Province of British Columbia: Small Business Month Celebrates Success And Partnership

VICTORIA, Oct 02, 2008 (M2 PRESSWIRE via COMTEX) -- SBCO | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- For the second consecutive year, October is officially proclaimed Small Business Month in British Columbia, announced Kevin Krueger, Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister responsible for Regulatory Reform.

"Small Business Month is a time to celebrate this growing sector by showcasing its strength and diversity and highlighting the critical role small business plays in driving B.C.'s economy," said Krueger. "Over one million people are employed in the province by small business."

There are approximately 379,700 small businesses operating in British Columbia with 98 per cent of businesses in the province classified as small businesses. Some of the most active regions in the province for small business growth between 2002 and 2007 included:

o Northeast B.C. - growing by approximately 400 new businesses per year

o Kootenays - experiencing an average increase of 600 new businesses each year

o Thompson/Okanagan - adding an average of 900 new businesses annually

"Our small business sector is a key source of employment in this province. Fifty-seven per cent of B.C.'s private sector jobs were with small businesses - the highest percentage in Canada," said Krueger. "By delivering on the Action Plan for Small Business, supporting the permanent Small Business Roundtable and breaking down barriers to doing business in the province, we are working to ensure ours is the most small-business-friendly jurisdiction in Canada."

British Columbia small business continues to undergo steady growth, increasing by over 30,000 small businesses between 2002 and 2007. The most dramatic growth was experienced by small business construction, business services, and mining, oil and gas extraction sectors.

"British Columbia's small business owners, operators and employees have created a dynamic sector in British Columbia - a primary creator of jobs, an important source of innovation, and an economic driver that has transformed British Columbia into a national leader in small business growth," said Krueger. "Small Business Month not only serves to mark those tremendous contributions, it honours the entrepreneurial spirit that captures the very essence of our great province."

CONTACT: Christine Wood, Communications Director Tel: +1 250 387 4193 Tel: +1 250 812 0695 WWW: http://www.gov.bc.ca

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