Big help for small business

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Aboriginal entrepreneurs are invited to Edmonton for It's All About Opportunities II, a conference that encourages business networking.

The Business Link's Aboriginal Business Services is hosting the conference, which will run from Oct. 25 to 26 with workshops and professional advice on topics such as marketing, money management and growing a business.

"In addition to the attendees, we will also have service providers, Aboriginal business service providers there," said conference co-ordinator Stephanie Sarjas. "The [conference provides] an opportunity to network with them, as well as with the entrepreneurs within themselves and any other government organizations that do have services.

"We'll have four already-in-business entrepreneurs and they'll be talking about how they got started, how they overcame some challenges and then, basically, giving some heads-up or advice to the attendees," said Sarjas, who added that this also gives future entrepreneurs "practical knowledge and tips that they can take away and use right away."

Darryl Lajeunesse is the owner and director of CD Media Studios, a Web media, film effects and professional animation company.

"Anytime you start out on an entrepreneur business you have to wear multiple hats. You're not only owner, creator, developer, designer and marketing, you have to do all these things and do them well if you're going to succeed," said Lajeunesse. "Networking is part of your marketing aspect so the better you can network with other people that are in close industries or complimentary industries, the more successful you're going to be."

Lajeunesse said anyone looking to start up their own business has to be extremely motivated. Making lots of contacts plays an important part in any business.

"It's tough. You have to really put yourself out there," said Lajeunesse. "You can't be afraid of putting yourself out there, making contacts, talking to people, and it may even be a calling. You can't back down from getting exposure just because you feel uncomfortable."

Sarjas said 75 per cent of all businesses in Alberta are small businesses. Being connected will help improve rates of success for Aboriginal business, she said.

"Just being aware that there are resources out there for them and there are definitely a lot of people out there that can help them. And these are some of the things-how to book keep and how to sell your business, very practical things that they can use," said Sarjas. "And within the Aboriginal community also on-reserve, off-reserve, it's a way to grow the community, sort of develop the community."