The Acadia Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship (ACSBE) is partnering with the Government of Nova Scotia to offer a FREE, 40-hour Workplace Education Training Program to small businesses in Lunenburg and Queens Counties. This training program will focus on developing computer skills for small businesses.

Characteristics of Workplace Education:

• The focus is on developing the essential skills, computer skills in this case
• The content is tailored to the needs of the specific participants
• The program has clear, measurable goals
• The participants evaluate the process – both during and after the program
• Each person’s progress and results are confidential
• Classes are small, with 7-12 participants in each program
• The training is delivered by qualified and experienced instructors

The Benefits of Workplace Education:

• Build confidence and morale
• Increase productivity
• Improve communication and teamwork
• Reduce staff turnaround
• Manage change and help people to adapt

Specific Information About this FREE Training Opportunity

Topic: Computer Skills for Small Business
Program Description:

• This program will offer 40 hours of computer training customized to the needs of small business owners in Lunenburg and Queens County over an eight-week period. This will begin with basic computer skills and build on advanced skills throughout the program.
• Throughout this program we will use software, such as Excel and Simply Accounting, to target the development of financial skills for small business.

When: Wednesday evenings, 5:30pm – 9:30pm, May 8th – June 26th, 2013
Where: ACSBE Bridgewater (373 King Street, Bridgewater, NS
How to Apply:

• Fill out a quick survey, by clicking the link below!
  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MN5NQM9

Our instructor will contact you for a one-on-one meeting

We welcome you to contact us with your questions and concerns, or to get additional information regarding this opportunity. Please contact Michelle:

Michelle Byers
michelle.byers@acadiau.ca
1 (866) 654 – 4499
373 King Street, Bridgewater, NS
See more information about this FREE opportunity online at:  Workplace Education website.

Region of Queens issued a media release on the passing of this year’s budget. Excerpt below:

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Region of Queens Council passes Economic Development Budget

April 15, 2013 – Liverpool, NS – With a strategic focus on Economic Development, the Council of the Region of Queens Municipality unanimously passed a business-minded budget today. Despite a significant half a million dollar loss to the tax base with the closure of the Resolute Mill, Region Council and Staff sharpened their pencils in order to minimize the tax increase for 2013/2014.

“This budget is about rebuilding Queens,” stated Mayor Christopher Clarke, “and staff were directed to do all that they could to keep the Commercial rate steady.” While business properties outside the limits of the Liverpool will see their rates unchanged, those businesses within the Liverpool limits will actually enjoy a 2¢ decrease in their taxes due to a debt repayment, making it the third lowest rate in the Province. “Given the enormous challenge faced by staff, I am proud of the work of our team and the economic focus of our Region,” commented CAO Kathleen Rafuse.

Read the Full Release: Region Queens 2013-2014-Budget (PDF)

NSCC Office Administration Link Program is an opportunity for participants to earn both a High School Diploma and Office Administration Certificate. Program scheduled to run in Liverpool, from September 2013 to April 2015.

The NSCC is looking for 20 work placements with employers in the area.

For more information on program details, and the employer commitment, please read:  NSCC Office Administration LINK Program.(PDF)

You can also contact Coleen Davidson, Link Project Co-ordinator at: 902-718-7870.

News Release from Nova Scotia Chambers of Commerce on their assessment of the provincial 2013-2014 budget.

Nova Scotia Chambers

NS Chamber Cautious on Budget

The Chair of the NS Chamber of Commerce said today that business is getting mixed signals from the budget presented by the government of Nova Scotia on Thursday, April 4/2013.

 For Immediate Release
Chris Atwood, Chair of the NS Chamber said that “the business community sees some positive points in the budget such as the projected overall reduction of departmental expenses and that many small Nova Scotia businesses will benefit from the changes in the small business tax rate”.

Atwood also expressed concern about the size of the debt, now at $14 billion, and the planned reduction of civil servants is not on target. “The cost of servicing this debt load will grow while the cost reductions in staff are behind schedule”.

He noted that there is support for small business owners for innovation and learning programs but the NS Chamber in their Pre-budget statement asked for: a balanced budget, lower debt, lower cost of debt service, lower costs of services, in people and for more service delivery by the private sector.

Also, the Auditor General’s letter accepted the assumptions on revenue but did not express an opinion on the expense projections or the projected year end 2012-2013 year end estimates. “With all the rhetoric, we’re not sure the budget is balanced given that health care expenditures are projected to grow at a mere 1.3%, debt is higher- $14 billion, the cost of servicing the debt will be higher going forward and there is new program spending” Atwood said.

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Contact Info
Chris Atwood, Chair NS Chamber
902- 740-4132

Wayne Fiander, Executive Director
902-495-9549

NS Chambers of Commerce News Release 2013-2014 Provincial Budget (PDF)