FRANCAIS

October 14, 2005

Manitoba entrepreneurs will have a unique opportunity to get assistance from BizCoach Manitoba, a new business mentoring program announced today by Industry, Economic Development and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau.

BizCoach Manitoba, an arm’s-length non-profit organization, will accelerate business learning by teaming new and existing businesses with experienced mentors. The program will facilitate discussion about the many facets of business including financial management, business startup, business growth, sales, human resource management, financial management and business networking.

"In today’s business environment, partnerships are key to success and this is a program that brings together experienced business professionals and new entrepreneurs," said Rondeau. "The business community has said they want a mentorship program and better access to information, and this government is responding."

The launch of a newly-designed Business Gateway website, created as an information resource for small businesses, was also announced.

"The Business Gateway website will provide one-stop shopping for entrepreneurs with questions on every subject from startup to growth to succession planning," said Rondeau.

The two new initiatives were announced at the opening of the home-based business trade show, part of Manitoba Small Business Week.

Small business, defined as those employing less than 50 people, makes up 97 per cent of all business in Manitoba, accounting for 23 per cent of the province’s gross domestic product. Small businesses create about one-third of all new jobs in Manitoba.

- 30 -