strategy.
Lynda Graham, Workshop Presenter and Small Business Owner
Workshops coordinated by CEDEC’s Small Business Support Network aim to provide relevant, just-in-time learning for busy entrepreneurs. For example, Lynda Graham, small business marketing consultant and owner of her own successful Bed & Breakfast in Sutton, proposed to share her knowledge about online business marketing to fellow members. Drawing from the development of her own business and experience working in some of the world’s best advertising agencies, Graham’s simple, low-cost solutions for promoting products or services on the Internet has made this workshop a hot ticket, selling out three times and a waiting list for a future event.
Stay tuned as we share more details about our plans to expand to communities in Quebec Chaudière-Appalaches, Lower North Shore, Gaspésie, and Magdalen Islands in 2011!
Highlights for 2010-11:
-
129 registered members
-
366 participants at 36 learning and networking events
Examples of Seminar topics:
-
Tax tips by Revenue Canada
-
Website design and online marketing
-
Maintaining a work-life balance
-
Organizing your home office
-
Business coaching
-
Business continuity planning and transfer of ownership
Add a comment