March
2006
Women's Enterprise Centre supports
women entrepreneurs who live
and do business anywhere in BC. We invite you
to contact us for
skills development
training, free professional guidance
and for
business loans up to $100,000.
Business Loans Info Session: April 11, 2006
Learn how we can help finance your business! This
FREE 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.
Small Business
Audio Tip (mp3 file)
Learn how to obtain YOUR
Credit Rating click here
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
This newsletter online: click
here
Archives:
February 2006
January 2006
November 2005
December 2005
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In Port Clements, Haida Gwaii, small business ownership among women is about
family, community and cooperation. The close-knit community on BC’s West Coast
welcomed Women’s Enterprise Centre on March 19th for A Celebration of BC Women Entrepreneurs, a day-long event co-presented by Haida Gwaii Community Futures.
“In Haida Gwaii, women business owners are not only multi-talented, but
multi-faceted,” says Women’s Enterprise Centre event organizer Marilyn Strong. Because
of the small population base they serve - Port Clements serves a
population of 500 - they sustain their business by doing a variety of things, and diversify their service
and product
offerings.”
Celebration of BC Women Entrepreneurs March 19, 2006
 Starting a business workshop
- Casey Decock - Owner, Shipshape
- Marlene Liddle - Manager, Rachel’s HaidaWay
- Lucille Bell, Owner - The Haida Rose Cafe
 Growing your business workshop
- Janet Brown - Owner, Northwest Coast Books
- Kathy Pick - Owner, Shingle Bay Bed & Breakfast
For speaker's stories and event photos, click here
- Moving Up! Growing your Business Workshop Port Alberni
April 20, 2006, 3699 Roger Street,
Port Alberni BC click here
- Moving Up! Growing your Business Workshop:
Chinese Women Entrepreneurs Association
April 28, 2006, 1788 West Broadway, Vancouver BC click
here
- Terrace Celebration of BC Women Entrepreneurs
May 18, 2006, 4620 Lakelse Avenue, Terrace BC click here
Preliminary survey results provide inspiration and
insight.
Last month Women’s Enterprise Centre published a survey to find out how women entrepreneurs in BC view success. Results are still coming in, and if you haven’t responded, we encourage you to take part! We plan to release full results province wide in the near future and would love to include your opinions and comments!
Some of your important measures for success:
- I thought success would come quickly - very quickly. I have learned that it is a slower
process and sometimes a puzzle - each piece I put in place builds on the larger picture. There are many more pieces to this puzzle then I initially suspected but I've been having a great time putting it together!
- I finally have the courage to follow my dream to be an entrepreneur because I know that nothing in life is guaranteed and whenever you step out to be a success fear will always be apart of that. Do it in spite of the fear!
What about you? What insights can you offer?
Take our survey!
A quarter million women are forecasted to
run small businesses in BC
by the year 2015 - Victoria - March 2, 2006.
You will find them in every corner of the province. From a welder in
Victoria, to a cheese plant in the Gulf Islands. From a forestry operation
in Prince George to a denture clinic in New Westminster. They are women
with vision, taking risks in business and succeeding.
According to forecasts by Women’s Enterprise Centre the number of women
running small businesses in BC will double to 264,000 by 2015.
That’s no mean feat in a province built on the burly backs of male-dominated
resource industries. “We’re just beginning to feel the impact,” says Laurel Douglas, the chief
executive officer for the Women’s Enterprise Centre. The theme for this
year’s International Women’s Day – Women in decision-making – is perfect to
celebrate what women have accomplished here.
We want YOUR input on issues, opportunities and strategies that will make British Columbia the most small business friendly jurisdiction in Canada!
The Small Business Roundtable is carrying out a survey of small business owners across British Columbia, to identify key issues, concerns and opportunities affecting small business in British Columbia, and they want our input! To assist the Small Business Roundtable, Malatest & Associates Ltd. has developed a web-based survey intended for distribution to as many small business owners as possible, including women business owners, since we make up 36% of all small business owners in BC! Women's Enterprise Centre would like to encourage you to participate in this survey. The survey will take between 10-12 minutes and is available at the following link:
Are you clear on what taxes you are responsible for?
Just started your business and baffled about how to tackle your taxes? Use this quick Q&A guide to get a basic handle on what taxes you have to pay, how to pay them and when. This article will help you understand: the taxes that you pay as a sole proprietor, partnership
or corporation; how you calculate what taxes you owe; what counts as a valid business expense; your record keeping requirements, and additional taxes that you should be aware of.
Who should read this guide?
If you are starting a business in British Columbia or already operating one, you should read this guide. It explains the basics of British Columbia’s social service tax, also called the provincial sales tax (PST), administered under the Social Service Tax Act. The goal is to help you to know your tax responsibilities and rights so you can avoid assessments and penalties, and receive the benefits you are entitled to under British Columbia’s tax laws. This guide is for you to keep on-hand in your business to use when you have questions about PST.
Learn how to get your business involved in the 2010 Olympic Games.
The Province of British Columbia is proud to be hosting the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The Games will be the source of enormous opportunities before, during and after 2010. This business guide, produced in co-operation with RBC Financial Group, is one of many initiatives the Province is undertaking through the B.C. Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Secretariat. On behalf of the Province of British Columbia, Colin Hansen, Minister of Economic Development, wants to ensure every business is aware of the opportunities available to them, and the ways they can access them.
The Association of Women Business Owners Presents:
The Leader Within You Entrepreneur’s Retreat on Gabriola Island this May 12 - 14, 2006. If you’re a business owner, you’re a leader. Do you have what it takes to lead your company successfully? Spend a few days amongst your peers and discover the leader within you. Become the leader you’d want to follow! This event is designed for busy entrepreneurs with limited time and budget. Be taught by top industry experts who specialize in teaching leadership skills to women, all in a relaxing, yet stimulating environment of the islands.
 This course is designed for entrepreneurs who know their products, services and markets, but need to hone their strategic direction. It is largely instructional with interactive exercises distributed throughout. It also shows you how to develop strategic thinking applications specifically for your business.
Strategic Thinking was produced under contract by Royal Roads University School of Business, in close consultation with Women's Enterprise Centre. It represents a remarkable integration of technological capability and real-world business know-how.
Business expenses and tax deductions for Canadian businesses
This is a general list of business expenses for small businesses. Click on the linked business expenses in the list to be taken to pages with more information about using that particular business expense as a tax deduction.
How to find a good accountant
The services of a good accountant can be invaluable to your small business. He or she will help you navigate the maze of tax laws and provide the financial advice you need to manage and grow your business. While we tend to associate accountants with taxes, keeping you abreast of tax changes and doing your taxes are not the only services a good accountant provide.
Tax information for small business owners and entrepreneurs
Do you have questions about filing your income tax? The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website provides a wide range of information related to business set up, payroll issues, GST, corporate tax, taxation for sole proprietorships and partnerships, and much more.
The small business quarterly (SBQ)
The Small Business Quarterly is a quarterly publication providing a snapshot of the performance of Canada's small business sector, frequently asked questions on key statistics on small business topics and links to other relevant web sites.
Women's Enterprise Centre
Business Loans Info Session: Learn About Your Financing
Options
April 11th, 2006, anywhere in BC. Toll Free phone-in click
here
Focused Marketing:
A six-part training series for small business
April 7, 21, 28 - May 5, 12, 19 - Women’s Enterprise Centre Kelowna 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
Around the Province
Free Online Small Business Workshops
Produced by The Network of Canada Business Service Center
click
here
2006 9th Annual Langley Women of Excellence Awards
March 29, 2006 Fort Langley Golf Course, Langley BC click here
3rd Annual Silicon Vineyard Innovation Awards
Thursday, March 30, 2006, Coast Capri Hotel, Kelowna click
here
Fort St. John: Northern Women’s Symposium
March 30, 2006 For information contact: CFDC, Peace Liard at 250 782-8748
Discover Your Exhibiting Excellence - With Barry Siskind
March 31, 2006, Four Points Sheraton Vancouver Airport. click here
Keys to Effective Brand Building - A Workshop featuring Jeff Hilton
April 3 - May 26, 2006. For details call (604) 822-6920 or click here
Women of BC Resource Communities Conference
April 5-7, 2006, The Hills Health Ranch, 100 Mile House, BC. click here
Business and Women’s Conference 2006 & Athena Awards
April 7, 2006, Fairwinds Centre, Vancouver Island, BC click here
Secrets to Success Revealed by Canada’s Top Entrepreneurs
April 20, 2006. Terminal City Club, Vancouver, BC click here
Abbotsford Valley Women's Network 18th Annual Spring Fling
Celebration
April 27, 2006. Ramada Convention Centre, Contact Susan at 604-855-4643
eWomenNetwork Accelerated Networking Workshop
April 27, 2006, 837 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC. click here
2nd Annual Living a Life in Balance - A Forum for Women
March 29, 2006. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, For details, click here
Deadline for Applications: The 2006 G.E.R.I. Fund Competition
April 30, 2006. For more information on this event, click here
Wired Woman Silent Auction and Sponsorship Opportunity Call for Donations
May 4, 2006. For more information, phone: 604 451 0500 ext 142
The Financially Enlightened Small Businesswoman Workshop
May 5, 2006. To Register or for more information, click here
Accelerating Growth Workshop for Women Entrepreneurs
May 8, 2006. The Fairmont Waterfront, Vancouver. For details, click here
Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
May 10, 2006. 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Dorchester Hotel in Nanaimo
Victoria Women of Distinction Awards
May 11, 2006. For more details click here
The B.C. New Canadian Entrepreneur Awards
May 11, 2006, Hyatt Regency in Vancouver, BC click here
Women Entrepreneurs Retreat at The Haven on Gabriola Island
May 12 - 14, 2006. To reserve your spot call 604.878.6699 or click here
More Events Online
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