What’s New: In Brief (March 13, 2009)

Small businesses appear to be weathering the financial turmoil with more resilience than large organizations, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) observes.
The CFIB pointed to employment numbers released by Statistics Canada that show the percentage change in employment growth by establishment size from February 2008 to February 2009.
Organizations with more than 500 employees saw employment shrink by 7.1% (-134,300), while those with 100 to 499 employed saw a decrease of 5.2% (-158,200).
On the other hand, organizations with 20 or fewer employees reported a growth of 0.6% (+29,700) and businesses with between 20 and 99 employees saw a marginal growth of 0.1% (+4,700).

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has partnered with Small Business B.C. for the sixth annual Business Plan Contest Awards.
The purpose of the contest is to support and recognize the province’s entrepreneurs as they develop their small businesses, an IBC release says.
This year’s winners include:
Business Start-Up Awards
•    Jill Kenney, Gear Drop
•    Dr. Aaron Van GAver, Downtown Wellness Centre
•    Adrian Rudzikas & Celeste Lozano, Only Empanadas Inc.
Business Growth Awards
•    Carlie Smith, Portobello East Market
•    Lara Leontowich & Jenneil Peters, Bellies to Babies Celebration
•    Dawn McRea, Custom Gourmet
Community Leadership Award
•    Genevieve Noel, MUBI Regenerative Consulting Inc.
Going Global Award
•    Randy Bencke & Pat Gemmill, Pics Canada