December 17, 2004 Ottawa, Ontario -- The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) today released Western Canada's Small Business Markets: A Survey of Selling. The report presents new findings on domestic and international markets served by western Canadian small businesses in the technology, manufacturing and business services sectors. "Small businesses are the engine of economic growth and employment in Western Canada," said Minister Owen. "This type of research enables governments to work with other partners to strengthen and expand this essential segment of the economy." Compiled by the University of Alberta's Western Centre for Economic Research (WCER), the report will enable businesspeople and policymakers to better understand current marketing channels. The report examines markets served by small businesses, barriers to entering national and international markets, effectiveness of advertising methods and the role of informal avenues for maintaining and expanding customer base. Raw data for the report was collected through a survey of western Canadian small business owners. "A special feature of this study is the interest it has generated in the academic and small business policy communities, both at the domestic and international levels," said Dr. Michael Percy, Dean of Business at the University of Alberta. "Researchers who have received preliminary presentations on the study are excited that we will be making the raw data from the survey available to anyone who wants it through the WCER. This will lead to even more research being generated and ensure the maximum utility of this valuable data." Report highlights include: Smaller firms remain overwhelmingly dependent on local markets. Entry to new markets is challenging, with firms more likely to have an optimistic view of their prospects in markets where they are already competitive. Intense involvement in any market, whether domestic or international, is often linked to the firm's intentions as laid out in their original business plan. When entering new markets, external constraints (those beyond the firm's control) are perceived as more important than internal constraints. Experience selling nationally and internationally reduces barriers to broader market involvement. Funding for the study was provided by Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Family Enterprises, School of Business at the University of Alberta. Survey findings and the Western Canada's Small Business Markets: A Survey of Selling report are available free-of-charge at: www.bus.ualberta.ca/wcer - 30 - For additional information, contact: Sandra Souchotte Director, Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada Ottawa, Ontario Tel: (613) 952-7101 E-mail: sandra.souchotte@wd.gc.ca Renée Gillen Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) (613) 954-1110 Western Centre for Economic Research School of Business, University of Alberta 780 492 2235 fcentres@ualberta.ca www.bus.ualberta.ca/wcer WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca
