ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

TO:

Mayor and Members of Council

 

 

 

 

FROM:

Stephen Chait, Economic Development Director

 

 

 

 

PREPARED BY:

Sandra Tam, Manager, Markham Small Business Enterprise Ctr.

 

 

 

 

DATE OF MEETING:

February 16, 2004

 

 

 

 

SUBJECT:

Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre First Quarter Update

 

 

 

 

 

RECOMMENDATION:

That the report entitled “Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre First Quarter Update” be received.

 

PURPOSE:

To update Council on the progress of the Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre (MSBEC) and work plan for 2004.

 

 

DISCUSSION:

The Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre (MSBEC) previously known as the Markham Small Business Self-Help Office, is an integral part of the Markham Economic Development Department. The MSBEC provides accurate and timely assistance to aspiring and existing business entrepreneurs in the community.

 

The MSBEC was established in June 2003 as a partnership between the Town of Markham and the Province of Ontario (Ministry of Economic Development and Trade), and is managed by a contract staff (S. Tam, Manager), who is assisted by contract and part-time administrative staff.

 

The Manger provides free counseling to potential entrepreneurs on basic legal requirements and steps to starting a small business, business plan writing, market research and financing options.  Other outreach activities include making presentations, organizing seminars and workshops, and securing partnerships and sponsorships.  The Manager is also responsible for the delivery of Provincial programs for businesses and youth and the daily management of the Enterprise Centre.

 

The MSBEC is assisted by an Advisory Council of funding sponsors and partners that meets quarterly to review the MSBEC operation and provide feedback and advice relating to the strategic direction of the Centre. Members of the Advisory Council are:

Chair:                           John Scholz, C.A.

                                      Stamatopoulos & Scholz, Chartered Accountants

 

Members:                    Joe Virgilio, Ward 3 Councillor

                                      Chair of Economic Development Committee

 

                                      Stephen Chait, Ec.D.

                                      Director of Economic Development

 

                                      Madge Linton, Project Leader

                                      Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade

 

                                      Chris Ronald, Manager, Business Banking

                                      RBC Royal Bank, York Regional Business Banking Centre

 

                                      Brian Fernandes, Account Manager

                                      RBC Royal Bank, York Regional Business Banking Centre

 

                                      Stephen Wong, President

                                      ESM Group Inc.

 

                                      Sanning Cheng, Director of Asian Services

                                      BDO Dunwoody LLP, Toronto North

                           

The MSBEC is in active operation and has several high profile business/community events planned for 2004 including:

 

Special Events:

 

Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre – Official Launch and Open House

  Wednesday, February 18, 2004, 10:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. 1380 Rodick Road.

  To celebrate the official launch of the Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre and to raise public awareness of the Centre, a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by an Open House is scheduled on Wednesday, February 18, 2004, at the Enterprise Centre.  Dignitaries from the Town of Markham and the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade have been invited to officiate the ceremony.

 

International Women’s Day

  Monday, March 8, 2004, 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m., Council Chamber, Markham Civic Centre

  In partnership with YMCA Markham Business Centre, the MSBEC will host a business forum to celebrate international women entrepreneurship.  The event will include a keynote speech and a panel of women entrepreneurs to exchange ideas and share experiences.

 

Seminars and Workshops:

 

As part of the MSBEC’s education and training mandate, a series of “Starting A Small Business” seminars and breakfast meetings will be hosted and presented by the MSBEC, in conjunction with various community partners, including the Association of Certified General Accountants, the Markham Board of Trade, Professional Engineers, Ontario, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs.  The seminar schedule for spring 2004 is as follows:

 

Date

Seminar Topic

 

Jan 20, 2004

GST for Small Businesses

Jan 29, 2004

Owner-managed Business Taxation

March 17, 2004

Grow Your Customers – Effective Marketing Strategy

March 18, 2004

Legal and Financial Considerations for Starting A Small Business

March 31, 2004

Tax Planning for Small Businesses

April 7, 2004

Marketing Your Small Business

April 21, 2004

Effective Business Plan Writing

May 20, 2004

Selling and Generating Leads through the Internet

Feb 24, 2004

March 24, 2004

May 5, 2004

 

WSIB Safe Communities Incentive Program

              

Youth Outreach:

 

Subject to the continuation of these programs by the Province, youth initiatives and business programs such as Ontario Secondary School Business Plan Competition, Summer Company and My Company will also be delivered.

 

Community Partnerships, Visibility and Participation:

 

The MSBEC is supported through municipal, federal and private sector partnerships.  Contact will be continued or established with local community organizations such as municipal, provincial and federal levels of government, financial institutions, the Board of Trade, various Entrepreneur Associations, private industry, local media and educational institutions.

 

The Centre will continue to participate in relevant speaking opportunities, trade shows and fairs and relevant networking events. Members of Markham Council are encouraged to invite the MSBEC Manager to participate in local community events, and to make presentations to local groups/clubs.

 

 

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS:

The MSBEC receives core funding from the Town (approx. $65,000). In addition, the MSBEC earns additional revenue (target for 2004 is $65,000) from Provincial grants and financial contributions from the private sector. The Enterprise Centre will continue to actively seek cash and/or in-kind contributions from both the private and public sectors in order to expand its programs.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS:

none

 

 

ACCESSIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS:

none

 

 

ENGAGE 21ST CONSIDERATIONS:

The activities of the MSBEC are in alignment with the Town’s strategic plan.

 

 

BUSINESS UNITS CONSULTED AND AFFECTED:

none

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

none

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stephen Chait, Director of Economic Development

 

John Livey, Chief Administrative

Officer