Island entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to learn about providing goods and services to the public sector at the 2010 Biz 2 Biz Expo, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.
Atlantic Supplier Development Team (ASDT) procurement officers from all four Atlantic provinces and a number of federal government departments will be on hand to discuss the best approaches to doing business with governments.
“Small business is a pillar of our provincial economy. The Biz 2 Biz Expo is an excellent opportunity for small business owners to network and develop strategies to succeed in business,” said Minister Campbell. “The ASDT Atlantic Provinces’ Reverse Trade Show will help the Island business community learn about directing the goods and services they offer in order to meet the needs of the public sector within the province and nationally.”
“Our government believes that all of Prince Edward Island benefits when our small businesses succeed,” said Finance and Municipal Affairs Minister Wes Sheridan. “We have the lowest small business tax rate in Canada to encourage their growth and prosperity. I am so pleased the Biz 2 Biz Expo will, once again, provide these valued business operators the chance to get together to collaborate and share ideas.”
The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce Biz 2 Biz Expo is a showcase and networking event that connects buyers, sellers and community leaders for business opportunities. Last year, the Biz 2 Biz Expo showcased 67 exhibitors and was attended by over 1,000 participants from the Island business community. This year’s 5th annual Expo will be the largest to date, and will feature over 90 exhibitors.
“Provincial and federal governments are major purchasers of goods and services,” said Kathy Hambly, Executive Director of the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce. “This exciting partnership with the Atlantic Supplier Development Team provides an incredible opportunity for Island businesses to meet the decision makers in charge of purchasing for the four Atlantic Provinces.”
The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada to have translators on site to assist new Islanders to speak with the Expo exhibitors.
The Biz 2 Biz Expo will run from 12 noon until 6 p.m. on Thursday, October 21, and admission is free. The ASDT’s presentation How To Do Business With Government: The ABCs of Procurement for Island Businesses will be held from 2:30 - 3:15 p.m. For more information on the Biz 2 Biz Expo, visit www.charlottetownchamber.com.