Wednesday, March 11th marks the ten-year anniversary of the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre—a not-for-profit governmental organization that provides entrepreneurs with start-up information and business development guidance. Locations at Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo City Hall provide small business owners with the necessary tools and accessible resources to navigate through the start-up process and sustain successful growth.
Government officials, dignitaries, partner organizations, and local business owners will be in attendance at Kitchener City Hall Wednesday evening as the Small Business Centre celebrates ten years of small business success. Selected clients from each municipality will be honoured with a recognition award to acknowledge outstanding small business achievement. These recipients include: Fiddleheads Nutrition & Health (Kitchener), Trudezign Graphics & Marketing (Waterloo), and Armour Powder Coating (Cambridge.) 10 Years of GrowthThe Waterloo Region Small Business Centre has evolved from a self-help office in the City of Kitchener’s Economic Development department, to a public-private partnership starting in March 1999. Originally opened at Kitchener City Hall as the “Business Enterprise Centre”, the organization changed its name in 2005 to the “Waterloo Region Small Business Centre (WRSBC)” to better reflect the needs of entrepreneurs and business owners in the early stages of development. With increased demand and entrepreneurial growth throughout the Region, the WRSBC expanded in May 2000 by opening a satellite office in Cambridge City Hall. In September 2006, a second satellite office was opened at City Hall in Waterloo. Consultations & AdviceWhether a business is in the start-up phase, new, or existing up to five years; the WRSBC’s success is based on the personal service offered to clients by Small Business Advisors. Timely, accurate and insightful information specific to each client’s unique business needs make this an essential and sought-after service. Small Business Advisors meet face-to-face with clients to discuss business ideas and provide helpful recommendations. These consultations are also used to help individuals work through roadblocks in the planning process; to develop specific areas of a business plan; or as a review prior to talking to lenders or investors. The WRSBC’s consulting service is confidential, free of charge, and is meant solely as a form of advice and direction. A Resource Centre for Small BusinessVisiting a WRSBC office is the first step in acquiring the right tools to map out a plan. Each location offers free access to the Internet, on-line business services, and industry specific databases. Whether you are a young entrepreneur, stay-at-home parent, retiree, new Canadian, or are in career transition—the resources at the WRSBC are designed to meet the varying needs of many audiences. Business information resources include: business plan review, research support, seminars and events, youth programs, and much more. For information about the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre and its services, visit www.waterlooregionsmallbusiness.com.
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