Markham Small Business Forum 2009 – “Business Success In Changing Times”
Friday, Oct 23, 2009,  8am to 11:45am
Canada Room, Markham Civic Centre
101 Town Centre Blvd., Markham, L3R 9W3

Are we seeing signs of stability and economic bottom? How does a small business owner prepare for the recovery? What practical and creative strategies are required to grow your business in this ever-changing marketplace?

Jon Markham’s business leaders for a powerful lineup of keynote presentations, panel discussions and “how-to” sessions that will provide valuable insights on key small business trends, strategies and opportunities.

Keynote Presentations:
“And Now, the Recovery – Riding Out Hard Times, Productively”
by Rick Spence, Writer, Speaker, Columnist and former editor and publisher of PROFIT magazine.

“Market Wisely to Grow Your Business In Challenging Times”
by Jim Stewart, ProfitPATH

“Small Business Economic Outlook”
by Beata Caranci, Director of Economic Forecasting, TD Financial Group

Panel Discussions – “Business Success In Changing Times”:
     -     Matthew Bodkin, Founder, InnovationOne Applied Technology
     -     Elizabeth Dawson, Centre Manager, Markham Executive Offices
     -     Loretta Lam, President, Focus Communications Inc.
     -     Rick Spence, Columnist, Writer, Speaker
     -     Jim Stewart, ProfitPATH

Breakout Seminars – Ask the Experts:  (concurrent sessions)
     1. “Finding Money – Financing to Growth”, by TD Canada Trust

- Learn how to deal with the bankers, lending criteria and how your banker helps you grow your business.

     2. “Government Resources for Small Business”, by Vernier Tao, Senior Business Advisor, Ministry of Economic Development & Trade

- Learn the most update programs and funding resources provided by the three levels of government to support SMEs.

     3. “Tax Tips for Small Business”, by George Simpson, CA, Senior Manager, BDO Dunwoody LLP, Chartered Accountants and Advisors

- Find out what you should know to avoid tax pitfalls.

AGENDA
8 - 8:30am   Breakfast/Registration
8:30am        Welcome Remarks – Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Town of Markham
8:45am        Keynote Presentations
10:30am      Panel Discussion
11am           Breakout Seminars
11:45am       Wrap Up

Hosted by: Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre
Partners: Town of Markham, Ministry of Economic Development & Trade, Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre
Title Sponsor: TD Canada Trust
Sponsors: BDO Dunwoody LLP, Chartered Accountants & Advisors, Markham Executive Offices
Supported by: Markham Board of Trade, Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs, Richmond Hill & Markham Chinese Business Association, Philippine Chamber of Commerce, Business Development Bank of Canada, YMCA Markham Business Centre, Markham Arts Council, Markham Public Library

Cost:  $30 ($25 if you’re receiving this email directly from MSBEC or are a member of the supporting groups).

Please register online at www.msbec.markham.ca and choose “Registration”.  Pre-registration and pre-payment required.

Don’t miss out on this unique networking opportunity.  Seating is limited.  Register early to avoid disappointment.

For further information, contact

Sandra Tam
Manager
Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre
Economic Development Department, Town of Markham

1380 Rodick Road, Suite 100
Markham, ON   L3R 4G5
Tel: (905) 248-2736   Fax: (905) 479-2055
Email: sandratam@markham.ca
Please visit our website at www.msbec.markham.ca