Small Business
 We
believe that small businesses play a vital role in our economy (we
are not the only ones that think so). This is
particularly true in the city of New Westminster, where we are
located.
Balance
Much has been written on the subject. We think
there needs to be a balance between large corporations and small
businesses. There are large corporations, the harbour being a prime
example, who play an important role in the city's economy and social
life.
 New
Westminster, located on the banks of the Fraser river, is fortunate
in that it has very little room for industrial expansion. We believe
that a city with some industry, some large corporations, but that
also has a thriving small business sector, becomes a livable city.
New Westminster has the potential of being one of the most livable
cities in Canada!
Small businesses need the products and services
produced by big businesses, but can also render services to big
business in a cost-effective way.
 The
Growth of Small Business
New Westminster already has a thriving small
business community with a mix of commercial and light industry.
Until fairly recently, there have been few
high-rise buildings. As the city has little room for expansion, we
basically have to expand up! There are several high rise development
 projects
now that will offer mixed domestic and commercial accommodation. We
believe that this will be boon to small business in the City.
We need to encourage the growth of small
business in New Westminster for another reason. If all the job
opportunities are in the larger centres like Vancouver, New West
would be a dormitory city. Livable cities are cities where people
live and work, rather than sleep and commute.
 Needs
of Small Businesses
We have structured our business specifically
to serve small businesses.
On the one hand we can provide the design,
technical and management services to help a small business get
started, or to expand.
On the other hand, we have recognized that many
small businesses, though good at what they do, lack in the area of
support services. So we have established a sister company,
VASTBC,
which is a network of virtual assistants that can provide
valuable professional support services to small businesses.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that we believe that by
making small business our main focus, we are contributing to making
New Westminster a more livable city.
|
