Small Business Week in Manitoba kicks off today

STATEMENT FROM GROWTH, ENTERPRISE AND TRADE MINISTER BLAINE PEDERSEN ON SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

Small Business Week in Manitoba kicks off today to showcase the many great achievements of small and medium-sized businesses across the province.

This week is an opportunity to honour Manitoba’s entrepreneurs – the diverse, creative and passionate individuals whose successes are a significant part of our economy and the many great things this wonderful province has to offer.

Small business owners in Manitoba have told us they are optimistic about the future, with confidence levels reaching a new five-year high of 68.9 points, according to the July CFIB Business Barometer Index.

We share your optimism.  Small businesses employ 77 per cent of the workforce and are the fastest-growing business sector in this province.  Manitoba is home to over 120,000 small businesses, and I applaud each person who has made the choice to meet the challenges of growing and sustaining an enterprise.

As we work together to generate growth and development in our economy, on behalf of the Manitoba government, I would like to wish all small and medium-sized business owners, employees and their families the very best as we pursue the shared goal of a bright, prosperous future here in Manitoba.