Prince George, BC – Several small business operators in Prince George will be canvassed directly today for suggestions on breaking down barriers to doing business with the provincial government, during what is Small Business Week in BC.

"The week gives us a chance not only to celebrate the diversity of small business and we have some fantastic ones," says Minister of Jobs, Tourism, and Skills Training, Shirley Bond.  "But it’s also a chance for us as government to ask some of those questions about how do we make it easier for entrepreneurs to start small businesses, how do we support them.  Red tape reduction has been absolutely critical."

This past summer, the government appointed George Farkas as executive lead of the ‘Small Business Doing Business with Government Project’, which has a goal of boosting small business procurement by 20-percent.  Farkas will lead today’s consultation session before moving on to Dawson Creek tomorrow.  (Sessions are set for Terrace on November 12th and Smithers on the 19th)

Bond says, "Results of the consultations will lead to recommendations that will make it easier for small businesses to compete for, and win, government business."

Business owners not participating in today’s session can offer their thoughts and suggestions through an online survey at www.jtst.gov.bc.ca/selltobcgov/index.htm

Along the same vein in celebrating Small Business Week, the federal government is hosting an informational seminar for small and medium companies wanting to learn the process around selling to the government of Canada.  Public Works and Government Services Canada has awarded $20-million dollars in local contracts.  For more information, contact Tina.Dalman@pgchamber.bc.ca