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Whitby, Ontario – The Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD) has moved into the Regional Municipality of Durham's Economic Development and Tourism Division (Invest Durham). This will create a more integrated approach to helping start-up businesses and entrepreneurs and help support and grow Durham's innovation community.
Being a core funder of BACD for many years, the Region of Durham sees the joining of these teams as a natural evolution. The integration of BACD with Invest Durham will bring enhanced opportunities for Durham Region residents and the entrepreneurial community. By joining forces, both teams will be better equipped to deliver services across all areas of Durham and further leverage the strong relationships already established.
BACD was originally incorporated as a not-for-profit organization and has been operating as Durham Region’s Small Business Centre since May 1999. It was created to provide small businesses and budding entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, tools, and resources necessary for success. Over the years, its Board of Directors, supported by a dedicated CEO and team, has ensured that it fulfills its strategic plan and to meet the funding obligations to both the Regional Municipality of Durham Region and the Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade.
Invest Durham is equally passionate about small business development and entrepreneurship. With 75 per cent of all new jobs created in the small business sector, Invest Durham is dedicated to supporting Durham Region’s business ecosystem by attracting investment and supporting business growth to create jobs. This merger will create new opportunities and alignments and sets Durham Region on a path to lead Ontario in small business development, attracting more businesses and talented entrepreneurs.
BACD has moved into the Region of Durham’s headquarters at 605 Rossland Road East, Whitby, ON as of September 23rd. During the transition, BACD will continue to provide the exceptional level of services and support its clients have come to rely on.
Quotes
“Durham Region has long been an exciting place to start and grow a business. BACD joining Invest Durham marks a new era of opportunity. BACD’s 25 years of dedicated service as a nonprofit organization will amplify Invest Durham’s ability to support Durham Region residents and the entrepreneurial community. I look forward to seeing how they can leverage their collective strengths in small business development.”
- John Henry, Regional Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Region of Durham
“Joining together marks an exciting new chapter in our collaborative commitment to support entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout Durham Region and I am thrilled to welcome BACD to the Invest Durham family. By joining forces, we are better equipped to deliver comprehensive services across all areas of Durham, leveraging our strong relationships and shared passion for small business development and entrepreneurship.”
- Simon Gill, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, Region of Durham
“BACD’s mission has always been to empower every entrepreneur we serve to build a successful business. We are now positioned to further amplify our impact across Durham. We look forward to this exciting new chapter and to continue our mission of empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses in Durham Region.”
- Teresa Shaver, Chief Executive Officer, Business Advisory Centre Durham Inc.
"This is an exciting time to be an entrepreneur in Durham. BACD and Invest Durham have long been championing and supporting entrepreneurship in Durham, and by joining forces, the partnership gets even stronger. Entrepreneurship and small businesses are driving forces in Durham, and this will amplify the support system."
- Mohamed Bachani, Chair of the BACD Board of Directors
Quick Facts
- Durham Region’s booming growth and talented workforce make it an ideal location to start, grow or relocate a business. Invest Durham supports both local and global businesses, by leading facilitating and supporting various investment attraction and expansion initiatives.
- To learn more about the Durham Advantage and Invest Durham initiatives, visit InvestDurham.ca.
- BACD has worked with almost 20,000 entrepreneurs, fielded almost 84,000 inquiries, helped start over 2,500 businesses and delivered 2,700 workshops since its inception. Its certified business advisors, who are seasoned entrepreneurs themselves, are passionate about supporting local businesses in creating jobs and contributing to a thriving community.
- BACD can be reached by phone: 905-668-4949 and by email: bacd@durham.ca. BACD is continuing to book in person and online meetings (pre-booking required). Workshops and upcoming events can be viewed at bacd.ca/events.
About Durham Region
Located on the eastern side of the GTHA, Durham is a region with momentum. Offering a competitive advantage like no other, Durham is a community where talented, smart, diverse and ambitious people—known for their innovation, creativity, skills and education—bring access to world markets, insights, invention and traditions. A place where an innovative ecosystem helps propel new ideas forward. Where ingenuity and industry help tackle global challenges. Visit durham.ca to learn more about one of Canada’s fastest growing communities.
About Business Advisory Centre Durham (BACD)
BACD is Durham’s small business centre that is funded in partnership by the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and the Regional Municipality of Durham. It helps existing and start-up companies in Durham Region with one-on-one advisory meetings, providing support with business planning and developing action plans. The BACD strives to inspire entrepreneurs to #DoItInDurham.
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