SMALL BUSINESS MONTH SUMMIT OCT. 23 IN BRACEBRIDGE

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

BRACEBRIDGE — October is small business month and big business in the federal election.

Party leaders are all over themselves agreeing on one thing — Canada’s economy depends on small business jobs, the money the spend in the community and their environmental concerns in a rural digital world.

To celebrate Small Business Month in October, Muskoka Small Business Centre (MSBC) is hosting its annual Bridges to Better Business summit Oct. 23 at the Bracebride Rotary Centre, Bracebridge.

Business owners from across Muskoka are invited to attend from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a hot breakfast and a learning experience they won’t easily forget, says host and organizer Terri Plaxton Smith, manager of the MSBC.

She says theme this year is “Opening Doors to Retail Success.”

Business people “will gain valuable perspective from a panel of local retailers who share common challenges, and be inspired through their stories of  innovation, success, and best practices.”

The main attraction is the “amazing” key note speaker, Plaxton Smith says is “North America’s leading retail business coach, trainer, store designer and web designer, Barbara Crowhurst, CEO of Retail Makeover.”

Crowhurst will share her vision for running a successful retail operation in 2020.

  • More traffic.

  • More Sales.

  • More Profit.

  • All year-round.

Retailers will learn what impact merging an online store with  bricks-and-mortar will have on their bottom line; understand how to put an effective  marketing plan together; and get the must have list of media roll out platforms.

“Stop fretting about things you have no control over,” says Crowhurst.

“Spend the morning with me and see how to achieve a successful retail future.

“Learn how embracing technology will drive your retail analytics, changing how you see your business.

“Finally, understand what all the buzz is about regarding creating that retail experience consumers are looking for.”

Plaxton-Smith adds: “This event celebrates retail innovation.”

“Retail is an important part of Muskoka’s economy, but learning how to sustain a profitable business once the tourists go home requires a change in thinking, and how we do things.

“This Bridges to Better Business event is promoted as Muskoka’s premiere retail summit and promises to give local retailers  the tools and information they need to make 2020 their most successful year yet.”

She dubs it: ‘Education, Information and Inspiration.”

You are invited to join MSBC, the Town of Bracebridge,  Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Bracebridge BIA, TD Bank, PMCN, Staples Business Depot, Ministry of Research & Innovation, and FED DEV Ontario on October 23rd for Bridges to Better Business.

Registration is only $30 plus HST. Tickets are available on Eventbrite or call 705-646-9021.

Hear Barbara Crowhurst talk about how to easily improve your business, customer and internet reach with a few simple takeaways you’ll understand and relate to.   
bridges to better biz logo

Email Mark Clairmont at mark@muskokatoday.com

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