Small Business 2021 by Merritt Herald

THURSDAY October 21, 2021 • 13

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK OCTOBER 17-23 2021

What is Small Business Week?

BDC Small Business Week is an annual celebration of entrepreneurship that the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has organized for over 42 years. Every year, close to 10,000 entrepreneurs gather to learn, network and celebrate the people building businesses across the country. As the economy roars back to life, it’s become clear that the past 18 months have fast-forwarded long-term disruption. From growing labour shortages and the rise of remote work, to the expansion of digital business and increasingly frequent climate events; Canadian entrepreneurs will need to focus on innovation, inclusion and sustainability to maintain their growth amidst these changes. Small Business Week is a way to join together to discuss the opportunities that lie ahead for Canadian entrepreneurs.

HEADQUARTERS FOR ALL WORK & RECREATION NEEDS

Winter will soon be here...

We have a wide selection of name brands to keep you warm!

DOWNTOWN MERRITT: #120 1700 Garcia St. Railyard Mall

250-378-5217

14 • THURSDAY, October 21, 2021

www.merrittherald.com HOURS

Tuesday: 9 am - 6 pm Wednesday - Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm Friday and Saturday: 9 am - 4 pm Dentistry at Merritt has been serving the people of Merritt and area, since May 2013. The clinic offers all general dentistry services from simple fillings, dental caps (crowns), root canal treatments, extractions, fixed teeth and dentures. In addition, we have been providing many specialty services like, sedation for kids, IV/oral/nitrous sedation for adults, wisdom tooth extractions, implant based dentures and single teeth. We are committed to our vision of providing dental services in a calm, comfortable, relaxed environment. The clinic has 3 general dentists and an orthodontist (braces specialist) available as well, for all your needs from basic to advanced treatments for straightening and alignment of teeth for both kids and adults. We take pride in being an active member of the community by sponsoring the Merritt Centennials, supporting the Heart and Stroke foundation and serving many personal care homes as well. We hope to continue with your support.

Providing the best quality dental services, close to your home.

Dr. J. Sarao-DMD, Dr. R. Dutt-DMD

Call

250-378-4888 to book your appointment • 2731 Forksdale Avenue, V1K 1R9 • www.dentistryatmerritt.ca

Office Supplies | Custom Printing 250 378 6882 | 250 378 6808

www.merrittprinting.ca | 1951 Garcia Street

Awards & Trophies Promotional Products Branded Apparel Engraving ..... •Badges •Name Tags •Signs•Trophies •Awards • Plagues •Glassware Sublimation Printing..... •Water Bottles •Bags•Mugs•Puzzles •Coasters •Mouse Pads

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Merritt Herald

2021 People’s Choice AWARD

PEOPLE’S

FREE

delivery for seniors & those with restricted mobility.

• Vaccinations • Ostomy Supplies • First Aid Supplies • Compliance Packaging

BEST PHARMACY

Friendly, professional service, from people who care.

www.blackspharmacy.com

Souvenirs • Greeting Cards • Cozy Socks • Scarves •

Diffusers • Ostomy Supplies • New Giftware Monthly

• Puppets • Stocking Stuffers • Skin Care •

250.378.2155 2037 Quilchena Avenue, Merritt • Essential Oils • Complementary Gift Wrapping •

IN STOCK FOR YOUR HUNTING, HALLOWEEN, PARTY AND CHRISTMAS NEEDS!

AUTOMOTIVE SHOP NOW OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 9-6 MON-SAT; 9-5 SUNDAY RETAIL 9-6 MON TO SAT www.canadiantire.ca 9-7 ON THURS & FRI; 9-5 SUNDAY

2761 Forksdale Ave

250-378-1818

THURSDAY October 21, 2021 • 15

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What, to you, is the best thing about small business? Amanda Frederickson (Bee’s Knees Boutique and The Social Lounge) - Meeting new people, the small-town support is amazing. Setting my own hours that fit my family life is great too.

Lizette Nel (Love to Dance Academy) - The best thing about small business is the warm cozy feeling when you are greeted by small business owners as you enter the door, and when you are treated with kindness, a feeling of being connected and belonging, especially now, when people feel isolated because of the community being divided.

Vicki Hansen (Miss Vicki’s Petals and Plants) – Being able to supply Merritt with a flower and gift shop full of locally, handmade items and our made in shop hand tied bouquets and arrangements. Also, getting to meet so many wonderful people who share the same passion – plants and flowers.

Carrie Ware (Carrie Ware & Company Inc.) - The best thing about small business is that each small business is owned by a local family, and it is their livelihood therefore they treat you as a unique person instead of a number on their financials. It is a more personable experience shopping at small businesses with better one on one interaction. Small family-owned small business supports the local economy, support local causes, and support and actually care about their staff. They are willing to go above and beyond for their loyal customers.

Blaine Martens (co-owner Black’s Pharmacy) – Being able to adapt very quickly and easily to your customer’s needs. That gives you a lot of satisfaction in being a successful business, when you can provide an effective service that people really appreciate.”

Renee Henry (Earthwalker Spiritual Shop) – The best part of being a small business in a small town is you get to create and have people love those creations and come back to tell you they love them. You get to know people and their triumphs and setbacks. I am responsible for the day to day operating and creation of my own future, and that, my friends, is priceless.

Kylee Street (Persistence Training Centre) – Small businesses are what make up the community feel of our small town. They’re like the building blocks of keeping social events and people together, there’s a group camaraderie with small businesses.”

Travis Fehr (BreatheBikes) - I love what I do, so being able to share that and provide a valuable service to the community takes the chore out of the job.

CREATIVE COMPANY Beautiful hand-made items by

local artisans

“Thank you to all of our customers for supporting our artisans and shopping local ” Monday to Saturday 10 am - 5 pm 2074 Quilchena Avenue

378-0813

Visit our website: www.creativecompany.ca

WE ARE: Accurate, Efficient & Professional www.cjrbookkeeping.com SPECIALIZING IN: Bookkeeping: We create specific accounting to meet the individual needs of each client Income tax Preparation: We pride ourselves in providing our clients with professional tax services at a very competitive rate.

We’re now accepting new monthly bookkeeping clients Located in the Royal Lepage building located at

3499 Voght Street, Merritt, BC Telephone: 250-378-9446 • Fax: 250-378-5257

BUILDING our COMMUNITY One Business at a Time! HOW CAN WE HELP YOU? • Providing Training and Information Workshops for Small Business and Social Enterprises. • Covid 19 recovery initiatives • Business Counselling (Business Start-ups, business plans, & more) • Small Business Loans for up to $150,000 • Community Building through Partnerships with local organizations

Virtual Small Business Week 2021 on Facebook@CFDCNV The link to join us will be posted on Facebook Thursday October 21 ~ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm for Q A and a chance to win a $200 Prize Draw Friday October 22 Merritt Youth Entrepereneu Program with Meagan Preston

www.cfdcnv.com 2181 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC • 250-378-3923

16 • THURSDAY, October 21, 2021

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COMFORT, CLARITY AND CONFIDENCE THROUGH A COMPLETE

FINANCIAL PLAN “Comfort, clarity and confidence through a complete financial plan.” “” Things I do:

Cashflow and Insurance Planning Portfolio Management Tax and Estate Planning 💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵 💵💵d Insurance Planning 💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵💵o Manage me nt 💵💵💵💵💵💵 💵💵d Estate Planning

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2021

How small businesses can use tech to their advantage

Contact Kyle for your plan today!

Cell Phone: 250-879-6306 • Office: 250-372-2955 Ext. 259 e-mail: Kyle.schell@ig.ca Website: http://advisor.investorsgroup.com/en/kyle_schell

Dr. Comartin, Dr. Denison and our dedicated team are committed to providing the highest level of dental care in a professional, relaxed setting.

Proudly serving our community for over 20 years #110-1700 Garcia St. (Located downtown in the Railyard Mall)

PH: 250-378-4000

Year in Business

Small businesses are vital cogs in the economy. When taking a stroll down a typical Main Street in the United States and Canada, shoppers are likely to pass an array of eateries and shops offering everything from handcrafted furnishings and ornaments to floral arrangements and

more. These small, privately owned businesses help make communities unique and desirable places to live. The impact small businesses have on their communities was perhaps never more apparent than during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many business owners were

Come on in & visit Vicki, Selena, Ema, Laura and Dee

We understand life happens.

Open Tuesday To Saturday

• Real Estate

10 AM - 4 PM

See all the beautiful giftware from our local artists, plus flowers and plants galore!

PLEASE SUPPORT ALL OUR LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS

2052B Quilchena Ave.,Merritt, BC

250-315-2256

Legal services for your family & business: • Wills & Estates • Business Call us for a consultation today. Ben van der Gracht & Jacob M. Brown

1-888-374-3350 | morellichertkow.com

THURSDAY October 21, 2021 • 17

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2021 forced to close their doors or limit their hours of operation in an effort to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus. When small businesses struggle, the ripple effects are considerable and include higher rates of unemployment and less tax revenue for communities. A 2019 report from the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration found that small businesses accounted for 44 percent of economic activity in the United States. That figure underscores the important role these businesses play. Supporting locally owned businesses is a great way to accelerate the post-pandemic economic recovery. As important as community support is to the survival of a small business, the people who own those businesses must make a concerted effort to connect with consumers and inspire that support. Technology can help business owners do that in a variety of ways.

business owners should take seriously and strongly consider when devising their optimization strategies. • Strengthen your social media presence. A 2020 study from the social media marketing firm Sprout Social found that nine in 10 consumers will buy products from a brand they follow on social media. Small businesses can use that to their advantage by strengthening their social media presence, devoting some time each day to promote their offerings. Businesses also can encourage instore customers to follow them on social media.

www.cfdcnv.com 2181 Quilchena Ave., Merritt, BC • 250-378-3923

• Prioritize customer service. Interactions with a real person will likely always remain consumers’ preference when they have questions or concerns about products and services. But that doesn’t When you shop with local merchants, mean small business owners cannot still more of your money stays close to home; • Pay attention to mobile rankings. The expand their customer service offerings supporting the parks, recreation centers, SEO solutions experts at SEMrush to include customer relationship man- libraries and other things that make this report that roughly 72 percent of agement software (CRM) and chatbots, community a great place to live. domains change rankings by one place both of which can improve customer on mobile compared to desktop, while relations. 52 percent change by three places. That’s a significant dropoff as more and Small businesses are ingrained in their more consumers utilize mobile search communities, and can utilize various tech250-378-2022 engines when shopping. The popularity nologies to become even more so in the of mobile searching is something small years ahead. 2001 Quilchena Avenue Merritt, BC

Merritt’s only Native Art Gallery

Vision Quest Optical & Gifts

UNDERHILL & UNDERHILL UNDERHILL GEOMATICS LTD. Professional Land Surveyors & Engineers KAMLOOPS – MERRITT – BURNABY – WHITEHORSE UNDERHILL & UNDERHILL

www.underhill.ca Providing Professional Land Surveying Services MLOOPS – MERRITT – BURNABY – WHITEHORSE UNDERHILL & UNDERHILL UNDERHILL GEOMATICS LTD.

Professional Land Surveyors & Engineers www.underhill.ca

for people in Merritt and the Surrounding Area

UNDERHILL GEOMATICS LTD.

Professional Land Surveyors & Engineers

KAMLOOPS – MERRITT – BURNABY – WHITEHORSE www.underhill.ca

www.underhill.ca • 250-378-5535

THANK YOU Merritt for 25 years. Speciality F eatures:

• Colours • Foils • Pedicures • Manicures • Waxing • Gel Nails • Piercing Jewellery • Specialty Cuts For Men & Women • Tanning• Spa packages available

Stop by & see our CONSIGNMENT CLOTHING

The Nicola Valley Health Care Auxiliary

is a registered non-profit society.

We are a group of dedicated volunteers with a vision to assist the betterment of health care within our community. The Thrift Shop is our main fundraiser today. We accept donations of clothing and household items, which are then sold, providing low-cost options for individuals and families. Our wide selection of quality items and friendly volunteer staff making shopping at the Thrift Shop a unique and fun experience. All funds that are raised stay within Merritt and go towards purchasing equipment for the various health care needs within our community.

ThrifT Shop

We accept and sell gently used clothing and household items, which raises funds for health care within our community.

1803 Voght Street, Merritt, BC Phone: 250-378-9100 Tuesday to Friday - 10:00am - 11:00am Wednesday, Thursday & Friday- 4:00pm 10 am to&4 Saturday pm & Saturday 11 am- 2:00pm to 3 pm

250-378-5558

2040 Granite Ave., Merritt

Thanks for your support!

18 • THURSDAY, October 21, 2021

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2021

WorkBC offering business plan program for Merritt entrepreneurs The past two years have been ones of uncertainty and of grappling with change for those in the workforce, as the COVID-19 pandemic and its related restrictions set in on a global scale. Conservative estimates show that hundreds of thousands of jobs were lost across the country due to COVID19, with as many as 396,500 lost in BC alone. Those who found themselves unemployed may have changed career paths or turned to Employment Insurance or CERB to help them maintain solvency, but many others took the opportunity to take the leap into starting their own business. For first-time business owners, WorkBC has specific programs designed to help people make the transition from unemployed to self-employed. “WorkBC does have a program for entrepreneurs who want to start a business but have not yet engaged in business or registered a business,” explained Deborah Petrovitch, Program Operations Manager for Merritt, Ashcroft and Lillooet. “Our program assists entrepreneurs to create a business plan and then receive support while they launch it, if their business plan is approved.” WorkBC, in partnership with Kamloops based Community Futures Thompson Country, operates this program which offers consultation and Business Planning Workshops which range in length from seven to ten weeks. For four weeks, potential entrepreneurs will learn about running a business and creating a plan to support their success by covering such topics as: - Business basics

- - - - -

Goal setting for success Branding and marketing to your unique customer Customer service excellence Business financials Business operations Guest speakers will also provide presentations covering other important areas such as business banking and accounting, business insurance, legal matters pertaining to business and the use of social media for marketing. At the conclusion of this four-week instruction, participants will have two to three weeks to finalize their business plan. Ongoing coaching can be provided upon request and, in some instances, a living allowance may be extended through the start-up phase for WorkBC participants. “If our Merritt clients are unable to obtain financing through their bank, we refer them to Community Futures Nicola Valley to look at funding options,” said Petrovitch. “There are some eligibility requirements; clients must be on EI or have been on EI for a certain amount of time. If they are accepted into the program and on EI, we can arrange approval with Service Canada so they can continue to receive their EI. If they aren’t currently receiving EI benefits, and are assessed as having financial need, clients can receive $1,200 per month once their business plan is approved.” For persons with disabilities, there is also a customized self-employment program facilitated in house with a Vocational Counselor and Job Coach. Customized employment may be the most appropriate approach for clients in achieving self-employment outcomes under the following circumstances:

- Due to disability-related considerations, a client’s participation in their business cannot exceed 20 hours or more; - The business level of business complexity does not require a comprehensive business plan, business loans required normally do not exceed $5,000 and structured entrepreneurial training is not required in order to implement the business; - Entrepreneurial training is normally not required to implement the business but may be permitted in exceptional circumstances; - The Client has unique needs requiring more individualized support to enable participation in services to achieve a Self-Employment outcome than that available through Self-Employment Services. For those who already have an established small business, WorkBC offers a Wage Subsidy program aimed at helping employers attract workers during the province’s current labour shortage. Eligible employers will be given an opportunity through the wage subsidy to: - Cover a portion of employee wages; - Provide disability supports to reduce work-related barriers for an employee ; - Re-hire or recall laid off employees ; - Hire new employees. Those interested in the Wage Subsidy Program are encouraged to reach out to the Community and Business Engagement Coordinator, Paula Murphy at pualam@ merrittesc.ca

100% COMMITTED TO CUSTOMER SATISFACTION With more than 50 years of firsthand experience and a team of skilled and experienced employees, Norgaard Ready-Mix Ltd is 100% committed to providing quality products and ensuring customer satisfaction, both before the job begins and after it is completed. Our friendly, knowledgeable and approachable staff members are always happy to offer free advice and free estimates. We pride ourselves on producing top quality concrete that meets or exceeds our customers’ expectations.

In addition to concrete and concrete accessories, Norgaard Ready-Mix Ltd also offers high quality sand, gravel and aggregates for all applications, as well as precast products and equipment and form rentals. You can rely on Norgaard Ready-Mix Ltd for all your concrete and concrete-related needs. Contact our office to schedule a

sAnd, GrAvel & sPeCiAlty AGGreGAtes Improve the look of your home, without digging deeply into your wallet. At Norgaard ReadyMix Ltd, we provide a variety of materials to complete your home improvement project. We carry over 20 different products composed of sand, gravel and aggregates that are always top in quality and low in price.

FREE estimate.

PreCAst ConCrete ProduCts We supply precast concrete blocks that are used to build retaining walls for highway construction. PRECAST CONCRETE PRODUCTS 1. Blocks a. Full, half and block-and-a-half sizes b. Solid and sculpted finishes 2. Trailer Pads 3. Sign Bases 4. Dock Anchors

deCorAtive Finishes We have various mix designs (recipes), depending on what your requirements are. We offer various strengths, as well as designs for decorative finishes such as exposed aggregate, stamped surface and coloured concrete.

Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • After Hours and Emergency: 250‑315‑5309

Norgaard Ready-Mix Ltd is able to

SUPPLY HOMEOWNERS AND CONTRACTORS WITH HIGH QUALITY MATERIALS FOR ANY LEVEL OF COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS. Our concrete is monitored continuously by our certified quality control personnel and we can offer concrete products in a wide range of colours and finishes.

ConCrete ACCessories • A variety of mixes and strengths for different applications

• A variety of colours and mixes for different finishes (i.e. exposed aggregate, stamped surface, polished surface • Rebar in 10M, 15M and 20M • Sono Tubes • Anchor Bolts – ½” and 5/8” • Tie Wire • Grout and Floor Levelers

1301 Nicola Ave, Merritt, BC • www.norgaardreadymix.ca • 250-378-5121

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SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 2021

THURSDAY October 21, 2021 • 19

How to recruit and retain quality employees ones. Recruiting top talent may require thinking creatively, and it almost always requires significant effort on the part of the business doing the hiring.

way as free job boards, according to Workable, a recruitment software company. If you don’t find success with free job boards, you may need to go elsewhere.

Write a well-crafted job ad

Attend job fairs and utilize interns

The job advertisement is the first thing jon seekers will see and it will be the initial tool to help whittle down the applicant pool. Use clear job titles that explain the job and be concise; avoid buzzwords like “wizard,” “rock star” or “ninja.” Candidates tend to skim job descriptions, so avoid wordy phrasing and confusing job roles. Break down responsibilities into job duties, and be sure to mention specific make-or-break skills applicants will need to have. While you still may get some unqualified individuals to apply, you may weed out others with specifics of the job.

Great employees are the backbone of successful businesses. Savvy business owners recognize the important role workers play in helping a business meet its goals, and recruiting and retaining such employees is a high priority for the world’s most successful firms. According to the recruitment resource Betterteam, 68 percent of human resources professionals report problems filling positions — an increase of 50 percent since 2013. Forbes magazine puts the potential cost of a single bad hire between $25,000 and $50,000. New employees are investments and due diligence should be used to find the right

Establish a list of traits you want new employees to possess

An applicant’s skills, education and experience are important. However, this should not be the only factor to consider when mulling a potential hire. Seek employees who have the potential for growth and can get along with colleagues and existing and new clients.

Use various job boards to advertise

Many popular job boards, such as Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor, offer free advertising for job posters. They are good places to start because they generate lots of traffic. Social media also can work much in the same

Established to support the Nicola Valley business community, the Merritt & District Chamber of Commerce provides it’s members with exclusive benefits, discounts, and a voice for change. Get involved in charting the course for business and economic development in Merritt by becoming a member of the Chamber of Commerce or go further and become a Director! All businesses are welcome to join! Check out the new website at: https://www.merrittchamber.com Chamber 2021 AGM is scheduled for December 1st, 5:30 pm. Virtual and In-person. Check the website for details

Building a community connection through local job fairs, networking with alumni organizations, and relationships with universities, trade schools and colleges can provide constant resources for new talent. Plus, applicants may feel more comfortable working for a company that has outreach in the local area.

Follow up on references

It may take time, but it’s important that references are contacted and previous employment is confirmed. Due diligence with a candidate’s references ensures companies get a bigger picture of potential hires, according to Indeed. Ask questions like “What is it like to work with the candidate?” or “What are their biggest

strengths and weaknesses?” Finding quality talent is an important task that’s vital to the success of businesses big and small.

20 • THURSDAY, October 21, 2021