BUY BC BUSINESSES Business Buyer's Guide Kootenay Boundary Regions Winter 2015/2016 | Page 16

Within Your Reach

Small Business Loans
www.communityfutures.ca

Buy or Start
Your Own Business

Self-Employment Services
www.workbc.ca

The Employment Program of British Columbia is
funded by the Government of Canada and the
Province of British Columbia

Have you ever dreamed of being self-employed? Not necessarily starting a company,
or building a business empire, but just being your own boss? Does the thought
scare you, intrigue you, excite you? Probably all of those emotions are felt when you
consider “going out on your own” but is it really that scary? Is there help out there?
Could it be within your reach?
You are not alone; some 2.7 million (2010 labour force survey) people are selfemployed in B.C. And, 21% of total employment in rural areas is self-employment.
In line with the general trend toward an aging population (i.e. Baby Boomers),
people aged between 55 and 64 make up 24% of self-employed individuals in rural
and small town Canada.
Depending on what products, or services you want to offer, the risk doesn’t need to
be very high. You can make a start while still employed if you want, or take a
part-time job while establishing your new ‘business’.
If you sit down and create a solid business plan, members of your family and friends
will support your efforts, some may even help with funding your start-up. Once you
open a business bank account, your business account manager may be happy to
provide advice, as will your accountant and lawyer. Another way to ensure selfemployment is within your reach is to make a list of all the people you know,
alongside which note what skills and experience they have. Then pick those with the
knowledge, skills, and experience you need and ask them if they will sit on an
advisory board for you. You then have a support group that can help you through
the first year or so.
There are many organizations in your community to assist you, including Community
Futures www.communityfutures.ca which provides counselling services to support
individuals wanting to buy or establish and grow their
by Mike Wicks
businesses. They also operate a loan program. Other
President, Blue Beetle Creative Media
regional, provincial and national organizations that are
there to help you include www.workbc.ca and
www.smallbusinessbc.ca.
To read the entire blog go to www.ventureconnect.ca

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