What Small Business is About
  

This edition of MANITOBA BUSINESS is about small business and how it makes its way in Manitoba. According to writer Jan Wehner there are more than 75,000 registered small businesses in this province that earn up to $500,000 annually.

Weve been out among them in this edition to see what kind of enterprises are flourishing and who the people are behind them.

There is a special place in our hearts for those who start small businesses and even more respect for those who stay at it for ten and twenty years.

It becomes a way of life; weathering the storms of poor sales, staffing issues, rogue employees, a labor governments tax it attitude and the fallout from that.

Its all part of running a business. Be warned. There are long hours, self-respect and pride at risk, weariness and sleepless nights. But in the end; its all about you and who youve become.

What has it all got you? Well, you decided that it was time to take your destiny into your own hands. It was you who decided to stop reporting to someone else. You did it not for accolades, not for money, not for the independence, but you just wanted to do it.

Now, somewhere up the road, youve learned a thing or two. Youve learned that the government doesnt really care about you. It wants its tax money. Youve learned that when you owe money, the people you owe it to want it now, but when people owe you, they keep it 60-90 days and longer affecting your cash flow. You learn about bad debts, bad employees and employees who have the value of gold and hold you together. Youve recognized that and rewarded them.

Some days you didnt want to come to the office. You wanted to sell it all and go to the beach everyday. But you came in and it made you stronger. And then you went to the beach the next day. And you sat there for 15 minutes and were bored. Lets face it - you were born to work.

Capitalism isnt for everyone. Small business doesnt enthrall everyone. It takes a strong heart, a sense of humour and a strong mind to get the job done.

At this magazine we have a great deal of personal respect for the kind of people who are not just one of the 75,000 out there. We know that behind each one counted, there are hopes and dreams. So for all of those we havent met yet, we wish you grand achievements. And we leave you with this: Know when its time to fold and when to expand and where to get help when you need it. October is small business month. Take yourself out to lunch - you deserve it.