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Doing Business
with the Government
The Federal and Provincial Governments buy just about every kind of product and service, from aircraft to paper clips, from training services to scientific research.
Time:
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location:
London Small Business Centre
Address:
316 Rectory Street,
3rd Floor, London
Cost:
$10+GST (venue fee)
Registration Deadline:
June 28th
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Welcome to the June 2010 issue of the Small Business Centre Newsletter.
For most people, the May long weekend marked the beginning of the summer season. Unless your business is summer-oriented, things typically slow down during the warmer months. If things are getting slow, it may be a perfect time to start experimenting with social media and to create your social media business strategy; set up that Twitter account, connect on LinkedIn, even start your own blog.
It's also a great time to take a long hard look at your website. Most business websites tend to get a bit dated. If you've had the same design for ages, maybe it's time to consider a facelift. In fact, in response to our clients' questions about social media and online presence, we are introducing a new Professional Advisory Service at our Centre. With the help of Jayme Cousins of InHouse Logic our first session of Online Presence Consultations will start this month. So, if the summer months are typically slower, invest some of that "free" time in the activities that could strengthen your company and will help you grow your business. Maja Pental
Business Information Advisor/Newsletter Editor
e-mail: mpental@sbcentre.ca
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Clients in the News... |
 The following clients have recently been featured in the local media. Congratulations!
Where: Mom & Caregiver Magazine
When: April 2010 issue
Who: Melinda Willis of The Mindful Body Yoga Studio
Melinda Willis, owner of The Mindful Body Yoga Studio offers classes that are suited for all levels of students, from wee babies to men and women in their eighties. In addition to Anusara Yoga, The Mindful Body offers Pre-&-Post Natal Yoga Classes, Nosara Yoga and Belly Dancing Classes. Visit their studio at 189 Adelaide St. or get more information at www.themindfulbody.ca
Where: The Londoner and The London Free Press When: May 6 and May 14, 2010 Who: Eric Katzman of Western Fencing Academy
Eric Katzman, owner of Western Fencing Acdemy, has launched a summer fencing program in London for students between the ages of 7-14. The classes started in May at St. Anne Catholic Elementary school on Huron Street. The academy is a six week program introducing the basics of fencing. To register your child or to get more information visit www.westernfencingacademy.com
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. |
 Professional Advisory Services |
Online Presence Consultations (NEW)
Second Tuesday of each month at the Small Business Centre
 Whether you're just starting out and developing a new web site or wondering how to make your existing site more effective our Online Presence Consultants can help. Knowledgeable in web design, development and on-line marketing these experts will answer a variety of questions depending on your business needs:
» Web design & development - typical costs, type of site, content, domain names, hosting, content management, what to look for in a designer, where does DIY make sense?, etc.
» Marketing - SEM/SEO, online ads, pay per click, keywords, cost, using social media - Facebook, Twitter, blogs, e-zines
Cost: $20+GST / half-hour session.
Contact the SBC at 519.659.2882 ext. 0 to register
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| Market Research Corner, Part II |
This month, I would like to introduce you to one of the most used resources in our library:
Associations Canada 2010, Grey House Publishing.
Click on Image for Table of Contents |
Associations Canada is an annual directory listing national and international organizations active in Canada, including trade and professional associations, social agencies, special interest groups, and non-profit organizations. It is a strong source of prospects for sales and marketing executives or anyone who wants to locate non-profit interest groups and trade associations.
This directory provides the most comprehensive picture of Canada's non-profit sector. Detailed listings enable users to identify an organization's budget, founding date, scope of activity, licensing body, sources of funding, executive information, full address and complete contact information, just to name a few. Source: Grey House Publishing
Visit our Centre during business hours to access the printed version of this directory.
Last month, we covered "What is Market Research?" by CanadaBusiness.ca... (Read More)Our Market Research Consultations can help you discover and optimize research tools and resources. This service is free and confidential and must be booked in advance. To arrange an appointment, call 519-659-2882 x227 or email mpental@sbcentre.ca |
| What's Taxable Under the HST and What's Not? |
Most products we buy will see no new tax
 Most of the products we buy every day will see no new tax. There are a lot of products and services on which we already pay the RST and GST. For these products, like cable and phone services, new cars and adult clothing, there won't be a change. On July 1, 2010, instead of paying 13 per cent tax to two different governments (8 per cent provincial and 5 per cent federal), there will be one tax - still 13 per cent, collected by the federal government.
Here are examples of common products and services and how they will be affected by the HST. Download PDF [ 868 KB / 8 pages ]
Source: Ontario Ministry of Revenue
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| Reducing Red Tape |
Red tape is the popular term for rules and regulations, paperwork, permits and licenses that burden small businesses. Government recognizes the costs associated to this compliance.
 Tackling red tape and paper burden issues, however, is no simple task. For one, many levels of government are involved in regulating business activities. Another challenge relates to the importance of maintaining strong and effective regulations that protect individuals, their privacy, and the environment.
The federal government took on these challenges and, as of March 2009, the burden was reduced by 20%. Other solutions are being sought to further ease the paperwork burden on businesses.
One solution to reduce your burden of dealing with the Canada Revenue Agency is the My Business Account where you can access GST/HST, payroll, corporation income taxes, excise taxes, excise duties and other levies accounts online.
 Another time saving initiative is BizPaL for finding the permits and licenses that your business needs. BizPaL ties together requirements from federal and provincial/territorial governments, and increasingly more municipalities. Try out our Permits and Licenses Search to see BizPaL in action. Read more about the federal government's efforts to reduce the cost of complying with government regulations on the Paperwork Burden Reduction Initiative website.
Source: CanadaBusiness.ca |
London Small Business Centre | 316 Rectory St. | 3rd Floor | London | Ontario | N5W 3V9 | Canada |
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