Quebec certainly makes a compelling case in support of the claim that “small is the new big”, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accounting for 97<>percentage<> of all businesses in the province. In Laval, micro-businesses (1-4 employees) account for nearly 51<>percentage<> of all businesses, essentially driving and diversifying the region’s economy.

And Laval is especially known for the diversity of its key sectors.

Agri-food, machinery, chemicals, metal products, aerospace, life sciences, information and communications technologies, environmental technologies, and tourism all figure among the region’s industries. In 2009, the Laval region had 34 SMEs per 1,000 residents, ranking 15th out of 16 regions of Quebec. Simply put, Laval’s entrepreneurial potential is limitless.

In order to compete and succeed in today’s fast-changing marketplace, small-business owners need support and Laval’s self-employed workers and entrepreneurs are no exception.

CEDEC Small Business Support Network (SBSN) recognizes the talent pool in Laval with its high number of self-employed workers, particularly within the English-speaking community. Seeing the need for small business support and the opportunity for increased business development, CEDEC SBSN has been working to make its services better known to business owners in the region.

Initiated in 2007 by CEDEC—Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation—CEDEC SBSN offers business development courses in English, as well as networking opportunities that encourage business-to-business relationships.

CEDEC SBSN also connects entrepreneurs to a vast network of resources that can help them achieve their goals and thrive in a Quebec economy.

Small-business owners can also become members, free of charge, of CEDEC SBSN. Benefits include;

· Expanded connections and resources – members are continuously introduced to new opportunities, resources, and other entrepreneurs who can share directly their skills and knowledge.

· Increased visibility – members can promote their businesses and expertise online, via the member directory, monthly e-newsletter and social media channels.

· Event discounts – members have access to workshops, tradeshows, networking events and webinars, as well as to exclusive luncheons and dinners featuring experts in their field.

· Enhanced business support – CEDEC SBSN ensures follow-up with its members, taking the time to listen and guide them through their journey as business owners and community builders.



To become a member, business owners can complete the membership form on www.cedec.ca/sbsn.

About CEDEC Small Business Support Network (SBSN)

CEDEC—the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation—helps communities throughout Quebec identify, assess, and prepare to act on social, cultural, and economic development opportunities. CEDEC works essentially but not exclusively with Quebec’s English-speaking audiences, supporting communities by lending planning expertise, and following through by brokering the strategic partnerships that make their plans a reality.

Initiated by CEDEC in 2007, CEDEC Small Business Support Network (SBSN) is a Quebec-wide initiative fuelled by the demand of business owners across the province for increased access to timely and relevant business development services in English.

For more information, call Jerusalem Girma, CEDEC SBSN Promotion and Awareness Agent, at (514) 903-3753 extension 224 or e-mail sbsn@cedec.ca.



Source; Statistics Canada, Business Register (June 2009)