Support for Small Business Online

Support for Small Business Online

Minister Findlay participates in Facebook's Small Business Boost launch to help small businesses learn the digital skills needed to succeed

January 20, 2015 – Coquitlam, B.C. – Industry Canada

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta– Richmond East, spoke to an audience of Vancouver- area small business owners and entrepreneurs at the launch of the Facebook Small Business Boost program. The Minister underscored the Harper Government's efforts to ensure that the right conditions are in place for entrepreneurs and small business owners to start a business and create jobs in the digital economy.

Minister Findlay noted the importance of social media and digital adoption in helping small businesses attract new customers and succeed. She further outlined how the government's plan for the digital economy, under Digital Canada 150, is creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes.

Facebook's Small Business Boost is a networking and information event organized by Facebook's Small Business Team to show local business owners best practices and strategies on how they can use Facebook to help grow and manage their businesses. The event features discussions with local companies that have used Facebook to find new customers and become more engaged with existing customers.

Quick facts

• Small and medium-sized businesses represent 99.8 percent of all businesses in Canada, account for nearly 9 of every 10 jobs in the private sector, and contribute 39 percent to our private sector gross domestic product.
• Under Digital Canada 150, the Business Development Bank of Canada will allocate an additional $200 million to support small and medium-sized businesses with digital technology adoption and an additional $300 million in venture capital for companies in the ICT sector.
• Support for the Canada Accelerator and Incubator Program will increase to $100 million to help entrepreneurs take the next step in developing their businesses.
• The new Small Business Job Credit is expected to save small businesses more than $550 million over the next two years.
• The Government of Canada has lowered the corporate income tax rate from over 22 percent in 2001 to 15 percent in 2012, making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to grow, prosper and create jobs.