Calling all entrepreneurs

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION

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Calling all entrepreneurs; New support network to meet next week

SAULT STE. MARIE - Are you a current or aspiring entrepreneur who wants to meet like-minded people to network, share experiences and learn from one another?

If so, consider attending the first meeting of the Sault Community Entrepreneur Network Exchange (SCENE) next week.

Hosted by the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp. and Gangplank Sault, the event is taking place Monday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m. in the main branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library at 50 East St.

At the gathering, attendees will have a chance to:

Meet other creative, entrepreneurial people;
Discover talents and share ideas to move your business/career/community by participating in group exercises; and
Learn more about the SCENE and Gangplank Sault and how you can get involved.

Participants must register online to attend.

To sign up, visit here.

Please note that there are only 30 spots available.

The goal of the newly-formed SCENE is to assist individuals in their entrepreneurial pursuits through informal gatherings and an online information-based system.

The network aims to increase entrepreneurial education, reduce social and economic barriers in business start-up, and provide information on support programs for entrepreneurs.

Spearheaded by Business Sault Ste. Marie, a division of the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp. (SSMEDC), the initiative will support and bolster the local economy.

“The survival rate of a new business is significantly increased when a solid support structure is available for new business owners,” said Tom Dodds, CEO of the SSMEDC. “That’s the overall goal of the Sault Community Entrepreneur Network Exchange – known as the SCENE – which makes it easier to enter and remain in the small business sector. The SCENE offers entrepreneurs a practical forum to build on their business skills, knowledge and experience.”

City Council supported the SCENE initiative with $10,000 in start-up funding.

The investment came from its Economic Development Fund, an annual fund established by council that supports job creation, an increase of new tax assessment through investments and economic development projects.

Meanwhile, the need for this entrepreneur network was identified after conducting a survey of entrepreneurs.

“We found that a lack of a forum of support was keeping some from taking the next step and entering the small business sector,” said Zoltan Virag, the SSMEDC’s business development advisor. “The SCENE addresses this deficit and, ultimately, it will help create and retain jobs in the Sault area.”

The SCENE was identified as a strategic priority project in the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corp.’s recently-released 2012-2015 Strategic Plan.

WHAT? Inaugural meeting of the SCENE
WHEN? Monday, January 21 at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE? Public Library, Main Branch, 50 East St.

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