2 minute read
President’s message
Cheering the path forward
PATRICK SULLIVAN
PRESIDENT & CEO
For over 18 months, we have all been guilty of buzzwords like pivot and unprecedented. We have seen economic disruption, high levels of stress and uncertainty, and most importantly, an unwavering amount of community support.
As we see vaccination rates for eligible people approach 90% now, it’s time to look forward. Small Business Week in October is a celebration. We celebrate the small business owners who make up our economic backbone. The entrepreneurs who employ millions of people in Canada. The dreamers and doers who start businesses every day in this country and make their impact felt every year. Immigrants who start businesses after leaving the countries of their birth. This year let’s celebrate what comes next for entrepreneurs in Canada.
Small Business Week 2021 is focused on the opportunities that lie ahead for entrepreneurs. Now in its 42nd year, the conversation looks towards the brighter future we all know is coming. Small business owners fought to start their businesses and most recently had to fight again for what they needed during the pandemic, and now that government, associations, and funding partners are listening, we can start building back.
To kick off the week of celebrations, BDC and the Chamber are hosting The Way Forward: New Growth Opportunities for entrepreneurs. Hosted at the beautiful (and delicious) Garden Restaurant in downtown Halifax. You can read more about the Garden’s journey to entrepreneurship in our cover story on page 12.
Next, we’re discussing localized procurement and its importance to our economy in Keeping Capital in Nova Scotia. The pandemic revealed big gaps in our supply chains, and this panel will help us address and rectify these opportunities. I have spoken to many organizations who have had procurement challenges during the pandemic, and I encourage you to join to learn more about how your organization can solve some of these issues.
We’re back to in-person networking with a Business After Hours at the Best Western Chocolate Lake. I have missed
Discover Halifax in person networking so much over the last 18 months, this is a real opportunity to meet other members and build your personal network and your business.
And we will finish the week strong at the inaugural Small Business Big Growth Summit. The hybrid event will focus on strategy for small businesses with breakout sessions hosted by the experts to help you navigate your biggest challenges. Bring your pain points and build solutions with Ross Simmonds of Foundation Marketing and Matt Symes of Symplicity. This is the biggest event in 18 months and is one you don’t want to miss. As the economy reenergizes, make sure your business is ready to accelerate with clear, simple, meaningful strategic and marketing ideas for 2022.
Happy Small Business Week, Halifax — we hope to see you there! ■
