OCTOBER 20TH – 26TH, 2019

WHEREAS, Canadian entrepreneurs are the engine that drives our Country’s economy; and WHEREAS, small and medium- sized businesses are the cornerstone of the Canadian economy.  They account for 99.7% of all Canadian companies and employ more than 90% of private sector workers; and

WHEREAS, 96.9% of businesses within the Thunder Bay District are considered “Small Businesses”; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 40th anniversary of BDC Small Business WeekTM and coincides with BDC’s 75th anniversary – which is a cause for celebrating Canada’s entrepreneurs! and

WHEREAS, BDC Small Business Week TM is about creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to share success stories, talk to business experts, exchange innovative ideas and participate in events held across Canada; and

WHEREAS, this year the BDC Small Business WeekTM Committee (comprised of Community partners – BDC, Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre, Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, Thunder Bay Public Library, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, Nishnawbe-Aski Development Fund, Thunder Bay Ventures, Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, Lakehead University, Confederation College, SHIFT Young Professional’s Network, and PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise has worked together to host a calendar events and activities to pay tribute to Thunder Bay and District entrepreneurs. 

NOW THEREFORE, I, Bill Mauro, Mayor of the City of Thunder Bay, do hereby proclaim the week of October 20 - 26, 2019 as BDC SMALL BUSINESS WEEKTM. 

With the national theme, ”Canada: a nation of entrepreneurs.  Showcasing the people behind the business!”, I request all communities in Ontario and across Canada to observe this week with appropriate programs, ceremonies and activities.  Let’s all celebrate entrepreneurship and its remarkable contribution to Thunder Bay and our country. 

Please visit http://www.bdc.ca/en/sbw/pages/local_events.html for a list of events happening in our local community.