TORONTO (August 30, 2011) – Toronto Public Library has again partnered with the Toronto Business Development Centre (TBDC) and the City of Toronto’s Economic Development & Culture Division (ECD) to deliver a business incubation program in its libraries, aimed at helping entrepreneurs throughout the city develop powerful business plans so they can realize their dream of owning and operating their own business.
Built on the success of a pilot program launched earlier this spring, aptly named Business Inc., this nine-week program is returning in October. Tweaked to allow for more participants and expanded to three locations across the City, Business Inc. will help equip entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge required to run a successful business. Participants will gain a better understanding of the guiding principles required to launch their new business or to accelerate an early stage business.
Farishta Kakar was one of 15 participants in the spring program and said: "The seminars taught me how to manage my operations, make financial forecasts, conduct online marketing and to tailor a business plan. With their assistance I prepared my business plan and now I can apply for business loans and grow my business as I dreamed”.
At the conclusion of the program, candidates will receive a Business Seminar Series Certificate from the TBDC and may be eligible to apply for a small business loan.
Interested entrepreneurs can find information on the program, as well as an application form due September 23, at: www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/businessinc
Toronto Business Development Centre was established in 1990 to nurture the growth of new and emerging businesses. As a business incubator, it provides access to advisory support, management training, guidance on business plan preparation, networking opportunities and a range of other resources. TBDC's Business Incubation Programs support the success of entrepreneurs and have helped more than 3,700 clients. Contact: www.tbdc.ca.
The City of Toronto’s Economic Development & Culture Division provides services that contribute to an economically strong, socially enjoyable and culturally vibrant city. Among its many services are programs and resources targeted to accelerate start-up and early stage business success, ensuring Toronto remains an innovative and competitive global city.
Contact: www.toronto.ca/doing business.
Toronto Public Library has been supporting financial literacy and small businesses in the city for more than 100 years. Library branches provide staff expertise in business related research, free access to business information resources and databases, as well as job and career assistance. See www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/businessinc for more information.
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Media Contact:
Michelle Leung, Communications Officer, 416-397-5936 mleung@torontopubliclibrary.ca