OPEN FOR BUSINESS WORKSHOPS TAKING PLACE

The Open for Business workshop series, February 6th to March 27th in Estevan, reached maximum registration with 12 entrepreneurs completing the training. Due to the positive response to this business skill improvement initiative, another series of workshops will be offered in the fall.

"The Open for Business workshop series is a practical and inexpensive training program designed to provide critical skills and information for new and experienced small business owners," Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said. "It is evident by the amount of interest shown in the workshops that entrepreneurship is alive and well in Saskatchewan."

A total of six workshops covered topics such as sales, marketing, tradeshow exhibiting, operations and bookkeeping, business plan basics, financing and accounting.

"I am able to apply many concepts from the workshops to the dynamics of my business and other activities in my life," Ross L-7 Tender Meats owner Crystal Ross said. "I highly recommend this training not only for those thinking of starting a new venture, but also those already involved in a business."

The Sunrise Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC) partnered with the Government of Saskatchewan, the Cornerstone Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA), and the Estevan Chamber of Commerce to hold the workshops at the Business Enterprise Centre in Estevan. A partnership between the four organizations, the centre is a one-stop business information resource.

University of Saskatchewan Commerce graduate Verna O'Neill facilitated the workshops. O'Neill has led more than 100 seminars for regional colleges and other organizations, and has helped several entrepreneurs achieve their business goals through consulting services.

"Verna O'Neill is a veteran facilitator who has counseled many entrepreneurs in all phases of business life," Sunrise CFDC Community Economic Development Co-ordinator Brittany Staines said. "It bodes well for the economy of southeast Saskatchewan that the members of the business community are so eager to develop skills and improve their operations."

For information on upcoming Open for Business sessions in the southeast region, call Sunrise CFDC at (306) 634-8300.

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For More Information, Contact:

Donna Rehirchuk Rural Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-2359