Description
How to Stage a Small Business Comeback
Think
BIG
Small Business Enterprise Centre – 33 Queen St. W., 1st. Floor, Brampton, Ontario L6Y 1L9
Tel: 905.874.2650 • Fax: 905.874.2670 • www.brampton-business.com
Caledon Community Services – Royal Courtyards, Upper Level, 18 King St. E., Bolton ON L7E 1E8
Tel: 905.584.2300 • Fax: 905.951.2303 • Website: www.ccs4u.org
How to Stage a Small Business Comeback
Jane Porter
Summer 2011
Three turnaround strategies to survive, and thrive, beyond the recession.
When sales are down and cash ?ow problems are up, small business owners can
become desperate for a turnaround. But rather than shooting from the hip, experts
say it’s crucial to strategically plan your way back to the top.
“Entrepreneurs sometimes lose that innovation interest that initially got them
into the business, “says Mark Faust, author of Growth of Bust: Proven Turnaround
Strategies to Grow Your Business (Career Press, 2011).
But how can small business owners get back in the game to stage a comeback?
Here, three experts share their turnaround tips.
1. Look outside your company for help.
Frequently, small business owners don’t look outside their of?ce walls enough
for guidance. Faust suggests making a list of your top 20 existing customers
and reaching out to them for feedback. “Too often in business we come to
insular, “says Faust, also a growth consultant and coach based in Cincinnati.
“Innovation is listening to your customer so intently you create solutions to
improve their situation.”
2. Consider cutting costs while raising some prices.
Too often, when business slows, entrepreneurs have the knee-jerk reaction
of laying people off, says Denise O’Berry, a Tampa, Fla.-based small business
consultant and author of Small Business Cash ?ow: Strategies for Making Your
Business a Financial Success (Wiley, 2006). But layoffs can actually end up
sti?ing growth, she says. Ask yourself: “Have you really cut everything else that
you can cut before you let people go?” she advises.
3. Find a better way to stand out in a crowd.
Differentiating yourself from other businesses is critical, says Victor Cheng, A
Bainbridge Island, Washington-based business coach and author of The Recession-
Proof Business (Innovation Press, 2009). Cheng advises small business owners to
carve a niche for their company by developing products and services that are tailored
to speci?c markets rather than trying to make everyone a customer.
Source: www.entrepreneur.com
Complete article can be found here URL:http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219609
The City of
Brampton’s Small
Business Enterprise
Centre (SBEC) has announced the successful
entrepreneurs for its eleventh annual Summer
Company program. Summer Company helps
enterprising young students, 15 to 29, start up
and run their own summer business.
“The Small Business Enterprise Centre’s Summer
Company program is an outstanding way to
promote entrepreneurship among Brampton’s
youth,” says Regional Councillor Gael Miles, Chair
of the City’s Economic Development Committee.
“All the participants are to be congratulated on
their exciting business ventures.”
Summer Company entrepreneurs receive hands-
on business coaching and mentoring from
local business leaders who will help make their
Summer Company viable. The 2011 Community
Mentoring Committee includes:
• Surita Dey, Brampton Library
• Amos Findlayter, Ministry of Revenue
• Jeff Bowman, The Marketing Pad
• Linh Hang, TD Canada Trust
Each entrepreneur receives up to $1,500 toward
start-up costs and up to an additional $1,500
upon successful completion of the program. This
year’s participants, selected from more than 150
applicants in Brampton and Caledon, are:
• Jaten Patterson-Reid, Curb Appeal Painters
• Michael Buabeng, Heaven’s Eleven Soccer
Club
• Vanessa Fox, Connect With Fitness
• Cherise Titus, Titus Personal Training
• Gavin Fior, Swim With Gavin
• Michael Lim, Head Start Robotics
• Nathaneal Thomas, NBD Studios
• Mishka Cooke, Chic Expression
• Marisa Blair, Candi’s Coils
• Adam Currie, Band Splash
• Ryan Roy, YoLo Collective
• Krishna Singh, A.Y.S Mobile Mechanics
For furthur information about summer company,
call 905.874.2650.
Entrepreneurship in Brampton
Starts with Summer Company
BizKids – Introduction
A unique camp where individuals
will start, manage and close
their own business. Through
high-level games and workshops,
this program will challenge every
participant as he/she uncovers
their own entrepreneurship skills.
Ages: 9 - 12
July 4 - 8 9 am - 4 pm
Course Code #375819
Fee: $134
August 15 - 19 9 am - 4 pm
Course Code #375821
Fee: $134
Location: Brampton Soccer Centre
BizKids – Advanced
This camp is designed for those
with entrepreneurship experience
or returning BizKids Campers.
Individuals will design and
produce an innovative product
and learn how to use marketing
tools to promote their business at
Market Day.
Ages: 9 - 12
July 18 - 22 9 am - 4 pm
Course Code #375828
Fee: $134
Location: Brampton Soccer Centre
BizTeen
This program will focus on
personal growth, professionalism
and entrepreneurship. Following
the program, a one week
placement will be assigned to
those who actively participate
in the program and pass a
placement interview.
Ages: 13 - 16
July 25 - 29 9 am - 4 pm
Course Code #375829
Fee: $150
Location: Brampton Soccer Centre
BizKids Camps are back
this summer!
Calendar of Events – Summer 2011
All events are held at the Brampton Enterprise Centre, 33 Queen St West, unless
otherwise noted.
JULY
14 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 9:30am - 11:00am FREE BC#425330
21 Introduction to Business Planning 9:30am - 11:30am FREE BC#425337
26 Market Research 2:00pm - 3:30pm $20 BC#425340
SEPTEMBER
8 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 9:30am - 11:00am FREE BC#425336
13 New Importers Seminar 9:30am - 12:30pm FREE BC#425341
14 Introduction to Business Planning 9:30am - 11:30pm FREE BC#425339
20 Canada Revenue Agency HST Seminar 9:30am - 1:00pm FREE
Booked through Helen Fox of the Canada Revenue Agency 905.803.2371
22 Marketing 101 2:00pm - 3:30pm $20 BC#425342
28 Start-Up Financial Plan 9:30am - 11:30am $20 BC#425365
30 Ask the Experts 9:00am - 11:00am FREE BC#425331
Note – This service is for existing businesses only. All appointments are
booked in advance.
Other Notable Dates:
Friday, July 1 Canada Day Of?ce Closed
Monday, August 1 Civic Holiday Of?ce Closed
Monday, September 5 Labour Day Of?ce Closed
Don’t miss out on late addition seminars and news:
add [email protected] to your safe sender list today.
Seminar Registration Policy
Register in advance for all seminars, even if free, as seating is limited. Payment is taken at the time of
booking for any seminars that have a fee.
• By phone: 905.874.2650 – Visa, MasterCard and Amex
• In person at the Small Business Centre or any Recreation Centre: credit card, cash, cheque and debit
• 48-hours notice appreciated for cancellations, as we usually have a wait list
• Minimum 24 hours notice required for refund
• Less than 24 hours notice and “no shows” will be charged
Seminar Registration Now Online
You can now register online for our seminars and events via the City of Brampton (Parks and
Recreation) website. You will ?rst need to register a user name and pin for your business and its
owner/employees. Visit www.brampton-business.com> What’s New Tab to download the form.
You can also connect at www.brampton.ca/en/residents/recreational-Activities/Pages/welcome.aspx
>Customer Care> e-Registration
2011 City of Brampton United Way Campaign
Brampton’s Small Business Challenge
Can you imagine living in a community with homelessness,
poverty and abuse or where newly immigrating citizens were
rejected instead of embraced? Without organizations in place
such as United Way, this terrible notion could become more of
a reality.
Since 1967, the United Way of Peel Region has been funding
programs and services that provide a circle of care in our
community, speci?cally focusing on ?ve funding priorities:
• Strengthening families and children
• Helping abused women and children
• Reducing hunger, homelessness and poverty
• Supporting seniors to live healthy and independent lives
• Helping newcomers and immigrants settle and integrate
The Brampton Small Business Enterprise Centre is very excited
to announce that Cassandra Baccardax, Manager of Small
Business Services, has been chosen to be the Chair for the City
of Brampton’s annual United Way Campaign.
Each year, the City of Brampton commits to running an
employee-based campaign to help raise funds for the United
Way of Peel Region. We believe that this organization has
been a helping hand in making Brampton the strong and
vibrant community of which we are all proud.
For 2011, Cassandra has decided to raise the bar by adding
new events to the calendar while also engaging the community.
She is challenging YOU to get involved by hosting a small-
scaled event or promotion within your own business to help
make a difference. So get creative! Whether it’s a car wash or
bake sale, a sporting event or a bottle collection, all proceeds
can be donated towards a great cause and you’ll know that you
helped make a positive difference in your community! If running
an event of your own seems like too much to take on, corporate
sponsorship of the City’s campaign is welcomed.
By supporting the United Way of Peel Region and its mission,
you will be directly helping the City of Brampton uphold its
vision of being a city that offers a high quality of life for its
residents. Peel is the region in which we all live, work and play
and without you, there would be no way!
If you have questions or wish to discuss event sponsorship
opportunities, please contact:
Andrea Jacques
United Way Events & Fundraising Coordinator
t: 905.874.2797
e: [email protected]
Sponsorship opportunity:
Donations gratefully accepted for annual auction with
100% of proceeds to United Way. Your company name will
be promoted to all City of Brampton employees. Tax receipt
issued and we’ll pick up the item.
Promote your company and do a good deed! Contact
Cassandra 905.874.2667 or Andrea 905.874.2797
Websites to Explore
www.entrepreneur.com/article/218147?cm_sp=nextarticle-_-218147-_-175242
www.canadaone.com/ezine/sept05/google_adwords.html
www.canadaone.com/ezine/jun11/technology_business_trends.html
doc_621903883.pdf
How to Stage a Small Business Comeback
Think
BIG
Small Business Enterprise Centre – 33 Queen St. W., 1st. Floor, Brampton, Ontario L6Y 1L9
Tel: 905.874.2650 • Fax: 905.874.2670 • www.brampton-business.com
Caledon Community Services – Royal Courtyards, Upper Level, 18 King St. E., Bolton ON L7E 1E8
Tel: 905.584.2300 • Fax: 905.951.2303 • Website: www.ccs4u.org
How to Stage a Small Business Comeback
Jane Porter
Summer 2011
Three turnaround strategies to survive, and thrive, beyond the recession.
When sales are down and cash ?ow problems are up, small business owners can
become desperate for a turnaround. But rather than shooting from the hip, experts
say it’s crucial to strategically plan your way back to the top.
“Entrepreneurs sometimes lose that innovation interest that initially got them
into the business, “says Mark Faust, author of Growth of Bust: Proven Turnaround
Strategies to Grow Your Business (Career Press, 2011).
But how can small business owners get back in the game to stage a comeback?
Here, three experts share their turnaround tips.
1. Look outside your company for help.
Frequently, small business owners don’t look outside their of?ce walls enough
for guidance. Faust suggests making a list of your top 20 existing customers
and reaching out to them for feedback. “Too often in business we come to
insular, “says Faust, also a growth consultant and coach based in Cincinnati.
“Innovation is listening to your customer so intently you create solutions to
improve their situation.”
2. Consider cutting costs while raising some prices.
Too often, when business slows, entrepreneurs have the knee-jerk reaction
of laying people off, says Denise O’Berry, a Tampa, Fla.-based small business
consultant and author of Small Business Cash ?ow: Strategies for Making Your
Business a Financial Success (Wiley, 2006). But layoffs can actually end up
sti?ing growth, she says. Ask yourself: “Have you really cut everything else that
you can cut before you let people go?” she advises.
3. Find a better way to stand out in a crowd.
Differentiating yourself from other businesses is critical, says Victor Cheng, A
Bainbridge Island, Washington-based business coach and author of The Recession-
Proof Business (Innovation Press, 2009). Cheng advises small business owners to
carve a niche for their company by developing products and services that are tailored
to speci?c markets rather than trying to make everyone a customer.
Source: www.entrepreneur.com
Complete article can be found here URL:http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/219609
The City of
Brampton’s Small
Business Enterprise
Centre (SBEC) has announced the successful
entrepreneurs for its eleventh annual Summer
Company program. Summer Company helps
enterprising young students, 15 to 29, start up
and run their own summer business.
“The Small Business Enterprise Centre’s Summer
Company program is an outstanding way to
promote entrepreneurship among Brampton’s
youth,” says Regional Councillor Gael Miles, Chair
of the City’s Economic Development Committee.
“All the participants are to be congratulated on
their exciting business ventures.”
Summer Company entrepreneurs receive hands-
on business coaching and mentoring from
local business leaders who will help make their
Summer Company viable. The 2011 Community
Mentoring Committee includes:
• Surita Dey, Brampton Library
• Amos Findlayter, Ministry of Revenue
• Jeff Bowman, The Marketing Pad
• Linh Hang, TD Canada Trust
Each entrepreneur receives up to $1,500 toward
start-up costs and up to an additional $1,500
upon successful completion of the program. This
year’s participants, selected from more than 150
applicants in Brampton and Caledon, are:
• Jaten Patterson-Reid, Curb Appeal Painters
• Michael Buabeng, Heaven’s Eleven Soccer
Club
• Vanessa Fox, Connect With Fitness
• Cherise Titus, Titus Personal Training
• Gavin Fior, Swim With Gavin
• Michael Lim, Head Start Robotics
• Nathaneal Thomas, NBD Studios
• Mishka Cooke, Chic Expression
• Marisa Blair, Candi’s Coils
• Adam Currie, Band Splash
• Ryan Roy, YoLo Collective
• Krishna Singh, A.Y.S Mobile Mechanics
For furthur information about summer company,
call 905.874.2650.
Entrepreneurship in Brampton
Starts with Summer Company
BizKids – Introduction
A unique camp where individuals
will start, manage and close
their own business. Through
high-level games and workshops,
this program will challenge every
participant as he/she uncovers
their own entrepreneurship skills.
Ages: 9 - 12
July 4 - 8 9 am - 4 pm
Course Code #375819
Fee: $134
August 15 - 19 9 am - 4 pm
Course Code #375821
Fee: $134
Location: Brampton Soccer Centre
BizKids – Advanced
This camp is designed for those
with entrepreneurship experience
or returning BizKids Campers.
Individuals will design and
produce an innovative product
and learn how to use marketing
tools to promote their business at
Market Day.
Ages: 9 - 12
July 18 - 22 9 am - 4 pm
Course Code #375828
Fee: $134
Location: Brampton Soccer Centre
BizTeen
This program will focus on
personal growth, professionalism
and entrepreneurship. Following
the program, a one week
placement will be assigned to
those who actively participate
in the program and pass a
placement interview.
Ages: 13 - 16
July 25 - 29 9 am - 4 pm
Course Code #375829
Fee: $150
Location: Brampton Soccer Centre
BizKids Camps are back
this summer!
Calendar of Events – Summer 2011
All events are held at the Brampton Enterprise Centre, 33 Queen St West, unless
otherwise noted.
JULY
14 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 9:30am - 11:00am FREE BC#425330
21 Introduction to Business Planning 9:30am - 11:30am FREE BC#425337
26 Market Research 2:00pm - 3:30pm $20 BC#425340
SEPTEMBER
8 Introduction to Entrepreneurship 9:30am - 11:00am FREE BC#425336
13 New Importers Seminar 9:30am - 12:30pm FREE BC#425341
14 Introduction to Business Planning 9:30am - 11:30pm FREE BC#425339
20 Canada Revenue Agency HST Seminar 9:30am - 1:00pm FREE
Booked through Helen Fox of the Canada Revenue Agency 905.803.2371
22 Marketing 101 2:00pm - 3:30pm $20 BC#425342
28 Start-Up Financial Plan 9:30am - 11:30am $20 BC#425365
30 Ask the Experts 9:00am - 11:00am FREE BC#425331
Note – This service is for existing businesses only. All appointments are
booked in advance.
Other Notable Dates:
Friday, July 1 Canada Day Of?ce Closed
Monday, August 1 Civic Holiday Of?ce Closed
Monday, September 5 Labour Day Of?ce Closed
Don’t miss out on late addition seminars and news:
add [email protected] to your safe sender list today.
Seminar Registration Policy
Register in advance for all seminars, even if free, as seating is limited. Payment is taken at the time of
booking for any seminars that have a fee.
• By phone: 905.874.2650 – Visa, MasterCard and Amex
• In person at the Small Business Centre or any Recreation Centre: credit card, cash, cheque and debit
• 48-hours notice appreciated for cancellations, as we usually have a wait list
• Minimum 24 hours notice required for refund
• Less than 24 hours notice and “no shows” will be charged
Seminar Registration Now Online
You can now register online for our seminars and events via the City of Brampton (Parks and
Recreation) website. You will ?rst need to register a user name and pin for your business and its
owner/employees. Visit www.brampton-business.com> What’s New Tab to download the form.
You can also connect at www.brampton.ca/en/residents/recreational-Activities/Pages/welcome.aspx
>Customer Care> e-Registration
2011 City of Brampton United Way Campaign
Brampton’s Small Business Challenge
Can you imagine living in a community with homelessness,
poverty and abuse or where newly immigrating citizens were
rejected instead of embraced? Without organizations in place
such as United Way, this terrible notion could become more of
a reality.
Since 1967, the United Way of Peel Region has been funding
programs and services that provide a circle of care in our
community, speci?cally focusing on ?ve funding priorities:
• Strengthening families and children
• Helping abused women and children
• Reducing hunger, homelessness and poverty
• Supporting seniors to live healthy and independent lives
• Helping newcomers and immigrants settle and integrate
The Brampton Small Business Enterprise Centre is very excited
to announce that Cassandra Baccardax, Manager of Small
Business Services, has been chosen to be the Chair for the City
of Brampton’s annual United Way Campaign.
Each year, the City of Brampton commits to running an
employee-based campaign to help raise funds for the United
Way of Peel Region. We believe that this organization has
been a helping hand in making Brampton the strong and
vibrant community of which we are all proud.
For 2011, Cassandra has decided to raise the bar by adding
new events to the calendar while also engaging the community.
She is challenging YOU to get involved by hosting a small-
scaled event or promotion within your own business to help
make a difference. So get creative! Whether it’s a car wash or
bake sale, a sporting event or a bottle collection, all proceeds
can be donated towards a great cause and you’ll know that you
helped make a positive difference in your community! If running
an event of your own seems like too much to take on, corporate
sponsorship of the City’s campaign is welcomed.
By supporting the United Way of Peel Region and its mission,
you will be directly helping the City of Brampton uphold its
vision of being a city that offers a high quality of life for its
residents. Peel is the region in which we all live, work and play
and without you, there would be no way!
If you have questions or wish to discuss event sponsorship
opportunities, please contact:
Andrea Jacques
United Way Events & Fundraising Coordinator
t: 905.874.2797
e: [email protected]
Sponsorship opportunity:
Donations gratefully accepted for annual auction with
100% of proceeds to United Way. Your company name will
be promoted to all City of Brampton employees. Tax receipt
issued and we’ll pick up the item.
Promote your company and do a good deed! Contact
Cassandra 905.874.2667 or Andrea 905.874.2797
Websites to Explore
www.entrepreneur.com/article/218147?cm_sp=nextarticle-_-218147-_-175242
www.canadaone.com/ezine/sept05/google_adwords.html
www.canadaone.com/ezine/jun11/technology_business_trends.html
doc_621903883.pdf