The latest news, events and client highlights from the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre.
Contents

Small Business Spotlight 
x


Holiday Shopping Made Easy:
W.E. Made It Gift Guide

This holiday season we encourage you to shop local and explore what Windsor-Essex has to offer. The W.E. Made It Gift Guide is a great tool that allows you to create the perfect shopping list for your friends and family this year. 

The guide features ideas that are locally crafted and curated  items that would make a perfect gift for someone special in your life.  This guide was created in partnership by the W.E. Made it Program from Tourism Windsor-Essex Pelee Island and the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre in an effort to showcase the many local artisans within our region. 

We want you to be inspired and make it easy for you to find local gifts for everyone on your list. Buying local keeps our economy flourishing and helps to promote our community. There are so many unique items available within Windsor-Essex and your purchases will contribute to the success of our local small businesses this holiday season.    

Click here to access the W.E. Made It Gift Guide. 
 NewBusinessOnTheBlockNew Business on the Block
Each month, the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre 
highlights  clients and entrepreneurs that have recently opened their business.

If you have started or expanded your small business recently (less than 6 months ago), or have moved your home-based business to a storefront, let us share the news with our audience of 4,000+ people!

Email SBC for more information.
NEW BUSINESSES

Border City Style
(Local Watch Brand)

(Retail - New Storefront Location)
13566 Tecumseh Road East, Tecumseh
(519) 735-0035

(Restaurant)
12205 Riverside Drive, Tecumseh


(Live Music Venue and Bar)
1269 Ottawa Street, Windsor
(519) 990-7263

(Retail)
76 Main Street East,  Kingsville
(519) 590-9686
TOP
 BizClientNewsClient News
Photo: (left to right) Courtesy Med Services:
Ryan Jershy (Owner), Colleen Jershy (Owner), Christa Deturris (Manager)
Congratulations to Starter Company Plus Recipients Colleen and Ryan Jershy - Owners of Courtesy Med Services

Ryan and Colleen Jershy are committed to "making living independently a little bit easier for senior citizens" in Windsor-Essex. Located at 3353 Walker Road in Windsor, Courtesy Med Services offers its clients the ability to customize their at home delivery needs and have weekly visits by knowledgeable staff. 

Their custom service packages include delivery of groceries, assistance with ordering groceries, home safety checks (including in-home medication review with a pharmacist) and home resource management. Visit their website at courtesymedservices.com for a more detailed list of services offered.  
TOP
Photo: (left to right) Howard Hyman (Owner, Exquisite Events Windsor), Natasha Marar (Business Advisor, Small Business Centre)
Congratulations to Starter Company Plus Recipient Howard Hyman, Owner of Exquisite Events Windsor

Howard Hyman, a Red Seal certified chef, comes
from a rich heritage of global culinary arts. As the owner and creator of Exquisite Events Windsor, Howard takes great pride in offering the quintessential culinary experience for his clients.  

Howard's experience includes 35 years' of culinary success from opening of Red Lobster restaurants across Canada, as well as overseeing restaurants at Caesars Windsor and contributing to its expansion through 20 years' of service.

Exquisite Events Windsor offers first class culinary service for high tea engagements, fundraisers, corporate events, private soirees and elevated family gatherings. 

Howard's goal is "to offer exquisite tasting cuisine and deliver impeccable, professional service." Bring your event to the next level and call 226-345-5595 or email celebrate@exquisiteeventswindsor.com.  
TOP
Photo: TeaHouse Windsor
Check Out This Pink Kashmiri-Style Chai From Tea House Windsor
Jonathan Pinto | CBC News

Popular in Pakistan and India, the beverage gets its hue without the use of colouring. 

With the youngest of her three children in school, Kanwal Tauseef was set to return to work as a graphic designer.

But a decision to sell a popular Kashmiri-style beverage to the public in July changed everything.

Read more
TOP
Photo: Windsorite.ca
Take a Look Inside Little Sheep Yarn Boutique, a Place for Crafters of all Skill Levels
Anna Millerman | Windsorite.ca

If you love to work with yarn, would love to work better with yarn, or want to try loving to work with yarn, Little Sheep Yarn Boutique is the place to go


The boutique is a newer face to the Ottawa Street area, with co-owners Andrea Adam and Kate Rosser-Davies having opened up in early August of this year.

Their meeting was nearly meant to be, with the growing business also making a fast-growing friendship as well as business partnership between the two.

Read more
TOP
Photo: Windsorite.ca
Take a Look Inside Merch Runners, Custom and Unique Screen Printed Apparel
Anna Millerman | Windsorite.ca

Whether you are looking for some new stylish clothes or out to make some custom pieces, Merch Runners has got something for you.

Merch Runners, now in its fifth year of business, is a unique Ford City business that offers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

Co-owners of the business Joe Morneau, Shane Wright and Jeff Howell have all been enjoying the time at their location in Ford City, a move from their previous Pillette and Tecumseh location a year and a half ago.

Read more
TOP
Ani and Fabi this Year's 'Outstanding New Business' at 21st Annual Biz X Awards Gala
Windsor Star

Photo: Dan Janisse | Windsor Star
Windsor-based Ani & Fabi, Canada's first baking kit subscription company, is the winner in the "Outstanding New Business" category at the 2018 Biz X Awards.

The company operates as a meal kit service for desserts and promotes "the activity of family and friend bonding over baking together." It boasts of "baking activity kept simple, convenient and fun, while delivering high-quality ingredients in the correct proportions to eliminate food waste."

Two dozen winners in a broad range of categories - honouring local businesses, professionals and individuals - were announced at the 21st annual Biz X Awards Gala held Friday night at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts.

TOP
Articles for SuccessArticlesForSuccess
accounting_graphic.jpg
How to Account for Assets and Expenses in Your Start-Up
Business Development Bank of Canada

Understanding your finances while  building your  start-up  can be overwhelming. Books are often out-of-date or inaccurate. Worries about running out of cash can keep you up at night.

But learning about your finances isn't as hard as you might think. Most of all, it can save you money and help you make better business decisions.

"Many entrepreneurs don't feel comfortable with financial numbers," says Alexandre Leclerc, a senior account manager at BDC who works with  technology businesses. "But ignoring the books makes you vulnerable to cash emergencies. You may not realize that you're in a deficit until it's too late."

Your financial statements contain early warning sign about the financial health of your business. Here are three key financial documents you need to understand to ensure the sustainability of your  start-up .

TOP
In Case You Missed ItICYMI
On November 13, the Small Business Centre hosted Surviving and Thriving When Selling to Retailers, presented by Peter Chapman, SKU Food, Halifax. Windsor-Essex food industry businesses who have their products on the shelf in retail learned about what they need to do to sell to retailers and create a plan to generate successful sales in retail. This full-day session delved into three key topics for suppliers who want to survive and thrive selling to retailers: Understanding the retailer as a customer; Focus on the numbers; Building a sales plan.

On November 21, the WindsorEssex Small Business Centre hosted Business Structure and Taxes, presented by Ilias Kiritsis, LL.B., J.D., Mousseau DeLuca McPherson Prince LLP Barristers and Solicitors and George John, CPA, CA, Senior Client Service Manager, Roth Mosey & Partners. Small business owners discussed the differences between business structure and the taxable income, obligations, liability and costs associated with each.

On November 23 and 24 our most recent cohort of Starter Company Plus grant applicants attended the Starter Company Plus workshops. These workshops provided two full days of business training including business plan development, marketing and sales, financial management, business and people management and presentation skills. Stay tuned to our Starter Company Plus web page for information on the 2019 program and workshops.

TOP
Upcoming EventsUpcomingEvents
Advance, online registration required for all events.
Please check our calendar for more upcoming events.
Employment Law: How to Navigate the Recent Changes
(Also Learn about The Discover Ability Network (DAN) and hiring individuals with disabilities)

Date: Thursday, December 6 
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Institute for Border Logistics and Security (IBLS), 3475 Wheelton Drive, Windsor

The first segment of the presentation will address hiring individuals with disabilities and the resources provided by the Discover Ability Network (DAN)Persons with disabilities represent a large untapped talent pool. Many are highly skilled, educated, and want to contribute to the economy.  Many employers are aware of the benefits of diverse hiring, but do not know where to find qualified candidates who have a disability.   The Discover Ability Network is here to connect them for free. This interactive session will be moderated by Dr. Janice Forsyth, Interim President and CEO of the Windsor Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce with speakers Louie DiPalma, Vice President, SME Programs at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Kevin McShan,  Regional Spokesperson for the Discover Ability Network (DAN) .

In the second segment of the presentation, Jeffrey Patterson from the law firm of Kavanaugh, Milloy will discuss employment law in Ontario. In late 2017, the Government of Ontario passed the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 which has been commonly referred to as Bill 148. Bill 148 made some of the most significant changes to Ontario's employment laws in over a decade and a half. It changed how businesses in this province keep their records, schedule and pay their employees, and administer various benefits. 
 
The Making Ontario Open for Business Act, 2018 (Bill 47) has recently been implemented by the current provincial government. Bill 47 repeals or rewrites numerous provisions of the previous government's Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 ("Bill 148"). 
 
During this presentation, you will learn about the most current changes made to Ontario's employment laws and how to navigate these new changes.
 
ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED
TOP

Starter Company
Workshop

This Government of Ontario program provides entrepreneurs with the resources and knowledge needed in order to start and grow their own small business. The program includes one-on-one guidance from the Small Business Centre, mentoring with local professionals, funding of up to $5,000, and
FREE small business training & workshops.

Don't wait! Start working with an advisor today.   Learn more .

STAY TUNED FOR INFORMATION ON THE 2019 STARTER COMPANY PROGRAM.  

T he Small Business Centre also holds similar workshops throughout the year. Keep an eye on our newsletter, social media, and  calendar   for upcoming events.

Basics of Starting a
Small Business

Date/Time


Do you have an idea and want to start your own  small  business, but you aren't sure where to start? Attend one of these FREE seminars to find out information about:
  • How to register your business
  • Business structure
  • Government support programs
  • Other available services and programs
You will receive a FREE Start-up Package and step-by-step guidance.

Monday, Dec. 3 - 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm  
 
Tuesday, Dec. 4 - 10:00 am to 11:00 am (Essex Office)
 
Friday, Dec. 14 - 9:00 am to 10:00 am 
TOP

Basics of Writing a
Business Plan

Date/Time


A good business plan is your roadmap to success!  A business plan is also required when applying for any type of small business financing.  Attend one of these FREE seminars to learn how to develop a business plan that will work for you!  This session will cover:
  • Required elements of a business plan
  • Breaking down a business plan into manageable pieces
  • Where to gather relevant information for a business plan
  • How to professionally arrange your ideas and research
  • What to do with the plan when it's completed
Monday, Dec. 10 - 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm 
 
Tuesday, Dec. 18 - 10:00 am to 11:30 am (Essex Office)

TOP
Partner EventsPartnerEvents

Windsor-Essex Regional 
Chamber of Commerce

Wednesday, December 19, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

BizLaunch

Thursday, December 6, 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm

EPICentre Windsor

Monday, December 3, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm




 
TOP
EPICentre Open House

Date: Thursday, December 6 
Time: 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Location:  EPICentre, Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre, 2nd Floor, 2455 Wyandotte Street West, Windsor

TOP
WERCC 16th Annual Multiple Business Holiday Party Presented by Libro Credit Union

Date: Friday, December 14
Time: 6:00 pm to 12:00 am
Location:  Caesars Windsor, 377 Riverside Drive East, Windsor

Multiple Businesses Create One Big Party!
  • Celebrate the season with your colleagues at Caesars Windsor for a cost effective price.  
  • Advance pricing for companies with two or two hundred, register early and save!
  • Holiday buffet dinner with wine
  • Tables of 8 or 10 available. assigned seats.
  • Entertainment including DJ, dancing, photo booth
  • Business attire.
  • As an added bonus for our guests: consider staying overnight as Caesars has secured a block of rooms at an $80/night savings!
TOP
Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets Christmas Market 

Date: December 5, 12, and 19, 2018 
Time: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets,  1555 Talbot Road, Windsor

Windsor Crossing Premium Outlets is offering much more than incredible deals this holiday season! 

This indoor market will include wonderful vendors, family fun, unique gifts, amazing food and pictures with Santa.

FREE admission!
TOP
Win This Space Pitch Contest

Date: Saturday, December 8 
Time: 9:30 am to 11:00 am
Location:  Harrow Arena Community Room, 243 McAfee Street, Harrow

3 semi-finalists will present their ideas to a panel of judges.  This "Drangon's Den" style event is open to the public.  Please come out and support our contest participants.  

The winner will receive up to  $1,000 per month in rent for 1 year toward a commercial space in Harrow Centre.
TOP
Business OpportunitiesOpportunities

Businesses For Sale

Restaurant, Windsor - $275,000
Asian Supermarket, Windsor - $88,000
Take-Out Restaurant, Windsor - $69,900
Business Space For Lease

4072 Walker Rd., Windsor - $14.00/sq ft. 
120 - 5844 Malden Rd., LaSalle - $15.00/sq ft.
TOP
Regularly Scheduled ProgrammingRSP
Video: youtube.com/windsoressex
Small Business & Entrepreneurship in Windsor-Essex, ON Canada

Since 1992, the Small Business Centre (SBC) has provided thousands of entrepreneurs with the training and support necessary to start and grow successful businesses. SBC is a one-stop source - providing guidance and professional advice from concept, through start-up and early growth stages of business.

TOP
WindsorEssex Small Business Centre
Windsor Office: 519-253-6900
Essex Office: 519-776-1116
| Email  | Website
STAY CONNECTED: