e-news business update for the Central Okanagan November 14th, 2011

Protecting Your Intellectual Property

November 22

1 pm to 5 pm

Mission Hill Family Estates

1730 Mission Hill Road, West Kelowna

This comprehensive seminar delivered by experts from Clark Wilson LLP will provide you with an understanding of copyright, registration of a copyright, trade-marks, industrial design, patents and trade secrets, and their importance to your business strategy.

Confidentiality agreements and key intellectual property considerations regarding export markets will also be discussed.

For more information or to view the complete agenda click here.

Changes to Provincial Nominee Program for Entry Level and Semi-Skilled Workers

The Entry Level and Semi-Skilled category of the BC Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) has been re-instituted as a Permanent Category. Some minor changes have occurred but the occupations remain the same as the previous pilot program.

For more information click here.

More Tourism Related Establishments Operating in British Columbia

BC STats reports this month that a total of 17,943 tourism-related establish-ments operated in British Columbia in 2010, slightly more than in 2009. Approximately one in ten business establishments in BC (171,111) were related to tourism in 2010, a proportion that has remained largely constant over time.

Full report

$2.1 Million Boost for Okanagan Tech Sector

A $2.1-million investment by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, through the BC Innovation Council, will help Accelerate Okanagan increase the number of technology companies that start and grow in the region.

Full story...

Global Entrepreneurship Week

November 14 to 20

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an international movement designed to inspire millions of young people to embrace innovation, imagination and creativity through entrepreneurship.

Events and activities are aimed at celebrating the success of entrepreneurs and inspiring more people to follow their passion and choose entrepreneurship as a career.

Be a part of the impact events from November 14 to 20, 2011!

More information...

Central Okanagan Business Services Guide

Demand For Existing Homes
Forecast to Strengthen in 2012

In its Fall 2011 Housing Market Outlook report, Canada Mortgage and Housing says that demand for new and existing homes in Kelowna is expected to strengthen in 2012. Favourable mortgage interest rates coupled with stronger employment growth will support modest growth in demand for housing next year.

Sales of existing homes are expected to increase 11 per cent in 2012. Home buyers will continue to benefit from an ample supply of listings available for sale. Expect existing home prices to edge up by three per cent as demand improves and the supply of listings is drawn down later next year.

Kelowna area housing starts are forecast to increase 18 per cent to 1,125 homes in 2012.

To view the complete report click here.

Workshop:

Be Prepared to Sell Your Own Business

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

6:30 to 9:30 pm

Landmark 3, 110-1632 Dickson Avenue, Kelowna

Cost: $75

In Canada, more than half of all small businesses are never sold. Usually the owner/proprietor simply closes his/her doors and walks away. Even if you do not plan to sell your business for a number of years, now is the time to start to prepare. You never know when life is going to throw you a "curve ball" or an opportunity arises - being prepared can help mitigate the stress and maximize the results.

This workshop will provide practical ideas and suggestions on how to prepare yourself and your business to sell in order to maximize your eventual proceeds. It will be facilitated by Lloyd Vinish, a successful business executive with 30 years experience in various industries including mining, fertilizers and health care. Also on hand will be Una Gabie, a lawyer with Pushor Mitchell LLP, and Derek Sanders, a Chartered Business Valuator with Spence Valuation Group Inc. and TailWind Corporate Finance Group Inc.

Seating is limited. Payment and pre-registration is required. Phone 250-868-2132 or go to www.cfdcco.com for more info.

UBC-O Management Students' Consulting Project

Consulting Services for Small Businesses

and Not-for-Profits

ubco logo

The Faculty of Management at UBC Okanagan is once again offering its highly successful student consulting service for small business and community service groups. The service is free of charge and consists of talented graduating management student teams willing and able to tackle client firms' most challenging issues.

Consulting teams consist of fourth year Management students who are nearing completion of their degree program. These bright, enthusiastic and dedicated students offer expertise in the areas of market research, sales promotion strategy, process improvement; financial planning and control; human resources management; strategic planning, voluntary community services and others.

A limited number of groups are available starting in January.

Contact Dr. Ian Stuart at 250.807.9656; ian.stuart@ubc.ca

or click here for additional information.

Volunteers Urgently Needed to Deliver

ECONOMIC FOR SUCCESS Program at

Constable Neil Bruce and Glenrosa Middle Schools

Each year Junior Achievement delivers much needed entrepreneurial and financial literacy programs to all schools in School District 23. These popular programs are curriculum based.

Constable Neil Bruce and Glenrosa schools are on the verge of canceling the program due to lack of volunteers. Your help is requested on the following dates:

Constable Neil Bruce Middle School - NOVEMBER 23

18 volunteers needed

Glenrosa Middle School - NOVEMBER 30

14 volunteers needed

All programs are presented by teams of two volunteers in one full day (approximately am to 3 pm). Snacks and lunch and all program materials are provided. Junior Achievement also provides a pre-program orientation prior to the program date.

Economics for Success (EFS) is a one-day program that demonstrates to grade 9 students the personal and financial benefits of education. Through activities and discussions, a team of two volunteers reinforces the value of education and the need to acquire the skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to achieve goals.

Please contact Darlene Brule - Okanagan Program Manager

Junior Achievement of British Columbia

Ph: 250.808.0332 E: darlene.brule@jabc.org

www.jabc.org

Events & Seminars

November 14 Request for Information deadline for Innovative Projects funding that reduce

energy use for small business

November 15 Winning Strategies for Business Success

November 15 Lake Country Business After Hours

November 16 Seminar - The Art of 'Sense-Ual' Presenting!

November 16 Greening Your Small Business

November 17 CAFE Okanagan Speaker Series, Topic: Brand Development, Marketing, Sales

and public relations

November 17 Christmas Business After Hours and Small Business Expo

November 19 Peachland Chamber Business Excellence Awards

November 22 Business Beyond Borders seminar series: Protecting Your Intellectual Property

November 22 Retail Distribution - Move your Product Line to Retail Market

November 23 Measuring the Success of Your Website - Web Analytics and SEO

November 24 Westbank & District Chamber Business After Hours

November 24 Kelowna Chamber Luncheon with Guest Speaker Don Thompson

November 30 Be Prepared to Sell Your Business Seminar

MORE EVENTS....