INSPIRING AND SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NORTH DURHAM Durham Region, one of Canada’s growing economic communities, offers many development and business opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs to enhance their skills and capitalize on the economic growth, job creation, and revitalization happening across the region. There are many ways to engage—particularly during Small Business Week, taking place from Oct. 18 to 24, 2015, for those who want to get involved and participate with local business organizations. The Building Business Forum (BBF), on Oct. 29, 2015, connects business owners with business development organizations, providing a platform for networking, learning, and collaborating. The Regional Municipality of Durham, in partnership with the Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge, started this annual event to inspire and support entrepreneurship in north Durham. Now in its fourth year, the BBF continues to engage individuals, creating a more integrated and innovative community by encouraging engagement amongst the talented labour pool in north Durham, building a strong economy and expanding upon opportunities for entrepreneurship in Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge. For more information on rural economic development initiatives in Durham Region, visit www.investdurham.ca. Do It In Durham celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) in Durham Region and provides a platform for business innovators to come together to learn, grow, share and connect. Taking place Nov.16 to 22, 2015, GEW is the world’s largest celebration of go-getters and offers them an opportunity to engage and collaborate with like-minded entrepreneurs. With activities ranging from networking events, large-scale competitions and educational seminars, GEW helps inspire exciting opportunities and offers a chance to connect with mentors and peers. In 2014, Do It In Durham was awarded the GEW Canada Trailblazer badge for hosting more than 40 events with 800 attendees celebrating GEW. If you are interested in attending the 2015 event, visit http://doitindurham.biz for more information. Vibrant North Durham: An Economic Development Plan 2013-2018 is a comprehensive five year plan to implement economic development thinking, processes and projects in north Durham. Developed in partnership with Durham Region and the Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge, the plan represents a co-ordinated approach to economic development, identifying four strategies as the foundation to building a dynamic local economy: ensure north Durham townships are open for business; inspire and support entrepreneurship; create a vibrant future for young adults; and build a stronger rural and small-town identity. For more information, the Vibrant North Durham Economic Development Plan can be found online at www.investdurham.ca.
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