Kevin Laliberte
Editor, Smoky River Express

This week – Small Business Week – represents a very special opportunity for all of us to join together by recognizing the important contributions of the dozens of small businesses which make up our community and region. Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is once again leading the way to promote Small Business Week, which runs from October 19 to 25, 2008, under the banner: “A world without boundaries, open to new markets.” The roots of Small Business Week date 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, endorsed by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Small businesses offer a valuable link to all of us by providing us with employment opportunities, services and stability to the community and economy. Small businesses create the character and charm of the community and add to the quality of life. Business owners are active in the community and committed to solving problems and dealing with local issues. Fuelled by innovative ideas, entrepreneurs in this great province of ours 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, providing countless opportunities for consumers to meet the changing demands in the marketplace. Small businesses are creative, innovative, adaptable, versatile, and practical. They see new and needed trends quickly and can make decisions to take advantage of them. They are problem solvers. Alberta’s small business sector is a vital component of the province’s economy. In 2006, the sector was responsible for 20 per cent of Alberta’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the chief indicator of economic productivity. The national average for small business contribution to GDP was 23 per cent. Also worth mentioning is the fact that small businesses (businesses which employ less than 50 employees) account for 95.5 per cent (142,348) of all businesses with employees in Alberta. (Source: Industry Canada, Key Small Business Statistics, July 2008) Readers are encouraged to check out our special Small Business Week pull-out section in this week’s Express featuring profiles on a number of businesses within the region. I also encourage residents in the region to take the time this week and congratulate the hard-working individuals who have made their dreams a reality, while inspiring others who are knocking at the door to join the entrepreneurial ranks. I wish to personally acknowledge the efforts of the hundreds of dedicated small business owners in the Smoky River region for their positive contributions and ongoing commitment. 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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