Small Business Centres (SBC) Ontario is pleased to announce the launch of their new website www.sbcontario.ca which serves as a hub for 54 existing Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centres (SBECs). Through funding from the Ontario Government under the Ontario Together Fund initiative, the site has been created to increase access and awareness of Small Business COVID Recovery services available to small businesses.
“Supporting small businesses and keeping the entrepreneurial spirit alive for future aspiring entrepreneurs is critical to our economic well-being” said Teresa Shaver of the Business Advisory Centre of Durham (BACD) Inc. (who played a critical role in bringing the collaboration together). “We are fortunate to be part of a large provincial business support ecosystem. It is exciting to see the Premier recognize and invest in the future of our small businesses and the networks that support them.”
The Ontario SBECs has been around for over 30 years and are funded in partnership with the Province of Ontario and Local/Regional Governments. This SBC Ontario project has enabled the centres to deliver services online during COVID-19 and to build capacity in advisory services, e-learning and events that support Ontario small businesses affected by COVID-19.
“Many small businesses across the province have been hit hard by COVID-19, and our government is doing everything it can to help them get back on their feet and recover, not just today, but every step of the way,” said Minister of Economic Development, Victor Fedeli. “By providing these entrepreneurs with financial advice and training we can arm them with the information they need to remain viable and contribute to Ontario’s economic recovery.”
Many small businesses are struggling due to the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Through the COVID-19 Recovery Network initiative, small business owners can access valuable support, including virtual business advisory services, improved access to funding, important and timely information, special programs, training, mentorship and more. Service in both official languages is available at selected locations throughout our network. To date, thousands of businesses have been served and continue to be served.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities and I’m pleased with the support our Government is providing during these challenging times,” said Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby and Chief Government Whip. “I am particularly pleased with the work the Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) is doing to support small businesses in the Region of Durham with their Ontario Together Funding. It is through strong partnerships like these that we will pave the way forward to a strong economic recovery.”
About
Small Business Centres (SBC) Ontario officially launched in February 2021 and is functioning as the Ontario Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network. Funding for this organization is provided by the Government of Ontario under the Ontario Together Fund initiative. This new network brings together 54 Small Business Enterprise Centres (SBEC) locations that have been in operation for over 30 years through support from the Ontario Government, as well as local and regional governments. By coming together as a formalized network, SBC Ontario can showcase services, events, locations and e-learning in one web portal to increase awareness and access to supports available for small businesses as they recover from the economic impact of COVID-19.
For more information about Small Business Centres (SBC) Ontario, contact:
Teresa Shaver, Executive Director
Business Advisory Centre Durham Inc. (BACD)
tshaver@bacd.ca
905.668.4949 x222
https://sbcontario.ca
