About Us
OPPORTUNITY is what we offer entrepreneurs. The Business Development Centre, Inc. (BDC) offers the aspiring and existing small business owner the opportunity to develop a strong, healthy business. This opportunity comes in many forms and is available to the population of the entire Region 2000 economic area.
Business Incubator
The BDC began operations in 1989, as a small business incubator. A business incubator provides housing and a full array of services for small businesses. The BDC provides conference and meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, shared fax and copier services, secretarial services, advisory and counseling services, and loading docks, as well as office, production and industrial space ranging from 150 to 3000 square feet.
Business Counseling
In addition to the incubator program, the BDC also houses the Region 2000 Small Business Development Center (SBDC), a vital function of the BDC since 1991. The SBDC assists existing and prospective business owners throughout the economic region by providing in-depth counseling, business planning, and financing resources at no cost. The SBDC also provides a small business library for the general public.
Financing
In 1993, the BDC branched into another service area, whereby we provide direct financing to the small business owner. Today, the BDC provides direct financing through four microloan programs and a revolving loan program. A training program is also offered and includes topics such as market research and sales forecasting, legal issues, advertising, public relations, bookkeeping and accounting, cash flow budgeting, insurance and creating a business plan.
Training & Events
In addition to our comprehensive six week self-employment/entrepreneurial training class, we also offer a range of business trainings and seminars on various topics throughout the year.
