March 8^th is International Women’s Day and many events are held globally on this day to showcase and celebrate the achievements of women. In Barrie, the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre (GBBEC) will be hosting an event that not only celebrates women who have been successful, but helps all women, especially those who are focused on being successful in business, tap into the resources within the community and within themselves to grow and “glow” into that success.

Super Elite Football

Super Elite Football is proud to be entering its 5th highly successful year. The support of many volunteers has helped elevate the camp as the fastest growing youth skills camp in Ontario. Super Elite helps kids reach their potential through fundamental and skills training. Our coaches place a heavy emphasis on creating an overall positive experience for each camper. Building a strong character, getting a quality education and the importance of nutrition are qualities of a well rounded student athlete. Our staff works directly with Frontlines, a youth centre in Toronto for underprivileged and high risk youth. Super Elite campers range from 8 to 18 years of age. Super Elite was founded as an instructional camp for young football players across the province. We have been fortunate to have the top CFL Coaches, CFL Players and respected university coaches mentor and train these young aspiring athletes.

World beaters for startups: Canada named a hot spot for entrepreneurs

31 October 2011

National Post

Canada is one of the best countries among the G20 for small business owners, but there is still plenty of room for improvement, Ernst & Young said in a new business barometer released Monday. The study, prepared for the G20 Young Entrepreneurs Summit in Nice, France, surveyed 1,000 entrepreneurs across the G20 and found Canada is among the leaders in several areas, including business confidence, startup costs, strong banking sector, and good coaching and education programs for young entrepreneurs. Canada was also named the top entrepreneurial hotbed of all the G20 countries by a wide margin in a recent report from McKinsey & Co. prepared for the G20 YE summit.

Small business optimism climbs incrementally

2 November 2011

Canada Newswire

Confidence among Canada's small and mid-sized business owners climbed slightly in October. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)'s Business Barometer for the month measured in at a modest 63.6, almost a point above September's 62.7 and marginally higher than the 61.7 level posted in August when the latest round of sovereign debt and banking sector worries from Europe started sweeping around the world. "Judging from past history, index levels in the low 60s are still associated with economic growth in Canada, but only just," said Ted Mallett, vice-president and chief economist for CFIB. "Performance may not be stellar, but at least this latest data suggest economic growth has not turned negative."

BMO Study: Canadian Business Owners Split On Effectiveness Of Social Media To Drive Profits

26 October 2011

Market News Publishing

Half of Canadian businesses believe that social media has the potential to increase their profitability, according to a new BMO Bank of Montreal survey. Social media tools such as podcasts and social networking sites present significant, cost-effective opportunities for businesses to engage customers; however, only 29% of Canadian small business owners are taking advantage.

Aboriginal Business Group and Government of Canada Working Together to Promote Aboriginal Entrepreneurship

25 October 2011

Marketwire

"Strengthening Aboriginal entrepreneurship is a key priority of our Government's Federal Framework for Aboriginal Economic Development", said The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. "Our Government is proud to partner with the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and we look forward to working with them, and other partners, to ensure the continued prosperity of Aboriginal businesses." The Government of Canada and its partners announced investments towards three projects and one investment fund that will help Aboriginal entrepreneurs to expand and grow their businesses and create jobs across the country.

2012 Annual Business Plan Competition

The GBBEC is honoured to be administering the high school business plan challenge in Barrie and Simcoe County for the 11th consecutive year. 

The Entrepreneurs Club has wrapped up for another year

The Entrepreneurs Club has wrapped up for another year, and we would like to thank all of our experts who volunteer their time for this club as well as our members and supporters. 

Ask the Experts at the City Hall Rotunda Barrie

On Wednesday October 26th, the GBBEC held its first Ask The Experts event at the City Hall Rotunda Barrie. This 3 hour event, provided new and existing businesses the opportunity to spend some time getting expert tips from local business professionals, enjoy a light lunch and get some great advice on social media from key note speaker James Burchill of Business Fusion Marketing.

It was a terrific turn-out, and included some insight on the state of business in Barrie from Economic Development Officer, Stephannie Schlichter and Director, Hany Kirolos.

GBBEC's 10th Annual Bridges to Better Business Event

Thank you to everyone who attended the GBBEC's 10th annual Bridges to Better Business event on Nov 9th. It was another successful event with lots of new faces. This year's event was held at Liberty North, the new banquet facility in sound end of Barrie.