|
Celebrating 10 years of serving the needs of small businesses For the past ten years, the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network has been a valuable resource for people seeking information, advice and research to start or expand a business. Today, the Network hosted an open house with staff, clients and partners to celebrate this milestone. The Network consists of the centre in St. John�s, plus 38 sites located across the province, and brings together government and community-based agencies to make their business services more accessible. These services include an extensive business library, on-site computer workstations and business information counseling. The Network is co-managed and co-funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) on behalf of the federal government and by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development on behalf of the provincial government. "The Business Service Network simplifies access to business programs and services and is one way that the Government of Canada provides support for regional entrepreneurship," said ACOA Minister Joe McGuire. "It�s great to see the continued growth of the Network, particularly through its online services and accessibility in rural areas, and I congratulate them on their 10th anniversary." The Network is also becoming more recognized for its client-focused approach. Earlier this year, the national network of Canada Business Service Centres won the United Nations Public Service Award for 2004 in the category of Improvement of Public Service Results. "The Business Service Network is useful to our clients, particularly in rural offices," said Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat. "The Network ensures that our rural clients have the same access to business research and materials as those in larger centres throughout the province. In particular, I would like to pay tribute to the Business Service Network staff, who unfailingly provide excellent service." Each year, the Network sees an increase in traffic, through a combination of client walk-ins, telephone, mail, fax and e-mail requests. Currently, the Network receives an average of 600 requests and 10,000 web site visits per month. According to Anastasia Day, Manager of the Network, clients now do more research in advance and are accessing online services: "Throughout our 10-year history, the Network has evolved to meet the changing needs of the small business community. For instance, people can now use our web site to develop a business plan using our �Interactive Business Planner� and search a variety of databases for government programs and services, sector studies, the latest business books and events province-wide." More than 80 public and private sector partners are the key contacts at Business Service Network sites, including the Community Business Development Corporations, Regional Economic Development Boards, industry associations, various federal and provincial government departments and other business service providers such as aboriginal business development groups, Chambers of Commerce and Municipal Councils. The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network can be accessed via the Internet at //www.cbsc.org/nl or by calling 1-800-668-1010. Media contact:
Backgrounder Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network The Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Business Service Network (CNLBSN) is an integrated federal/provincial operation, providing enhanced business information services province-wide and, with the support of Network partners, public access to business services from 38 locations throughout the province. At the main office in St. John's, clients have access to the following co-located partners: Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (Newfoundland and Labrador Division), Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industries Association, Aerospace and Defence Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, Student Connections, On-Site and Export Development Canada. Through the CNLBSN clients have bilingual, multi-channel access (toll-free number, walk-in, mail, e-mail, fax, Talk-To-Us, internet) to information services provided by knowledgeable Business Information Officers. Services are available from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. during regular business days and after hours by internet. The CNLBSN is part of a national network of 13 Canada Business Service Centres (CBSC), one in each province and territory. The CBSC initiative is a cooperative arrangement among 43 federal business departments, provincial, territorial governments and, in some cases, the private sector, associations, academic and research communities. Visits to the CNLBSN web site continue to grow and increased from 2,500 visitors in 2000 to 105,000 in 2003. In response to an increasing demand for on-line services, the CNLBSN offers an array of interactive e-tools, including:
Training and information workshops are offered to clients on a regular basis throughout the year. Along with its national and local partners, the CNLBSN administers special services, including the Team Canada Inc. Export Information Service and the Aboriginal Business Service Network. Whether clients are already exporting or are just starting, the Team Canada Inc. service makes it easier to find the right program, service or expert to consult. The Aboriginal Business Service Network helps to establish a network of community-based service points in aboriginal communities to increase access to government business programs and services and to encourage aboriginal entrepreneurship. According to Statistics Canada, only four in ten new firms survive beyond the second year of operation in Newfoundland and Labrador. Sound business planning and good management are two things crucial to overcoming these odds. The CNLBSN is the best source for business information enabling entrepreneurs to make informed business decisions. 2004 11 10 11:50 a.m. |
||
|
