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| Small Business Centre Client to Address Canadian Club Luncheon |
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Steve Pellarin, the Executive Director of the Small Business Centre will be on hand to introduce
Jennifer MacDonald of Cenabal Gourmet Organics on December 11th at the Hilton London Hotel.
Jennifer MacDonald's search for a natural health solution for her son's eczema led to a unique product innovation of organic salad dressings. Since being the first successful participant on CBC's Dragon Den in 2006, Jennifer has enjoyed national fame and continues to grow her thriving business across Canada.
Read Announcement
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Dear Friends, 
With holidays upon us, we enter the most stressful season of the year. Frankly, I don't have much time - to shop, cut down a real tree, or to send the cards I purchased from a local artist/entrepreneur. What I really want to do is slow down.
During these final weeks of the year many people are unbelievably stressed. Expectations are high, and lots of people wear their emotions on their sleeves.
Take a big breath, friends. It's time for my tips for making it through the holiday season:
First: Watch your cash flow! The holiday season is usually either the busiest time of year or the slowest. This means cash management is essential. If this is a high-income time for your business, put money in a reserve account. If this is a lean time, reduce expenses as much as possible and when your income increases, start a reserve account to get you through next year's holidays.
Second: Send holiday cards. The holidays give you a perfect excuse to stay in touch with current and past customers. Sending a holiday card is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to remind someone that you exist.
Finally, keep your priorities straight. No matter how busy you are, don't get totally distracted by work. Remember the things that are really important. Spend time with those you truly care for and give to those who are less fortunate. And remember, January is just around the corner!
On behalf of the staff and directors of the Small Business Centre, we wish you a very safe and happy Holiday Season with your family and friends - and a very successful 2009!
Maja Pental
Business Information Advisor/Newsletter Editor
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Clients in the News...
 The following clients have recently been featured in the local media. Congratulations!
Who: Sharon Wittal of Quality Life Solutions of Seniors
Where: Biz Monday, London Free Press
When: December 1, 2008
"Quality Life Solutions for Seniors" is meeting the needs of Baby Boomers as they age. They offer a step-by-step approach to organizing, downsizing and transitioning. Sharon's Goal: Simplifying your Life! If you require assistance transitioning to the next phase of your life call Sharon at 519 642 7027 or visit her website.
Who: Daniel Castillo of GlassWay Studio
Where: The London Free Press
When: November 20, 2008
Daniel Castillo is an accomplished artist who works specifically in stained and fused glass. Looking for that unique piece, something that no one else has? Then visit GlassWay Studio. You will find fused glass artwork, sculptural pieces, and functional artwork that you cannot find anywhere else! GlassWay Studio is located at 538 Adelaide St. N.
If you are a Small Business Centre Client and have been featured in the media recently, we would like to hear from you so we can pass it along. Send details to info@sbcentre.ca and we may include it in our next newsletter.
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VenturePrize London is a city-wide competition, open to new and existing businesses, and has two grand prizes with over $45,000 in prizes and cash to be won!
Completed business plan submissions must be sent to the Small Business Centre by 4:00pm on December 12, 2008.
For more information about the submission rules and regulations for VenturePrize London, and for application forms, click here.
Watch this entertaining clip and see why you should apply.
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NEW YEAR NETWORKING
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Do Your New years Resolutions Include:
Increasing Business Contacts!
Getting In Shape!
Then join us for Networking at
The Carling FITness Club
on January 7, 2009
Location: Carling FITness Club
Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Address: 156 Carling Street., London Map
Cost: $5.00
If you would like to join us for this event please register by email, or call us at 519.659.2882 ext. 0 by January 6, 2009!
Thanks to everyone who joined us at Smoozefest on December 3rd.
Watch for the pictures on the Networking Wednesday Photo Gallery!
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Advanced Business Series Seminar:
Growing Your Sales In a Difficult Economy! 
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Time: 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Location: London Small Business Centre
Cost: $25.00+GST
Presented by George McCabe of Sandler Sales Institute
Invaluable pointers on keeping your business alive and growing in these volatile economic times. Click Here for More Information & Registration
Pre-registration required as seating is limited.
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On Tap with The Entrepreneur's Club... 
Each month, members of The Entrepreneur's Club meet to learn from seasoned professionals, share knowledge and skills, and develop valuable business relationships.
At our November meeting, Michael Koenig, Davis Martindale, talked about the role of an accountant in your business and some practical advice.
- An accountant provides the financial statements and compliance for income tax purposes and when additional financing is required.
- An accountant should be part of your trusted partner team - someone can pick up the phone and have questions answered or for direction.
- Ask your accountant about the benefits of incorporation for your business.
- When hiring independent contractors, ensure they have WSIB coverage - if they don't, and it is required, you will be liable.
- Vehicle expenses - keep a travel log with references!
- Any business start-up should immediately register for GST and PST if it is a product-based business.
Are you interested in becoming a member of The Entrepreneur's Club? Attend a Water Cooler meeting to find out what we're all about. All you have to do is pay for breakfast. Attend two meetings without obligation...and then we'd love to have you join us regularly. Check out our Searchable Directory. You can be included, too...simply become a member of The Entrepreneur's Club - it's part of your membership fee.
Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, December 17, 7:00 a.m.
RSVP eclub@sbcentre.ca | phone 519.649.7712
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Gift Cards Not Always The Perfect Gift
Gift cards are a common holiday gift, but your Better Business Bureau warns that if consumers are not careful their gift card could be worthless in a few months.
With the downturn of the economy many stores are struggling. Though they may be operating through December some businesses could close locations in the new year.
On October 1, 2007 the Consumer Protection Act in Ontario banned expiry dates and most fees on gift cards purchased after that date to ensure you get the full value regardless of when you use them. Businesses can only charge a fee to customize cards or replace one that is lost or stolen.
Fees that have been banned include:
- Activation fees: You can no longer be charged to purchase the card or to use it for the first time.
- Dormancy fees: companies can no longer deduct fees from the unused balance if the card isn't being used.
Gift cards redeemable at more than one unaffiliated store are exempt from these rules for the time being. The most common of these cards are issued by malls for all their stores.
Your BBB offers this advice when considering the purchase of a gift card:
- Check out the business at www.london.bbb.org to see if the Better Business Bureau is aware of any bankruptcy, going out of business or licensing issues.
- Ask if the card can be redeemed online. You can then use it if the location near you closes to make the purchase online.
- Research the business to see if they have announced a going-out-of-business sale.
The ban on expiry dates only applies to cards purchased after Oct 2007.
For further information on gift card rules go to the Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services web site at www.mgs.gov.on.ca under Consumer Protection
Source: The Better Business Bureau of Western Ontario is a not-for-profit membership association of businesses, devoted to the vitality of the free enterprise system, promotion of ethical business practices and serving the concerns of business and the consuming public. | |
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