2010 Opportunities a Dream Come True for Small Business

At today's Special Speaker Luncheon, the Honourable John Les, B.C. 's minister of small business and economic development, spoke about the vast economic and investment opportunities for small business that will come as part and parcel of the 2010 Olympic Games. Les talked about the encouraging state of the economy in all areas of B.C. and said all British Columbians should take credit. Although government can create the conditions for economic growth, it's the businesses, businesspeople and workers who have taken advantage of the opportunities and returned our economy to being the best in Canada. In fact, small business comprises 98 per cent of businesses in the province, making it an essential sector in the economy. And because this sector holds the key to B.C. 's prosperity, it needs and deserves our support and respect. "We are going to co-release a document aimed at getting that message out, as we approach the 25th anniversary of small business week in Canada," said Les. The message is a simple one: that business in B.C. is made up of competitive, world-class companies.

The message will be delivered via four strategies: investment, tourism, human resources and procurement opportunities. Les believes it is the procurement opportunities that are so vital to the small business sector.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) estimates it will spend $2 billion during the planning and staging of the Games, and a further $2 billion will be spent by suppliers, sponsors, licensees, tourists, teams and delegations leading up to and during the event.

Les said his job is to help B.C. get a crack at those procurement opportunities. To that end, the first phase of the 2010 Commerce Centre has been completed-a web site to help B.C. companies get connected and build strategies to capitalize on economic opportunities generated by the 2010 Games.

In 2006, the Commerce Centre web site will be complemented by a permanent storefront operation offering business development workshops to benefit other regions in the province. Closer to 2010, additional programs will be launched to exploit every opportunity associated with the Games.

Les noted that the approach of 2010 means further support to B.C. 's booming economy, particularly in the construction sector, with no fewer than 15 sporting facilities to be built over the next six years. Les's ministry intends to carry on the momentum from the Games to ensure the world's eye remains trained on B.C. as a great place to do business and invest, as well as a great place to live.

"To retain a vibrant economy, the government can't do it alone. We need to keep in mind that a thriving economy is driven by people and businesses that create wealth - a vibrant, imaginative dare-to-win private sector creates wealth by seizing opportunities that are presented," said Les. This content was provided courtesy of the Vancouver Board of Trade. To read more related articles, go to www.boardoftrade.com.