Media Release

For Immediate Release

March 20, 2008

HALIFAX HOSTS THE WORLD AT GLOBAL SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP CONFERENCE

HALIFAX – The small business universe lands in your backyard this spring as researchers, policy makers, business service providers and educators from around the world converge in Halifax for the 53rd annual International Council for Small Business (ICSB) world conference, “Advancing Small Business & Entrepreneurship: From Research to Results.”

Co-hosted by ICSB’s Canadian affiliate, the Canadian Council for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (CCSBE-CCPME), the event takes place at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax, N.S., from June 22 to June 25. The conference may draw upwards of 1,000 delegates from all around the globe.

“These annual conferences provide opportunities for delegates to share expertise and experience, and to build global networks” conference co-chair Annette St. Onge said yesterday. “The increase in interest, indicated by a record number of academic and practical submissions, is very rewarding. We anticipate it’s largely due to locale – delegates can’t wait to experience ‘Maritime hospitality,’ and many will bring their families to experience it, too.”

“From Research to Results” will also create long-term economic spin-offs for local businesses. It’s an amazing networking opportunity for local organizations to raise their global profile without leaving the province. Attendees will also learn how utilizing research on small business can bring about real world results.

Halifax joins a roster of prominent past hosts, including Turku (Finland), Melbourne (Australia), Washington, D.C. (U.S.A.) and Johannesburg (South Africa). The 2008 conference is ICSB’s return to Canada, as Quebec City played host in 1979, the first international location for the annual conference.

Co-host CCSBE, is proud of its distinction as the first international affiliate of ICSB, the largest organization supporting small businesses in the world. Founded in 1955, ICSB was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. ICSB promotes the development of global knowledge in all areas of business theory and practice.

The 2008 ICSB world conference, “Advancing Small Business & Entrepreneurship: From Research to Results,” takes place June 22 to 25 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax, N.S. It is co-hosted by ICSB affiliate CCSBE, and is organized by the Acadia Centre for Social and Business Entrepreneurship, Dalhousie University Faculty of Management and Saint Mary's University Business Development Centre. Register before April 30 to take advantage of early rates! For conference details and to register, please visit www.icsb2008.org

-30-

For More Information:

Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca