Small Businesses Drive to Thrive

Finding opportunities in challenges

The Rural Alberta Business Centre (RABC) hosted a free small business networking event during small business week in Cold Lake; which aimed to teach businesses to “drive to thrive” in tough economies.

Small business adviser for the RABC, Kathryn Hotte explains there were four keynote speakers, two established businesses and two newer businesses, “what we found from listening to them was overwhelmingly positive vibes from the speakers. You know, it’s been bad (economically) but they’ve been through this and have come out of it. You just have to find new ways.”

You have to have a positive vibe and embrace some of these challenges to find a way around them. – Kathryn Hotte Small Business Advisor RABC

“I tell businesses all the time, you have to go back to your business plan and if you don’t have one, create one.” One of the many services that the RABC provides is help with creating a business plan. Hotte can give you the resources you need to create one or even update your existing business plan; something no business should be without, says Hotte. “We talked about how you can re-purpose a service or re-purpose a product.”

The event was a major networking opportunity for the small business community, with over 108 people registered for the night. “We talked about the importance of networking and how to network effectively,” Hotte says there’s a lot more than introducing yourself involved. “You got to get out there, you can’t just expect people to come. We encourage that and that’s why we do these events.” The RABC will be hosting a workshop in December on how to network if anyone is unsure of their skills.

The importance of social media was touched on and how to embrace current trends. As well as spotting opportunities and taking them.

Hotte thanks the multitude of sponsors who donated to the silent auction, as well as all those who helped contribute to the event as keynote speakers.

 

Thank you from Kathryn Hotte:

Our host and partner this year Benjamin Dyck CPA and his team – fabulous group of people to work with. Amazing door prize!!

K Rock – Chris Gill, always our emcee for a reason! Makes a night of it

Alberta HUB – my managing partner, and Bob who says all the time ‘I just get out of her way’ I like it like that,

The I Do Shop – for the décor and centerpieces (Also Petals and Pots for the flower arrangements)

Staples – for printing and prizes

Lakeland Credit Union for the amazing door prize

Cold lake sun and Bonnyville Nouvelle – for the wonderful ads

Nerd Bird – for the amazing poster

Wine Knows – for wine

And Jolys Fine Cuisine for the amazing food as always !!