VBEC hosts annual Business-to-Business Expo

Vaughan Weekly
February 19, 2014

More than 200 local business owners, government agencies and entrepreneurs participated in the Vaughan Business Enterprise Centre’s (VBEC) 12th annual Business-to-Business Expo on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Terrace Banquet Centre.

“We have a vibrant and diverse small business community in Vaughan that contributes to our economic success,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “We have a strong entrepreneurial spirit and business leaders who are committed to providing services that reflect the needs of our community. It is gratifying to witness the innovation and forward-thinking that bring new ideas and new concepts to the marketplace. I am proud of our growing business community - their desire to succeed speaks to the commitment to working together to build this great City.”

The theme for the 2014 Business Expo was “Branded! Is your Brand Telling Your Story?” The keynote speaker was Athena Varmazis, vice-president and general manager, Small Business Services at American Express Canada. She shared strategies and tools for branding, emphasizing the importance of consistency through all media.

Other guest speakers at the event included Andrew Guy, author of “Work Your Words: Finding Pathways to Personal Success;” Antonio Ienco, co-owner of Reel Film Pictures and co-founder of the Vaughan Film Festival; and branding expert Kyle Kotack, vice-president of Skylar Media Group.

VBEC works to support the small business community in Vaughan and offers a number of services including business consultations and mentorship; market readiness tools and commercialization support; access to federal and provincial government grants; market research, intelligence and business information; youth entrepreneurship programs; workshops and seminars; and event services.