1. Entrepreneur Support Network (ESN) Thursday Dec 11 2008Presentation for LEAP

2. Why an English Entrepreneur Support Network? Entrepreneurs and small businesses contribute to the development and economic growth of communities and regions Creativity, autonomy, leadership, responsibility are values upon which entrepreneurial culture is built Business networking is an essential quality which you must possess or develop to be successful in this competitive, rapidly changing world will help foster an environment where entrepreneurs can exchange and work together to identify and resolve challenges and opportunities

3. Why an English Entrepreneur Support Network? support English entrepreneurs in succession planning address demographic challenges facing this community locally Can encourage an intergenerational dialogue between youth and English speaking entrepreneurs Foster closer ties between education and the labour market through promotion of Entrepreneurship

4. Entrepreneurship and Networking 8.0% of Canadians were engaged in entrepreneurial activities in 2003. Quebec falls below the national average, with 7.3% of adults participating in entrepreneurial activities* Business networking is an essential quality which you must possess or develop to be successful in this competitive, rapidly changing world * Canada GEM 2003 Report, www.gemconsortium.orgwww.gemconsortium.org

5. Beginnings… 2005 South West Quebec CEDEC began to explore promoting entrepreneurship 2006 Planning / organization April 2007 First meeting in Huntingdon Feb. 2008 First meeting in Châteauguay June 2008 First meeting in Brossard

6. Since the April 2007 launch… 10 meetings have been held 3 electronic news bulletins created and 2 “News from Fellow Entrepreneurs” Membership increased from 17 to 40 businesses Partnership developed with Southwest Business Journal (Journal d’affaires Sudouest) Haut Saint-Laurent Chapter

7. Workshops held… Time Management Community Learning Center (CLC) Marketing Accounting and Bookkeeping Website Design Setting up Displays Upcoming Workshops… Buying/selling online Obtaining government contracts

8. Châteauguay Chapter Since the February 2008 launch… 5 meetings have been held Membership to date: 45 businesses Workshops held Financing Your Business Business Insurance

9. South Shore Chapter Launched on June 9 th, 2008 12 entrepreneurs signed on to the network – including 4 potential start-up businesses All participants completed a questionnaire in which they indicated where they wanted the network to focus in future meetings.

10. Ideas for Future Workshops Website Development Financial Strategies for the Business Owner Causes and Effects of Business Failure Get More From Your Business Cards Effective Advertising Practices Practical Advice to Tackle Difficult Business Challenges Juggling, Balancing and Letting Go – Time Management The Questions Behind the Interview Questions; Select the Best Candidate for the Job

11. Why Network? Generate business referrals & build connections – alliances For a start-up or small business, networking can generate business and provide a lifeline of support Networks are a key source of information and support 70% of new business is generated by word of mouth Networking is about relationship building – creating mutually beneficial relationships Raise your business profile in the community Networking is a long-term activity, not a quick fix Should be thought of as professional development which will widen your knowledge base and energize your business

12. Benefits of Membership in the Montérégie ESN Network Contact with English entrepreneurs across the Montérégie Bi-monthly, on-line ESN newsletter Entrepreneurship News You Can Use – Provincial on-line newsletter Regional and local seminars focused on what YOU want to learn Website with Members Directory. Quick Links, Notes & Bulletins

13. Next Steps… For more information contact Stacey Dakin, Director SWQ CEDEC 450 264 5558 / 1877 264 5558 Ext 229 swqdirector@cedec.ca Thank you!  Further Expansion across the Montérégie and eventually Québec  Funding agreement with Canadian Economic Development for Quebec Regions.  Explore sustainability options e.g. Emploi Quebec, Foundations, Membership Fees etc..  Hiring of a Coordinator