October 17, 2005
Ottawa -- As the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada continues to grow, companies like Canada Post are creating and expanding services and programs tailored to meet the specific needs of Canada's entrepreneurs. With nearly 240,000 members in its VentureOneTM program, Canada Post is addressing the special shipping and delivery needs of Canadian small business.
Experts agree there are several factors which are key to running a small business, such as generating savings, seeking the best advice and ensuring customer satisfaction. They also agree that a recognition program needs to be more than just rewards. With VentureOne, small and medium-sized business owners receive instant savings of 5% on a wide range of shipping services and products, with no contract or minimum purchase commitments. Membership is free and using the program is easy and hassle-free.
Members can also save an additional 3% and improve their time management by using online Electronic Shipping Tools to prepare packages themselves, when it is convenient for them. In addition, VentureOne members can take advantage of other Canada Post online business tools, exclusive value-added offers from VentureOne partners, a network of 6,800 post offices across Canada and a reliability built on the reputation of the shipping and delivery experts.
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which endorses the VentureOne program, says that based on a recent member survey, SME owners who wish to remain competitive must always be on the lookout for innovative ways to do business and reduce costs. "VentureOne is a welcomed step in the right direction as it is specially targeted to small business owners and is designed to help them save both valuable time and money," said Garth Whyte, Executive Vice-President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business.
An online business centre
designed for small businesses
"Everywhere you look, small business operators who are maximizing their use of the Internet are saving time and money," noted Paul Tomascik, Director, Small Business Marketing at Canada Post. "That is why a large section of the Canada Post website provides specific information - and tools - for small businesses."
Canada Post's secure Online Business Centre (www.canadapost.ca/ventureone) includes shipping management tools that can be used to calculate shipping costs, update account statements and track parcels. The site also offers business development information about direct marketing and online sales. Members of the VentureOne program also receive a newsletter and an electronic ebulletin that offers banking, accounting and even time management tips and advice.
Small Business Month activities
During Small Business Month, Canada Post is launching an information campaign about the benefits of being a VentureOne member. New and current VentureOne members will be given the chance to win a very useful gift: $10,000 to renovate their workplace with the assistance of a professional interior designer. The total value of the prize is $15,000. To connect with potential VentureOne clients, a mobile business office unit will travel through the streets of several Canadian cities looking for entrepreneurs and providing instant VentureOne membership.
"It goes without saying that the small business market represents a strong potential for Canada Post's products and services," noted Mr. Tomascik. "However, our aim is to help businesses improve their management and development activities with a program that offers tools that are adapted to their specific needs. In fact, I believe that VentureOne membership offers a win-win partnership for Canadian small businesses and Canada Post."
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For further information, contact:
Cindy Daoust
(613) 734-4258
