Toronto – To help celebrate Small Business Week, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) and Scotiabank are coming together to offer Canada’s next generation of entrepreneurs access to the tailored support and services they need to get their businesses off to a good start.
Through the Scotia Running Start for business program, new businesses can now take advantage of CFIB’s new My StartUp membership, providing just-in-time support from experienced business counsellors and discounts on vital services to run their business. Access to My StartUp is available through a six-month introductory membership at no cost to the business owner.
“Many long-time CFIB members tell me they wish they knew about our business counsellors and savings programs when they were starting out,” said CFIB President Dan Kelly. “From understanding the myriad of government agencies with which a new business must register, to hiring their first employee, to avoiding common mistakes when choosing a credit card processor, CFIB can help.”
Startup businesses are critical to Canada’s economy. By the year 2030, nearly 4 out of every 10 jobs in the private sector will be in businesses that don’t yet exist, making the need to support aspiring entrepreneurs all the more important. “Governments don’t always make it easy to start a business, but we at CFIB do,” added Kelly. “And as leaders in support for startups with its Scotia Running Start for business program, Scotiabank is an ideal partner for CFIB.”
Scotia Running Start for business offers Canadians the banking essentials they need to start a small business, including savings on bundled personal and business banking services and other special offers. Benefits such as waived account fees and preferred financing rates ensure cash flow is available when needed most.
“At Scotiabank, we understand the importance of small business to Canada and our package of simple financial solutions is part of our integrated approach to help Canadians start their business on the right foot,” said John Roberts, Vice President for Small Business at Scotiabank.
“Small business owners have told us the top reasons for starting their small business were to jump on an opportunity, pursue a lifelong dream to be their own boss and making a career change,” continued Roberts. “We believe a great business product combined with ongoing advice, information and services will help small business owners meet their business goals – whether they are new to Canada, just out of school or starting a second career.”
Information about the Scotia Running Start for business banking package and the CFIB My StartUp program is available on scotiabank.com/startup.