Grand Opening of The Business Link Edmonton

Thank you to the special guests, supporters, clients and friends of The Business Link who attended the grand opening of our new Beaver House location on October 14!

In keeping with the theme “Helping to grow small businesses in Alberta”,  the Hon. Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre (left in photo); Justin Riemer, Assistant Deputy Minister, Enterprise Division for Alberta Treasury Board and Enterprise (right); and Cathy Goulet, Executive Director of The Business Link (center) participated in a ceremonial planting of Alberta-grown white spruce seedlings.

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Client Showcase for Edmonton Open House

In honour of The Business Link’s 15^th anniversary as the Canada Business service centre for Alberta, 15 entrepreneurs who have used our services had the opportunity to showcase their business at our Edmonton grand opening and open house that followed.  Also participating were representatives of the New Entrepreneurs Toastmasters Club.

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Another successful Small Business celebration

The Business Link’s Calgary location also celebrated Small Business Week with an Open House and Mini Trade Show on October 18.  Here is a list of the exhibitors who were showcased, representing Business Link clients and service providers we work with.

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Small Business, Big Impact – Alberta Small Business Profile 2011

Small businesses in Alberta are the heart and soul of Alberta’s entrepreneurial spirit...and those small businesses have a big impact on the Alberta economy.

Produced by Alberta Treasury Board and Enterprise (formerly Alberta Finance and Enterprise), Small Business, Big Impact – Alberta Small Business Profile 2011 is the first of its kind in Alberta.  The publication offers consolidated facts and statistics about small business in the province such as small business counts and growth patterns. For example, did you know…

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Entrepreneur of the Month

Julie Witten-Land is truly a one-of-a-kind artist and designer based out of Ardrossan, Alberta. Her business, Salted Studio, creates custom made works for both residential and commercial décor clients.

Her main product line “The Jalopy Collection” is a unique photographic series that captures the raw beauty of ageing cars and their colours, fused on “seasoned’ steel boxes to give a modern-day view of old into new.

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Provincial Economic Forum in French: Rendez-vous économique 2011

The Conseil de développement économique de l’Alberta (CDÉA) will be hosting a provincial economic forum « Rendez-vous économique 2011 » on November 18 and 19.

Come to learn and network with French speaking business people for the 4 corners of the province to explore and seize business opportunities! The forum will culminate with the CDÉA’s annual Business Awards Gala, Prix d’excellence 2011.

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Immigrant Entrepreneur Mentorship Program – Featured Businesses

Ahmad Sabetghadam, owner of Sabzy Persian Grill, and Uyi Oyairo, owner of Koultures Afro-Continental Restaurant are working together in the Immigrant Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (IEMP) offered through The Business Link. Ahmad is a mentor and Uyi Oiyairo is a mentee in the program. Here are their stories:

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Annual business plan competition in full swing

The 2011 VenturePrize Business Plan Competition is now underway!  Now entering its 10^th year, this annual province-wide competition invites aspiring entrepreneurs to create the ultimate business plan for their high-growth ideas.

Finalists will share over $150,000 in prizes including cash and in-kind support such as prototype development and legal services to help propel their business ideas to the next level.

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Spotlight on:

Learning Sessions – November notables…

Check out our November line up of Learning Sessions, featuring everything from networking skills to HR basics to the secrets of selling.

Please note that all sessions are recorded so that registrants can view again afterwards or if they missed the session.

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Ask the Expert – Guest Advisor Program

Be sure to take advantage of the professional expertise available through our Guest Advisor Program continuing this season until December 1.  Hours of direct access for clients are 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Thursday.

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Networking Event

Tuesday, November 15
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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

Edmonton featured speaker:  Kevin Achtzener

Calgary featured speaker:  Better Business Bureau

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

Alberta Business Awards

The deadline for nominations for the Alberta Chambers of Commerce’s 2012 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction is fast approaching - November 25, 2011.

Edmonton’s Small Business Eco Challenge

This fall, the City of Edmonton’s first ever Small Business Eco Challenge celebrated the environmental actions of small businesses in the city.

Prizes were awarded on October 20 during Small Business Week/Waste Reduction Week at an event held at The Business Link.

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