Learn and network: Calgary celebrates Small Business Week

Small business is about more than being your own boss.

It’s about contributing to the economy.

It’s about creating jobs — one for yourself and maybe a few others.

But it isn’t easy work.

It can be thankless and tiring.

Next week, Canada celebrates small business, giving entrepreneurs and business owners a round of applause for all their efforts.

The Calgary Chamber website says small business — enterprises with fewer than 50 employees — account for 95 per cent of all business activity in Alberta. Small business accounts for almost 30 per cent of the province’s gross domestic product.

“From construction contractors and family-run restaurants to serial entrepreneurs and marketing firms, our province’s small businesses can be found in virtually every sector,” the site says. “And they are making a big impact on our economy. There are about 39 small businesses in the province for every 1,000 people, far exceeding the average of 31.”

Large businesses, especially oil and gas, often turn to small business owners for specialized technical services, such as machinery, or consulting, contracting and administrative services.

During Small Business Week, Oct. 21-25, the Chamber is offering several events and workshops, bringing small business owners together to learn and network. You can pick from events focusing on human resources, finance, marketing, technology, operations, leadership and strategy.

The Chamber is also hosting the Small Business Awards, revealing the emerging stars of Calgary’s small business scene. The winners will be announced at Thursday’s Tradeshow Expo, where businesses display their products or services.

High River rises again

Our friends in High River are looking at Small Business Week a bit differently.

The small community was devastated by the June flood. So, the town’s Business and Tourism department and the High River Chamber have put together a program that is geared to rebuilding and recovering.

Manager of Business and Tourism Dayna Dickens told Okotoks Online that the town has invited a delegation from Slave Lake to talk about their experiences rebuilding their community following the 2011 wildfire that destroyed the northern Alberta town.

Here to help

A1 Accounting, a Calgary accounting and bookkeeping firm, is here to assist you with your taxes and planning. We specialize in personal taxes and small-business accounting and financial services. Contact one of our tax specialists and we can help you optimize the tax benefits and credits available to self-employed individuals and small businesses.

Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 403-226-8297.

Follow along

We’re on Twitter, talking about news, taxes and business, especially for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Find us at @A1Acct. While you’re at it, like us on Facebook