Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier, Director of Entrepreneurship Branch for the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Ann Hoy, Doug Garbutt and Collingwood Economic Development Officer Catherine Durrant cut the ribbon to officially open the new Small Business Enterprise Centre at a special ceremony held on August 30th in Downtown Collingwood. Collingwood Mayor Chris Carrier outlined the importance of small business to the overall well being of the community. "We want this centre to be the launching pad for Collingwood area entrepreneurs to capitalize on business opportunities and advantages" added Mayor Carrier.

Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar says the new Collingwood office will give local small businesses the tools they need to develop and grow, leading to job creation and increased prosperity. "Running a small business is an exciting, rewarding, and at times, challenging experience," said Takhar. "This office will give entrepreneurs the assistance they need to transform their innovative ideas into successful business ventures" Takhar added.

Jointly operated by the Ministry of Small Business and Entrepreneurship and local municipalities in conjunction with other partners, Small Business Enterprise Centres provide support to start-up and small enterprises during their initial years of development and operation and deliver ministry youth entrepreneurship programs, including Summer Company.

Contact the Small Business Enterprise Centre in Collingwood by calling 441-2762 or by email at smbiz@collingwoodsbec.ca