Business
Plan 2006 - 2007
Prepared by: Sandra Tam
Manager
Date: March, 2006
The Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre (MSBEC) was established in
2003 and is funded by the Town of
MSBEC is managed by
a full-time Town of
MSBEC provides
- To be the “one-stop” shopping centre for business tools, information, education, resource and networking for small and medium-sized businesses.
- To provide stability and early-stage growth support to existing small business (less than 5 years in operation, under 10 employees and under 5 million dollars in sales) and improve the success rate.
-
To promote and encourage entrepreneurship as a viable
career option by developing entrepreneurial skills, qualities and opportunities
for
The Markham Small Business
Enterprise Centre is assisted by an Advisory Council of funding sponsors and
partners that meets quarterly to review the MSBEC operation and provide feedback
and advice relating to the strategic direction of the Centre. Members of the Advisory Council are:
Co-Chairs: Stephen
Wong, B.Sc., M.Cs.
President,
ESM Group Inc.
Sanning
Cheng, MBA, C.A
Partner,
BDO Dunwoody LLP –
Members: Jim
Jones
Regional
Councillor, Town of
Joe Virgilio
Councillor
Ward 3, Town of
Chairman,
Economic Development Committee
Erin
Shapero
Councillor
Ward 2, Town of
Madge Linton
Business Consultant, Entrepreneurship
Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
Keith Bray
President & CEO,
Sue Teti
Sales Manager, Vaughan/GTA North Business Banking
RBC Royal Bank
Brian
Fernandes
Account
Manager, Vaughan/GTA North Business Banking
RBC Royal Bank
Reza Alavie
Professor,
Applied Research & Commercialization,
Stephen A. Chait, CMC, Ec.D.
Director of
Economic Development, Town of
Sandra
Tam
Manager,
Since the successful conversion of the Markham Business Self-Help Office into the Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre (MSBEC) in 2003, MSBEC has been successful in achieving its goals and missions through addressing client needs, leveraging partnerships as well as promoting and positioning MSBEC as a leader in providing business development assistance. In 2005, MSBEC broadened its target market to include early growth stage small businesses, provided an increased number of business events and served more business clients including young entrepreneurs.
The year 2005 was filled with many challenges, opportunities, and successes. MSBEC served an increasing number of clients, enhanced and implemented new programs, created a greater awareness in the community and raised substantial dollars to fund its operations.
Ø Increased community awareness through implementation of several successful marketing strategies, contributing to the increase in client contacts. In 2005 MSBEC received/completed:
§ 2,090 general client inquiries
§ 28,634 web-based client contacts
§ 216 consultations
Ø Increased volume of small business seminars/workshops:
§ 15 small business seminars/workshops (attendance: 611)
§ 32 general/Youth outreach events (attendance: 1,640)
§ 10 networking/special small business events (attendance: 621)
Ø In conjunction with local accounting community, the Accounting Mentorship Program provided advice to 14 clients.
Ø Initiated and delivered 6 breakfast meetings to almost 200 participants, providing both business training and excellent networking opportunities for local small business community.
Ø Partnered with BizLaunch and Staples Business Depot to deliver a series of six free startup seminars that offered invaluable business training to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Ø
Celebrated the “Small Business Month” with a
premier small business forum that attracted more than 90 small business owners
and leaders from
Ø
Delivered the third Markham Secondary School
Business Plan Competition to
Ø Successfully administered the Ontario Summer Company Program and four Markham youths were awarded after successful completion of the Program.
Ø Maintained strong strategic partnerships with community partners and established new strategic alliances with public and private sector stakeholders.
Ø Developed strong media relationships with local TV and community newspapers.
MSBEC is dedicated
to strengthening
MSBEC’s efforts have made an impressive impact on the small business community. Based on the results of on going client survey of clients attending consultations at MSBEC in 2005, 49 businesses were either started or expanded.
Moreover, more than 200 businesses were registered through the Ontario Business Connects terminal in MSBEC in 2005.
Most importantly, by providing early-stage support to SMEs, MSBEC caters to helping them succeed, thereby generating a long-term impact that benefits the small and medium size business sectors.
E) PARTNER SUPPORT
FOR
The MSBEC continues to build its
strength through strategic partnership and alliances with local small business
organizations, associations and professional groups. Partners find the affiliation mutually beneficial
and continue to support MSBEC to address the common needs of
1. Partnership with
In partnership with the Canada-Ontario Business Service Centre,
MSBEC is one of the of Regional Access Program (RAP) sites that presents the
business clients of exceptional service for all their business development
needs. COBSC provides RAP sites with a library of print and
electronic business information resources to help clients conduct thorough
research. The core collection of print
directories and reference materials include Business Plans Handbooks, Canadian
Trade Index, FM Markets: Canadian Demographics 2005, Canadian Almanac and
Directory 2005, and Associations Canada 2005, etc.
By partnering with Ontario Business Connects of the Ministry of Government Services, MSBEC is one of the internet-based workstations that provide single-window registration solutions. The most commonly required registrations can be completed at an easy-to-use, self-serve computer workstation on site at MSBEC. The following applications can be completed at the workstation:
- Business Name Registration
- Business Name Renewal
- Retail Sales Tax Vendor Permit
- Employer Health Tax
- Workplace and Safety Insurance Board
2. 2005 Community
Partners
The MSBEC is supported through public and private sector partnerships. Events such as breakfast seminars and workshops are supported and promoted through Community Partners to reach a much broader audience. Greater operational efficiency is also achieved through the pooling of resources.
§
Services of MSBEC are now made known and available
to the 1,000 members of the Markham Board of Trade, members of the Professional
Engineers of Ontario - York Chapter, and entrepreneurs of the Chinese Community
which makes up 30% of
§ On-going discussions with Markham Public Libraries are underway to co-host business-related events.
§ Being the only community partner of the Canadian Youth Business Foundation in the Region of York, MSBEC assists in providing an alternate financing option for young entrepreneurs in the area.
§
The
The strong partnership contributes to the success of MSBEC and ensures that the Centre is servicing the different needs of small business clients in the local community. To further strengthen the partnership, contacts will be established or continued with local community organizations. Confirmed and new partners include:
Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs
Innovation Synergy Centre in
Canadian Youth Business Foundation
North American Association of Asian Professionals
Professional Engineers
of Ontario,
3. 2005 Sponsors
(Private Sector)
The MSBEC continues to receive financial and in-kind support from the private sector. The breakdown is as follows:
Cash Contribution In-Kind Contribution
RBC Royal Bank $5,000
BDO Dunwoody, LLP $2,000
Business Development Bank of
ESM Group Inc. $5,000
Kopy Copy $3,000
Total: $8,000 $8,000
F)
As part of the
The Small Business Enterprise Centres are supported through municipal, federal and private sector partnerships. Community partnerships, continued development of existing relationships and increased visibility within the business community and relevant business organizations will be an area of focus. Contact with be continued or established with community organizations such as:
- Municipal, provincial and federal levels of government
-
- Financial Institutions
- Chambers of Commerce (e.g. Markham Board of Trade, York Technology Association, Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs)
- Entrepreneur Associations (e.g. Canadian Youth Business Foundation)
- Junior Achievement Partnerships
- Local Training Organizations
- Private Industry
- Profession Services Area Representatives (legal and accounting community)
- Economic Development Agencies and Departments
- Sources of Publication
- Local Media
- Educational Institutions
Ongoing coordination and participation will continue in the following areas:
- Participation in relevant speaking opportunities
- Participation in relevant trade shows and fairs
- Participation in relevant training seminars
- Representation of the Small Business Enterprise Centre and MEDT at local events
- Regular visits to municipalities within the defined area for scheduled meetings with clients and liaison with municipal, provincial, federal and other agencies involved in business entrepreneurship
- Coordination and administration of entrepreneur enquiries/consultations
- Coordination and administration of entrepreneur workshops/seminars
- Coordination and administration of networking opportunities
- Coordination and administration of Young Entrepreneur Programs and initiatives
Maintenance, coordination and implementation responsibilities will be met in the following areas:
- Separate accounting processes for financial administration
- Maintenance of necessary office equipment and supplies
- Maintenance and administration of all business publications and program information inventory, records and report statistics and sales
- Distribute business related material including the promotion and sale of business publications
- Organize and administer the hosting of a Business Plan Competition
- Administer and coordinate all MEDT young entrepreneur initiatives
- Maintenance of Canada Ontario Business Service Centre (COBSC) regional computer access site
- Performance of day-to-day administrative duties necessary for the maintenance of Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre
- Implement and maintain comprehensive client management software program to allow for monitoring of client service levels, areas of assistance required, assistance provided to each client, follow up assistance and ongoing contact with clients
- Review and explore feasibility and potential of future partnerships with additional private sector partners, government and local organizations
- Maintain, review for relevancy and purchase business resources to ensure client needs are met
- Maintain, enhance and develop current website as necessary
Professional assistance will continue to be available to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs through many facets or points of contact. Direct assistance will be provided through one-on-one professional consultation, general inquiry assistance, seminars/workshops and the legal/accounting mentorship programs.
Statistics shows that
Accurate client files will be maintained on all consultations with specific notation to client, services provided, areas of additional assistance, follow up actions and point of contact for continued development of client/center relationships.
Table 1: CLIENT SERVICE PERFORMANCE
TARGETS FOR 2005-2006, GENERAL INQUIRIES:
|
|
Volume Projected and
Actual 2005 - 2006 |
|||||||||
|
ACTIVITY |
1st Quarter |
2nd Quarter |
3rd Quarter |
4th Quarter |
Annual |
|||||
|
|
Pro-jected |
Actual |
Pro-jected |
Actual |
Pro-jected |
Actual |
Pro-jected |
Actual |
Pro-jected |
Actual |
|
General
Inquiries (Telephone
Calls, Walk-ins,E-mails) |
550 |
610 |
450 |
512 |
550 |
444 |
650 |
524 |
2200 |
2090 |
Table 2: CLIENT SERVICE
PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR 2006-2007, GENERAL INQUIRIES:
|
ACTIVITY |
Volume Projected 2006-2007 |
||||
|
|
1st Quarter |
2nd Quarter |
3rd Quarter |
4th Quarter |
Annual |
|
General Inquiries (Telephone Calls, Walk-ins, E-mails) |
550 |
450 |
550 |
650 |
2200 |
Table 3: CLIENT CONSULTATION PERFORMANCE TARGETS FOR 2006-2007,
CONSULTATION:
|
|
VOLUME 2005-2006 |
VOLUME 2006-2007 |
|||||
|
ACTIVITY |
Projected |
Actual |
Projected |
||||
|
|
Annual |
Annual |
1st Quart |
2nd Quart |
3rd Quart |
4th Quart |
Annual |
|
Consultation - New Start-Up Client |
150 |
160 |
45 |
30 |
30 |
45 |
150 |
|
Consultation – New Existing Client |
45 |
37 |
12 |
10 |
10 |
13 |
45 |
|
Consultation – Repeat Start-Up Client |
20 |
14 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
20 |
|
Consultation – Repeat Existing Business |
5 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
5 |
|
Total New and Repeat Clients |
220 |
214 |
63 |
46 |
46 |
65 |
220 |
Seminars and workshops will be developed and coordinated annually to encourage and promote small business growth locally. The center will also continue to deliver outreach presentations in the local area focusing on youth (entrepreneurship classes), business associations and other relevant groups.
The increased awareness and high
profile of MSBEC have resulted in an ever growing demand for the services for
the Centre. The Centre has maintained a
balanced budget for the past years, despite increased costs of running the
office and delivering the expanded programs.
The 2006-07 program has been designed to be delivered within the
existing budgetary and staffing capacities of the Centre. The annual objectives have been adjusted to
reflect the need to maintain quality of service and to be fiscally responsible.
Table 4: EDUCATION/SEMINAR PERFORMANCE TARGET FOR
2006-2007:
|
ACTIVITY |
Volume 2005-2006 |
Attendance 2005-2006 |
Volume 2006-2007 |
Attendance 2006-2007 |
||
|
|
Projected |
Actual |
Projected |
Actual |
Projected |
Projected |
|
Seminars/Workshops |
15 |
15 |
1,000 |
637 |
12 |
600 |
|
General Outreach |
15 |
32 |
1,500 |
1,640 |
16 |
800 |
|
Events Hosted |
4 |
10 |
320 |
621 |
4 |
360 |
Table 5: QUARTERLY
BREAKDOWN – EDUCATION/SEMINAR PERFORMANCE TARGET FOR 2006-2007:
|
ACTIVITY |
2006-2007 Apr - Jun |
2006-2007 Jul - Sept |
2006-2007 Oct - Dec |
2006-2007 Jan - Mar |
||||
|
|
Volume |
Attend. |
Volume |
Attend. |
Volume |
Attend. |
Volume |
Attend. |
|
Seminars/Workshops |
6 |
300 |
2 |
100 |
2 |
100 |
2 |
100 |
|
General Outreach |
4 |
200 |
3 |
150 |
4 |
200 |
5 |
250 |
|
Events Hosted |
0 |
0 |
1 |
80 |
2 |
160 |
1 |
120 |
The Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre will offer facilitated consultations in partnership with local accounting firms, with the expanded option of Sales/Marketing /Financial counselling as well. The program provides free 30-minute consultations, by appointment, to potential entrepreneurs or existing business.
Due to the excellent feedback from clients and the mentoring accountants who participated in the program, the Accounting Mentorship Program will continue into 2006 to 2007. It is anticipated that the service will be expanded to include management counseling services.
Table 6: FACILITATED CONSULTATIONS PERFORMANCE TARGET FOR
2005-2006:
|
ACTIVITY |
2005-2006 Apr - Jun |
2005-2006 Jul - Sept |
2005-2006 Oct - Dec |
2005-2006 Jan - Mar |
2005-2006 Total |
|||||
|
|
Pro-jected |
Actual |
Pro-jected |
Actual |
Pro-jected |
Actual |
Pro-jected |
Actual |
Pro-jected |
Actual |
|
Accounting |
6 |
1 |
6 |
4 |
10 |
5 |
10 |
4 |
32 |
14 |
Table 7: FACILITATED CONSULTATIONS PERFORMANCE TARGET FOR
2006-2007:
|
ACTIVITY |
Projected Target 2006-2007 |
||||
|
Apr-Jun |
Jul-Sep |
Oct-Dec |
Jan-Mar |
Total |
|
|
Accounting |
5 |
4 |
5 |
4 |
18 |
The Centre will also participate in trade shows and annual meetings of various local business groups and associations including: Markham Board of Trade, York Technology Association, Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs and other private partner sponsors initiatives.
The Centre will continue to provide timely and accurate reports to MEDT as required. The reports will include the following:
- Monthly Summary of Centre Activities to be submitted electronically
- Seminar Activity reports to be completed and submitted, after each seminar/workshop
- Attendance and reporting as required at regional branch meetings
- Continue to monitor all client activities through client management system and report where required
- Continue to undertake client surveys to determine the success of the Centre in terms of value provided to clients, number of new business start-ups, number of business retention and other pertinent data
- Continue to implement, monitor and report on the MEDT young entrepreneur strategy initiatives
All opportunities to participate in professional development will be undertaken including attendance at seminars, workshops or other appropriate meetings that support current responsibilities, future growth areas or provide opportunity for advancement by all staff members.
The Markham Small Business Enterprise Centre is operated by two staff members. The staffing includes:
1 Full-time Senior Consultant/Centre Manager
1 Part-time Junior Business Consultant/Administrative Assistant
Staffing costs will remain at ($99,000) including benefits. In October 2004, the Manager became a permanent full time employee of the Town. The Junior Business Consultant/Administrative Assistant will remain a part time position.
Reporting to the Enterprise Centre Manager, the Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to clients and general public accessing the Enterprise Centre. The duties of the position include but are not limited to assisting in delivery of Enterprise Centre and community programs and services as well as accessing current information from community sources, print material and internet. The Assistant will also assist in coordinating and organizing meetings, seminars, workshops and other special events relating to the Program.
G) MARKET
COMMUNICATIONS
Though MSBEC has earned the reputation as the leading resource centre for small business information, MSBEC will continue to raise public awareness by hosting premier business events such as the Young Entrepreneur Awards Presentation and the Small Business Month Business Conference, which will generate significant media exposure and free advertising for the Centre.
Networking remains one of the most effective ways of marketing the Centre. The Centre will continue to deliver outreach presentations to the local business and education communities and other relevant groups.
As part of the MSBEC 2006
marketing plan, it was proposed and agreed at the Advisory Council Meeting on
H) PARTNER FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS:
1. Outline of MEDT
Financial Contribution 2006-2007:
Funding from MEDT for “Services Rendered” will start at $55,000 for the new fiscal period. Other funding will also be provided for the coordination and administration of MEDT programs.
The estimated total funding provided by MEDT will be:
Annual Contribution - Services Rendered $55,000
*Summer Company Program (Gross Amount) 9,500
*Salute to Small Business Month (Gross Amount) 3,000
*Business Plan Competition (Gross Amount) 3,000
Total
Funding from MEDT $70,500
*Provided the programs are still in operation by the
Province. Estimates based on last year.
2. Outline of Municipal Partner Funding
Contribution 2006-2007:
Office space contribution (in kind) – approx. 1,200 sq. ft. @$30/sq.ft $36,000
Cash contribution: Marketing Expense/Volunteer Support 30,000
Staff Earnings/Benefits 20,000
Misc. in kind contribution: Office equipment/phone/fax/photocopy
Fixtures
Utilities – heat/hydro/AC
Cleaning/janitorial
Admin. Support including training
Office supplies
Printing, Mailing, Advertising
Misc. seminar costs i.e. food/beverage
Meeting room/audio visual 29,000
3.
Funding
Arrangements for fiscal year 2006-2007:
Town of
MEDT Contribution –
Services Rendered 70,500
Sponsorships (anticipated) 15,000
Revenue –
Seminars/Workshops/Programs 3,000
Total Funding (including
in-kind) & Revenue $203,500
Manager Earnings/Benefits $77,000
Junior Consultant/Administrative Consultant, P/T 20,000
Marketing/Promotion 20,000
Office Space 36,000
Travel Expenses 2,000
Photocopying 3,000
Printing 5,000
Office Supplies 6,000
Publications 2,000
Advertising 5,000
Telecommunications 3,000
Meeting Expenses 6,000
Promotional DVD 15,000
Misc. 3,500
Total Expenditure: $203,500
|
|
Cash |
In Kind |
Total |
|
MEDT |
88,500* |
|
88,500* |
|
Town of |
50,000 |
65,000 |
115,000 |
|
Private Sector |
8,400 |
8,000 |
16,400 |
Total: $219,900
=======
* MEDT Core Funding $55,000
Summer Company Program 9,500
Salute to Small Business Month
3,000
Business Plan Competition 3,000
Technology & Resource Centre Upgrade (one-time) 2,000
Infrastructure & Resource Improvements (one-time)
16,000
Total
Funding from MEDT $88,500
|
|
Cash |
In Kind |
Total |
|
MEDT |
70,500* |
|
70,500* |
|
Town of |
50,000 |
65,000 |
115,000 |
|
Private Sector |
10,000 |
8,000 |
18,000 |
Total: $203,500
=======
* MEDT Core Funding $55,000
Summer Company Program (Gross Amount) 9,500
Salute to Small Business Month (Gross Amount) 3,000
Business Plan Competition (Gross Amount) 3,000
Total Funding from
MEDT $70,500
Provided the programs are still in operation by the
Province. Estimates based on last year.