"Why innovation?" asks the BDC rhetorically. "Because it’s essential to the growth and prosperity of Canada’s businesses. Innovation powers the productivity of firms right across the country. And increased productivity means more and better jobs, increased buying power and, ultimately, a better standard of living for Canadians."

Innovation is more than just the latest buzz-word; it's a thought-process. It's being receptive to new ways of doing things, and ideas for new products or new marketing techniques. It's the desire and ability to explore new markets and new business contacts, and a willingness to share expertise and ideas, whether these come from other business people or the global community. It's developing and refining ideas and systems that work better.

And it's a profitable way of doing business. "Research by Statistics Canada shows that those who are most successful are the businesses where innovation permeates everything they do from product development, to process design, to marketing. Innovative companies, in fact, show productivity increases that are six to nine times higher than companies that are not particularly innovative" (BDC).

Innovative businesses, according to the BDC, put more emphasis on looking for new markets and exporting than other businesses. They "eagerly" introduce new technologies, and are open for e-business. And they firmly put the customer first, constantly striving to be more customer-responsive.

This year's Small Business Week is intended to give Canadian entrepreneurs a chance to share information about using innovation strategies and opportunities to explore innovation - the key to increased productivity and growth.

Small Business Week is organized by the BDC and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and supported by a great variety of national and local sponsors. Although it officially kicks off October 21, you'll find that the whole month of October is packed with conferences, luncheons, and business expos.

On the BDC Web site, you'll find a convenient list of Small Business Week Activities on the left sidebar menu; use the Local Activities drop-down menu to find activities in your province.

And here's a sneak peek at the many business-related events occurring all over the country, with site links and contact information where available. If it's not here, that doesn't mean there's nothing going on where you live; this article is appearing a month ahead of Small Business Week and new events are being added all the time. Do give your local Chamber of Commerce or branch of the BDC a call to find out what's happening where you live and how you can be a part of celebrating Canadian Small Business - the backbone of our economy!

From West to East then: