Creative Solutions

Working and doing business in the North offers a unique way of life but also many challenges. The availability of speakers and trainers and the associated travel costs and fees makes attendance at a one-day workshop or participation in a meeting a major expense. Videoconferencing provides a creative and cost effective solution to these challenges.

Business development centres in Fort Simpson, Norman Wells, Hay River and Yellowknife now have videoconferencing facilities. Access to practical business education and information and associated services is now easier for business people and entrepreneurs located in these communities.

“Videoconferencing is convenient and interactive,” says Sean Whelly, Business Development/Loans Officer, Dehcho Business Development Centre. “In a virtual world geography is no longer a barrier. Because of videoconferencing we have the ability to flick a switch and interact with industry experts at times convenient to both parties.”

With an investment of $63,000 from the Strategic Investments in Northern Economic Development (SINED) program, the Community Futures Development Corporations have purchased and installed state-of-theart videoconferencing equipment. Through a co-operation agreement with The Business Link in Edmonton, these Community Futures locations can directly access and broadcast workshops, seminars, conferences and information services from their premises.

The Business Link's Brown Bag weekly and monthly presentations are free drop-in presentations that offer clients quick-to-learn, easy-to-use business basics over the lunch hour. Board and staff members, community members, business people, and prospective entrepreneurs bring their lunch and learn from the professional and experienced presenters in this convenient, interactive environment. Recent Brown Bag presentations have featured; the basics of marketing and sales, export/import, taxation and money matters, legal issues, e-business, preparing a business plan, starting a business, and do-it yourself incorporation.

Enabling community members to participate in an expanded array of learning opportunities will increase their skills and their ability to participate in economic and social development activities and contribute to the financial growth and sustainability of their communities.