October 20, 2017, FREDERICTON (GNB) – New Brunswickers are encouraged to participate in Small Business Week by visiting local independent stores in their own community on this year’s Small Business Saturday, Oct. 21.
“Small businesses are a very significant part of New Brunswick’s economy,” said Opportunities NB CEO Stephen Lund. “Small Business Saturday is an opportunity for each of us to find time to visit our local merchants and support the work they do. These are the entrepreneurs that keep New Brunswick’s main streets alive and thriving.”
Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation that seeks to attract and support opportunities to grow the economy and create jobs. It provides support services for businesses across the province. It has worked collaboratively with more than 300 startups in 2017 and has helped more than 350 businesses expand their export operations.
“The men and women of New Brunswick’s small businesses represent some of the most innovative talent our province has to offer,” said Economic Development Minister Francine Landry, who is also minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “That is why Opportunities NB has launched initiatives, like our new Startup and Series A funding programs, that are designed to support the aspirations of New Brunswickers who dream of owning their own business one day.”
Small Business Saturday is supported by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
“Saturday is an opportunity for every New Brunswicker to show how important small businesses are to our communities across the province,” said Louis-Philippe Gauthier, director of provincial affairs for the federation.
With over 109,000 members across Canada, including 5,000 in New Brunswick, the federation is Canada’s largest association of small and medium-sized business. For more than 45 years they have worked to support the success of independent business by ensuring that their voice is heard at all levels of government, providing expert advice on key business questions and negotiating exclusive savings with partners.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Jeff Hull, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-476-2771.