Small Business Week 2015

By Rechell McDonald
Small Business Week, which ran from October 19 to 23, represented a fantastic opportunity for business owners to network, learn, and problem solve together via business-centred seminars and talks. Edmonton’s Small Business Week information session drew in many looking to learn about all kinds of topics, from fraud to employee retention and beyond.
Whitecourt celebrated Small Business Week 2015 in a similar manner, by offering information sessions for local business owners at the Forest Interpretive Centre on October 22. Representatives from Norquest College lead training seminars on customer service and staff retention strategies throughout the day.
If you own a business but have never participated in Small Business Week before, it is a great resource and opportunity to improve your business. Through meeting fellow business owners and discussing common problems and strategies, owners have the unique opportunity to learn from the mistakes and successes of businesses just like theirs. The seminars and information sessions, which are held in major cities and towns across the province during this period, help to teach new methodologies and approaches to running a business. Many places offer informative keynote addresses from entrepreneurs who have become icons in their industry, as well as relevant topical panels and discussions on everything from getting your business online, to marketing strategies and customer service.
The more businesses that participate in local Small Business Week events, the more growth in event offerings will be seen in the future. In the meantime, while you are waiting for next year’s events, consider getting to know your business neighbours. It’s always a good time to network.