Small Business Month

2018

Small Business news in Canada

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I t's true. Aspiring entrepreneurs face many challenges when it comes to developing their business idea into a profitable operation. Once up and running, these driven individuals strive to improve their products, services and even themselves. The question remains – How do you make your business known with little to no budget for marketing initiatives? As owner of The Marketing Department in Winnipeg, Aaron Newnham can attest to that particular marketing challenge which can be an overwhelming task for new entrepreneurs. As a self-proclaimed champion of small business, Aaron has learned to identify solutions and learning opportunities for those in need of additional guidance. "There is a huge gap in the market between businesses working with freelance agencies and those working with larger ones," explains Aaron. "I aim to educate fellow entrepreneurs in hopes of helping them take those next steps in building strong digital footprints." For the past year, Aaron has been working in partnership with the World Trade Centre Winnipeg (WTC Winnipeg) to offer free seminars to the business community. With seminars such as Instagram 101, Twitter 101 and Which Social Media is Right for Your Business?, over 500 business people from Winnipeg and rural regions alike have benefitted from this social media series in the last year. "I am very grateful to be working with the WTC Winnipeg as the organization has developed an impressive programming of seminars," adds Aaron. "Any resources offered to small businesses for free are absolutely fantastic." Joelle Boisvert, Director of the Business InfoCentre at the WTC Winnipeg has been overseeing the organization's programming for over two years and has seen the wide range of topics expand substantially. "Our team works hard to try to understand the challenges business owners in Manitoba face daily. We understand that although small businesses typically mean smaller budgets, there is so much that can be accomplished in today's digital world," states Joelle. The WTC Winnipeg has offered over 150 seminars in the last year. Among those, over a dozen seminars were concentrated on educating participants about digital platforms. All seminars are accessible to participants either in-person at the WTC Winnipeg office – located in the beautiful old St. Boniface City Hall on Provencher Boulevard – or by webinar from the comfort and convenience of any home, office, coffee shop or other. "We understand that taking the time to attend our seminars means time away from your daily operations, which is why we try to make them as accessible as possible for everyone," adds Joelle. As a new entrepreneur, Carla McDonald, founder of The Travelling Guardian, fully understands the commitment behind continued education. She has been attending WTC Winnipeg seminars for the past year to gain as much knowledge as possible to set herself up for success. Gaining knowledge is the key for her and the free seminars have been instrumental in her entrepreneurial journey. "These seminars have given me the tools to go forward and find my niche business," explains Carla. "In all honesty, without the World Trade Centre Winnipeg, I would probably have given up. Through their services, I have gained the confidence to believe in myself, my business and my future." In addition to seminars, the WTC Winnipeg offers free secondary market research services to all Manitobans and has access to exclusive databases through its membership with the Canada Business Network and the World Trade Centers Association. "Our organisation is entirely client- centered. Business leaders like Aaron and Carla are at the heart of everything we do," adds Joelle. "Manitoban entrepreneurs are strong, dedicated and driven – and they most definitely don't think the sky is their limit!" ❚ SMALL BUSINESS, SMALL BUDGET – THE SKY IS STILL NOT THE LIMIT Aaron Newnham, owner of The Marketing Department and Joelle Boisvert, Director of the Business InfoCentre at WTC Winnipeg. OCTOBER SEMINARS FREE SEMINARS IN ENGLISH AND FRENCH E-COMMERCE 101 > Thursday, Oct. 18 @ 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. TWITTER 101 > Tuesday, Oct. 23 @ 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. BUSINESS GROWTH AND EXPANSION > Wednesday, Oct. 24 @ 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. SALES: DELIVERING A WINNING SALES PITCH > Thursday, Oct. 25 @ 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. PANEL: BUSINESS SERVICES AND RESOURCES FOR ENTREPRENEURS WITH DISABILITIES OR HEALTH CONDITIONS > Friday, Oct. 26 @ 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. HIRING SMART > Wednesday, Oct. 31 @ 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. "I am very grateful to be working with the WTC Winnipeg as the organization has developed an impressive programming of seminars. Any resources offered to small businesses for free are absolutely fantastic." - Aaron Newnham, owner of The Marketing Department For more seminars, visit wtcwinnipeg.com ® ® Serving all of Manitoba Au service de tous les Manitobains

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