June 2006
Business Loans Info Session: July 13, 2006
Learn how we can help finance your business! This
phone-in, province-wide information session will cover:
What your options are for financing your business, what your credit
rating means, why a Women's Enterprise Centre empowerment loan is
different from a bank, and how you can qualify.
Starting/Growing
a Business Info Session: August 8, 2006
Do you have a great idea for a business, but don’t know how to get started?
Or, are you already in business and looking for ways to grow?
If you are confused about what to include in a business plan, don’t know where to start with market research, or unclear about how to apply for a business loan, this information session is for you!
Small Business
Audio Tip (mp3 file)
What you need to know about marketing your website on the Internet! click here
Women's Enterprise Centre assists women entrepreneurs who live
and do business anywhere in BC. We invite you to contact us for
assistance in financing your business up to $100,000.
Head Office
201 - 1726 Dolphin Avenue
Kelowna, BC V1Y 9R9
Vancouver Office
82-601 West Cordova St
Vancouver, BC V6B 1G1
Victoria Office
Suite G-8, Sussex Building
1001 Douglas Street
Victoria, BC, V8W 2C5
BC Toll Free:
1-800-643-7014
E-mail: info@womensenterprise.ca
Visit our website at
www.womensenterprise.ca
View this newsletter online:
click
here
Archives:
May 2006
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006
December 2005
November 2005
Subscribe to our Newsletter
An initiative of:
|
"Six Keys To Common Sense
Marketing"
Over a six month period, the Women’s Enterprise Centre newsletter is featuring what we have identified as Six Keys to Common Sense Marketing.
In April we focused on the first marketing key, Specialists Make More Than Generalists. In May we focused on the second marketing key, Work The Marketing Success Pyramid. This month we will address the third marketing key:
Marketing Key #3:
Find and focus on heavy users
Focus on customers who buy the most from you: The ‘80/20’ Rule.
Small
businesses have limited resources and it’s just not possible for them to be all things to
all people. If you are a soloist (i.e. you have no employees) you are probably keenly
aware of the fact that there’s only so much of you to go around. That’s true not only of
your time and energy, but also of your money. You have to pick and choose who you’re
going to market to so that you get the best return on that investment of time, energy
and money.
Be Your Own Boss Workshops A Huge Success!
Featuring success stories of Central Okanagan business women!
 Aspiring young entrepreneurs in the Central Okanagan had an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of running a business at a workshop series offered by Community Futures Development Corporation of the Central Okanagan, JCI Okanagan and Women’s Enterprise Centre this spring. The15-hour Be Your Own Boss (B.Y.O.B.) series was offered in May over five Tuesday evenings in Kelowna. Women’s Enterprise Centre presented Going Solo: A Workshop for Aspiring Entrepreneurs, Focused Marketing, and Financial Understanding workshops while CFDC offered So You Want to be an Entrepreneur and Market Research.
For the story in full, click here
For storyteller biographies, click here
New Format for Focused Marketing Workshop Launched
Women entrepreneurs happily share their learning experience!
Women’s Enterprise Centre’s new, one-day Focused Marketing Workshop was launched in Nanaimo on June 9, 2006 at the Dorchester Hotel with more than 20 participants and storytellers. A week later, on June 15th, Marilyn Strong facilitated the one day Focused Marketing course to more than
25 participants and storytellers in Salmon Arm. Participants were happy to comment on their learning experience and were excited to learn that the courses would be offered again by The Women's Enterprise Centre this November.
Women's Enterprise Centre Client Success Story
BOBOBABY - One
of Food in Canada Magazine's Top 10 Innovators of 2006
BOBOBABY(R) - the first frozen, organic, age-appropriate baby food - has been named one
of Food in Canada Magazine's Top Ten innovators of 2006. The premier trade publication for
the Canadian food and beverage category highlights innovators who not only have visionary ideas, but who have worked hard to make them viable and successful.
Think You're Canada's Next Business Mogul?
Do you have a business idea that’s just waiting to become the next big thing?
 Think you’ve invented a better mousetrap?
Does your company need investment and guidance to take it to the next level?
If so, the CBC wants to hear from you!
Auditions are happening in the coming months for a CBC Television show that will hit the airwaves this fall. This once-in-a-lifetime chance to sell and cajole a captive group of savvy investors could net you a cash infusion, not to mention the added exposure your business will get from being on national television.
Silicon Valley Venture Conference: Call for Applications
An exciting opportunity for BC women-led technology companies!
The Women's Technology Cluster's Entrepreneur Venture Conference (EVC) is the premier event for women-led companies seeking investment from VC's. Qualifying applicants are mentored through the complete fundraising effort - from financials to presentation to closing the deal. Presenting companies pitch to over 200 venture capitalists, providing a valuable opportunity to secure funding and supporting the WTC’s mission to increase the number of women-led companies who raise investment. Apply for this exciting opportunity by August 15th, 2006 and you could be the next company that makes its mark in this growing world of technology!
PROFIT W100 Looking for Nominations
PROFIT W100 honours Canada's top women entrepreneurs!
PROFIT W100: Canada's Top Women Entrepreneurs ranks the country's most successful female entrepreneurs based on company revenue. Winners are honoured in the November issue of PROFIT magazine, Your Guide to Business Success and year-round on PROFITguide.com and receive local and national publicity.
If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of the 2006 ranking of the PROFIT W100: Canada's Top Women Entrepreneurs, call the toll-free hotline at 1-800-713-GROW. Deadline for nominations is June 30, 2006. For more details and nomination form, click the read more button.
Recommended Reading
Financial fundamentals for business owners: By Pam Neuman
Business owners rarely go into business to deal with the financial aspects of running a business. The financial aspect usually falls to the bottom of the “desired responsibilities” list. It is critical to the long-term success of your business that you understand some of the Financial Fundamentals of being a business owner. You don’t have to be an accountant or financial analyst, but it is important that you have some key skills to measure the financial aspects of your business.
Misleading advertising / deceptive marketing practices: By Kathleen Gage
Misleading advertising occurs when, in the promotion of a product or any business interest, a representation is made to the public that is false or materially misleading. If a representation could influence a consumer to buy the product or service advertised, it is material. To determine whether an advertisement is misleading, the courts consider the "general impression" it conveys, as well as its literal meaning.
Small Business BC Marketing Guide (pdf file)
This handbook is intended to be a tool for entrepreneurs to assist them with their marketing efforts. It is a general overview of the marketing function. The marketing guide should assist entrepreneurs in understanding the marketing function and its role in business.
Courses, Events and Happenings
Women's Enterprise Centre
Business Loans Info Session: Learn About
Your Financing Options
July 13, 2006, anywhere in B.C. Toll Free phone-in click
here
"NEW!" Starting/Growing a Business Information Session
August 8, 2006, anywhere in B.C. Toll Free phone in click here
Courses from Women's Enterprise Centre are available on demand
throughout the province. Courses are often held in partnership with community organizations such as Women in Business groups, Chambers of Commerce and Community Futures. For information email info@womensenterprise.ca
Small Business BC and eBC Seminars
Small Business BC Seminars - Vancouver
All Year. Waterfront Station 82 - 601 West Cordova, click
here
eBusiness BC Lunchbox Seminars - Vancouver
All Year Tuesdays. Waterfront Station 601 W. Cordova, click
here
Tax, GST/HST and PST Seminars for Small Business - Vancouver
601 West Cordova Street, Seminar Room
on 3rd Floor, Room 390, click here
Payroll Information Seminars for Small Business
601 West Cordova Street, Seminar Room
on 3rd Floor, Room 390, click here
Around the Province
Free Online Small Business Workshops
Produced by The Network of Canada Business Service Center click
here
The Massive Business Networking Event Sponsored by JobLine Canada
June 27, 2006. The Hilton Hotel, Burnaby, BC. For details, click here
Nominations for The RBC Canadian Woman Entrepreneur Awards
July
31, 2006 is the deadline for nominations. For details, click here
Silicon Valley Venture Conference:
Call for Applications
August 15, 2006 is the deadline for applications. For details, click here
2006 Sapphire Awards – Business Vancouver Island
September
18, 2006, Tigh-Na-Mara Resort, Parksville. Details TBA
RBC Dominion Securities 4th Annual Cruise for Female Entrepreneurs
September
30 - October 3rd, 2006. For details, click here
Events Calendar Online
|
