Small Business Week – Oct. 14 to 20 – represents a perfect opportunity for all of us pause and recognize the importance and ongoing contributions of businesses within our respective communities. One of the defining characteristics of all our communities within the Smoky River region as well as Slave Lake, High Prairie is the creative ability of entrepreneurs in northwestern Alberta to help foster the ongoing growth and critical expansion of small business development for the benefit of future generations. Fuelled by innovative ideas, our business sector leaders continue to capture the entrepreneurial spirit by maximizing their energy to create and expand a wide variety of small and medium-sized businesses opportunities for everyone’s benefit. Their commitment, hard work and perseverance make each of them a driving force behind the success of our Canadian economy. These key individuals and their innovative businesses are integral components of our economic growth patterns and an inspiration to other budding entrepreneurs, providing evidence of the countless successes in today’s ever-changing and demanding marketplace. The roots of Small Business Week dates back to 1979 when it was launched as a small event in British Columbia to pay tribute to the important contributions small businesses make to the national economy. Since that time it has grown substantially in both size and scope and is now recognized as a nation-wide celebration of entrepreneurship, organized by the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and endorsed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Small Business Week activities provide established and prospective entrepreneurs with training and development opportunities, and create a forum for networking and sharing ideas. Events include conferences, trade fairs, seminars, workshops and business luncheons. BDC branches, with the assistance of numerous local public and private sector organizations, play an active role in planning and publicizing these events. Small Business Week runs this year from Oct. 14 to 20 and revolves around the theme “A world without boundaries, open to new markets.” Its symbolism represents a perfect opportunity for each of us as consumers to honour and recognize the inspiring trend-setters who continue to help make a difference in the local, national, and global economy. I encourage everyone to take the time this week to salute the individuals who have made their dreams a reality, while inspiring others who are knocking at the door to join the entrepreneurial ranks. Our local entrepreneurs bend over backwards to provide a level of service which is second to none when compared to their urban counterparts. Their friendly nature, genuine honesty, competitive pricing and commitment to the needs of consumers in this region are all trademarks of the rural small business lifestyle – characteristics which you would be hard-pressed to find under the “big city” lights. Keep up the good work and best of luck to each of you in your future endeavours, whatever they may be!

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