'Tis the season…

It’s hard to believe that we’re coming to the end of the year – the “Year of the Entrepreneur”. We hope we’ve helped you in some way to be well informed, better prepared and more productive on your entrepreneurial journey.

For The Business Link, it’s been a year of significant change with a move to a brand new Edmonton location in Beaver House – always looking for better ways to serve Alberta’s small business community. 

Read more for this season's message from Cathy Goulet and The Business Link team...

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Be a "Safe" Host for the Holidays

Are you planning a safe staff Christmas party? Did you know there are company responsibilities and liabilities when serving alcohol? Whether you are hosting the party on your premise or another location, here are some things to think about to keep your employees safe and to mitigate the risk this holiday season...

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Avoiding the Scrooge Syndrome

One way to keep employee morale from dropping lower than the outdoor temperature during the holiday season is to recognize everyone’s hard work.  To celebrate The Business Link’s 15^th anniversary as the Canada business service centre for Alberta, we present 15 ways to recognize the contributions of your employees and have some fun without breaking the bank...

Check out the list and enter your name to win a prize!...

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Entrepreneur of the Month

“I know we can do better!”  With years of experience as a general vet practitioner and observing the ins and outs of operating a clinic, Dr. Ignacio ‘Nash’ Tan III dreamed of owning his own veterinary practice. His dream recently came true with the October grand opening of the Edmonton South Animal Hospital (www.edmontonanimalhospital.com).

Managed by Nash’s veterinary practice management company, Prime Vet Corporation, the hospital provides advanced veterinary health services for dog and cat owners.  Services include consults, comprehensive medical services, specialist referrals, diagnostic laboratory testing, digital medical records, veterinary products, prescription drugs, pet preventive care and extended hours of operation. 

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The Power of Words - Public Speaking Tip of the Month

A clear purpose and effective organization are the foundations of any speech.  However, your presentation's success ultimately depends on the words you use and how you place them together...

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Fight Spam! Protect yourself and your business!

In December of 2010, Canada’s new anti-spam law was passed and will enter into force following a Governor in Council order (the date should be set in the coming months).  Once enforced, this law will help to protect Canadians and ensure that businesses can continue to compete in the global marketplace.

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Spotlight on:

Be prepared to learn!

This December, you can learn how to prepare T4s, prepare a business plan, or prepare for the bank by taking in a practical learning session at The Business Link. 

Get the scoop on business strategies for social media, online advertising and building customer relationships.
 
Click the Learning Sessions button above to access the complete list.  Our learning season will conclude on December 15…and recommence in mid-February.

Networking Event

Tuesday, December 20, 2011
2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Please join us to meet entrepreneurs, exchange business cards, hear an educational presentation, and enjoy light refreshments.

Featured speaker at The Business Link Edmonton:
Lorena Forester, TEC Edmonton - Small Business Alternative Financing Options

Featured speaker at The Business Link Calgary: 
Adrian Vraciu, Effective IT Solutions - IT Security: how it can affect your business

For more information, click on the Meetup button above for Calgary or Edmonton.

Changes to the CPP contribution rules

Starting January 1, 2012, you may have to deduct CPP contributions from the pensionable earnings you pay an employee who is 60 to 70 years of age, even if the employee is receiving a CPP or QPP retirement pension.

For more information, click here.