170 likes | 410 Views
Dragica Lebo The City of Hamilton. Let’s Talk Business!. Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre Your one-stop shop for business Consultations Training and Development Mentoring, Networking Business Registration In-house library with public internet access Youth Programs
E N D
Dragica LeboThe City of Hamilton Let’s Talk Business!
Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre • Your one-stop shop for business • Consultations • Training and Development • Mentoring, Networking • Business Registration • In-house library with public internet access • Youth Programs • 65,986 general inquiries in 2013 • 832 one-on-one consultations in 2013 • Created 257 jobs in 2013
1. Conduct Market Research • Understand your industry • In-depth information on your clients (income level, age, male/female dominated), suppliers, competitors • Market vs. Target Market
2. Prepare a Business Plan • Business bible • Helps put thoughts onto paper • Quality vs. Quantity • A business plan is created to best reflect you and your company • Mainly created for financing purposes – however, good to have regardless • SBEC can help!!!!!
E. R. Monaco Business Plan Competition
E. R. Monaco Business Plan Competition What is the purpose of the Business Plan Competition? It gives students and young entrepreneurs the opportunity to: • Develop business skills through the development of professional business plans. • Develop presentation, networking, interpersonal and team-building skills. • Receive guidance and feedback on their proposed venture idea, and gain outside perspective on its viability. • Be recognized by organizations within the geographic region.
E. R. Monaco Business Plan Competition Who can compete? • Students attending high school within the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board and Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board who are between 15 to 20 years old • Students will create theirown business scenarios and ensure that all components of the business plan are completed. • Students must create a start-up business (not existing or franchise). • Business plans will be submitted to the SBEC by May 2014 • Business plans will be evaluated by local volunteer professionals and the top participants will be invited to the Hamilton E. R. Monaco Business Plan Competition finals in June 201.
E. R. Monaco Business Plan Competition So, what did they get for their efforts? All Top 20 students received gift bags filled with business-related items: portfolios, pens, and a lot more from our dedicated sponsors. Monetary prizes: 1st Place: $ 500.00 2nd Place: $250.00 3rd Place: $100.00 4th Place: $75.00 5th Place: $50.00
Are You… • 15 – 29 • A student returning to school in the fall • A resident of Ontario • A Canadian Citizen or landed immigrant • Prepared to commit at least 12 weeks to the experience Then you are potentially ELIGIBLE to participate in the Summer Company program!!
To apply for Summer Company you must: • Prepare a business plan • Fill out an application form online • www.ontario.ca/summercompany • Submit everything to the SBEC • Deadline: May 23, 2014 • APPLICATIONS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED (30 Spots)
Sign an agreement with the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade & Employment • Receive an award of up to $1,500 • Take 12 hours of business training • Marketing • Legal • Insurance • Accounting • Then, you will: • Start and operate your own summer business!
During the Summer you will… • Run your business as planned • Meet regularly with local a Mentoring Group at the SBEC • Complete a survey on the experience • Submit proof of return to school for the fall • Receive the second award of up to $1,500 and a certificate of completion • For the application and more information, please visit www.ontario.ca/summercompany
If you have any questions about starting a business or the programs that I talked about, please contact me at the: Hamilton Small Business Enterprise Centre 71 Main Street West (City Hall) 905-540-6400