Small business is the "little engine that could" in Canada's economy and today its driving force was recognized, as federal and provincial officials launched a week of celebrations and activities in its honour.

MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Mines and John Harvard, Member of Parliament, Charleswood St.James-Assiniboia, were on hand to sign a proclamation declaring October 20-26 Small Business Week, in honour of the achievements of small and medium-sized businesses. This year's theme is "You have genius. Let's bank on it now."

"Small business drive our economy," said Mihychuk. "Small businesses make up over 90 per cent of all businesses in Manitoba, and self-employed entrepreneurs number over 90,000. Small Business Week is an opportunity to both acknowledge and support this vital element of our economy."

"Entrepreneurship and small business is big business in Manitoba," said Harvard. "Over 16% of employed Manitobans are self-employed and Western Economic Diversification Canada is committed to assisting these - and potential - entrepreneurs. Through the Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre, the federal and provincial governments are working together to provide entrepreneurs with the business advice and counseling they need for a greater chance of success."

Over the last three decades self-employment in Manitoba has risen nearly 70%, with the most dramatic increase being among women entrepreneurs. Since 1976, the number of self-employed women has nearly doubled to 29,300. While there are many factors contributing to the increase in small and medium-sized businesses, job satisfaction is one of the reasons most often cited.

"The people who are most satisfied with their jobs are self-employed or are working for a small business," said Shannon Coughlin, Manager, Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre. "Entrepreneurs have a personal stake in their business and find creative and innovative ways to be successful - that in itself is satisfying to many small business owners."

Small Business Week is a national initiative led by the The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), in cooperation with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, with the support of national and local sponsors, and pays tribute to the accomplishments of the owners and managers of small and medium-sized enterprises.

"Small Business Week is our opportunity to celebrate small business and to remind ourselves, and the world, that Entrepreneurship is the key to our future in Manitoba," said Wellington Holbrook, Vice-President and Area Manager, Business Development Bank of Canada. "It is also an opportunity for small business to reflect on the issues so important to the future of their business and our economy, specifically innovation and productivity. These issues are what small businesses deal with every day and their success will determine the quality of the future for everyone in our province."

For more information on Small Business Week activities in Manitoba, visit www.cbsc.org/manitoba or www.bdc.ca .

For additional information, contact:

Jacquie Sippola
Communications Officer
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 983-0280

Nadine Delisle
Manitoba Government
Winnipeg, Manitoba
(204) 945-3810
www.gov.mb.ca