Richmond Hill
December 04, 2008 10:45 PM
Stacey Starkman
News about the economy seems to be getting more worrisome by the minute. Layoffs at large manufacturing plants and other big businesses have many employees fearful of what tomorrow may bring.
Yet for many smaller companies, the future really isn’t so dismal at all.
At a Nov. 28 business forum presented by the Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre, more than 70 local small business owners gathered to celebrate small business, network and discuss topics ranging from the importance of a good business plan to the challenges of changing technologies.
According to the 2007 Annual York Region Employment Survey, 87 per cent of Richmond Hill’s more than 4,000 companies are small businesses, typically those with 20 employees or less. Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services statistics show more than half of Ontarians work in small- to medium-size enterprises, with 70 per cent working in firms with fewer than 100 employees.
So it’s no surprise Earl Sky, public speaking coach and Master of Ceremonies for the event, characterizes small business as ‘the engine of the Canadian economy,’ describing the forum as an opportunity to help entrepreneurs unleash their passion for creating successful companies.
The 2008 forum focused on four major areas of concern: sales, marketing, tax and e-commerce. Local business representatives led the discussion groups in an intimate setting intended to encourage discussion and networking. Daniela Mazzaferro, Small Business Consultant with the Richmond Hill SBEC, said the purpose of the forum was to engage business owners who need some support and want to know how to move forward.
“I think it’s important to provide this networking experience. If events like this will help companies to succeed, that’s what we’re here for. Some people know they have to network, but they don’t know where to go. Our goal is not to make a profit, but to support businesses in the community,” she explained.
By all accounts the event achieved its goal. Howard Halpern, a Chartered Accountant and Business and Tax Advisor specializing in small- and medium-sized businesses, led the roundtable discussion on tax tips and pitfalls for small businesses. He said the forum was “a great exchange of ideas and an absolutely worthwhile event” and he looks forward to returning next year.
One of the strongest themes of the forum was the importance of small business owners believing in themselves and the work they do in order to achieve success.
Keynote speaker David West, a long-time Richmond Hill photographer and past Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Award winner, praised the entrepreneurial spirit of small business owners who love challenges, have faith in their business ventures and drive the Canadian economy.
“If you don’t love what you do you probably shouldn’t be doing it because your inspiration or lack of it will show through to your clients every time,” he advised.
The Richmond Hill Small Business Enterprise Centre is located at 225 East Beaver Creek Rd. Most networking events are free. Call 905-771-2523 or visit
www.richmondhillonline.com for details.