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Public to select winner of BDC's 2012 Young Entrepreneur Award
A roastery based in Atlantic Canada that buys ingredients direct from farmers; a custom foot orthotics company that reduces plastic waste and a commercial mixed-use space that houses 45 studios, offices and a café – while these small businesses couldn't sound any more different, they do have one thing in common: along with five other contestants between the ages of 18 and 35, they're all finalists in the 24th edition of the BDC Young Entrepreneur Awards.
The grand prize for Innovation winner will receive $100,000 to help implement the project. Furthermore, Canadians will be able to see the winner's project come to life through a video journal that will chart his or her progress. The finalist who receives the second highest number of votes will win a $25,000 BDC Consulting customized internet strategy, designed to help the beneficiary increase sales and stand out in a competitive world.
With just over two weeks left in the contest, it's down to eight finalists from across Canada. And for the first time in the award's history, it's up to the public to decide the winner via social media and mobile technology. To learn more about the companies and to vote, visit the BDC website, which includes videos produced by the finalists to explain their projects and the impact on the local communities.
Eight students earn Public Policy and Entrepreneurship internship
From a pool of over 500 applicants, eight students will get the opportunity to participate in an internship in Public Policy and Entrepreneurship sponsored by Scotiabank and the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
Over a four-month period, students will work on projects that have been selected for the purpose of lobbying on behalf of the small business sector including: municipal spending, property tax, self-employment and labour, Canadian Revenue Agency and apprenticeship.
"Not only will the interns be able use their skills, but in the end they will have a better understanding of Canada's job creating sector and how both good and bad government policies impacts the lives of our members," said Catherine Swift, CFIB president.
U.S. small business jobs rise in May
May proved to be another solid month for U.S. small business job growth in the U.S. According to the Intuit Inc. Small Business Employment Index, small business employment rose 0.2 per cent, with approximately 40,000 new jobs added to the economy.
But while the pace of growth is encouraging, there's still a long way to go, especially with average monthly pay slipping to $2,688 in May, down from the April revised figure of $2,692.
"We need growth at this level for two more years for small-business employment to return to the level we saw in early 2007," said Susan Woodward, an economist working with Intuit.
The index is based on figures from small businesses with fewer than 20 employees that use Intuit Online Payroll.
EVENTS AND KEY DATES
Lean Startup Machine Toronto
This event, which runs from Friday, June 8 at 6:00 p.m. until Sunday, June 10 at 8:00 p.m. is for any startup team or any aspiring founder, innovator, or early startup employee that wants to learn Lean Startup methodologies from the ground up. Got an idea? You'll have 50 seconds to give your elevator pitch at the kickoff of the event. After voting, if your idea gets selected you will be able to form a team and start working. For more information, click here.
SES Toronto
Want to learn how to use all dimensions of search? SES Toronto will be packed with sessions covering topics such as PPC management, keyword research, SEO, social media, video optimization as well as high-level strategy, keynotes, an exhibit floor with companies that can help you grow your business, networking events, parties and more. To obtain more about the event taking place from June 11 to 13, click here.
EDITOR'S PICKS FROM REPORT ON SMALL BUSINESS
Kraft's cheaper chocolate melts Camino's market share
Up against Kraft's Green & Black's line, La Siembra Co-operative wants to know how to convince consumers to pay premium prices for its Camino line of premium organic and fair trade chocolate bars. See pictures here.
FROM THE ROSB ARCHIVES
Ten cost-effective ways to market your business
Marketing a small business is challenging; budgets are limited and getting the word out can seem like an overwhelming – if not impossible – task. But here are a few pointers that won't break the bank.
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Katherine Scarrow