The PARO Link  
Vol. # 03 - Issue
# 14 - Friday, April 7th, 2006

In this Issue:

Bits & Pieces for Busy Businesses
Power Tools - The Accelerator
PARO Circle News
PARO Presents -
Biz & Bagels
Community Biz & Events
PARO Programs
Health Minute
PARO Events Calendar 

We are looking for pictures for the PARO Link  Send to info@paro.ca

  Job Opportunity

 

Invites applications for:  

Business Development Trainer

With experience operating a business, a degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Management or equivalent. Self-employment experience, an asset. You have proven experience in the following areas:

·         developing curriculum for adult education

·         training and counseling

·         developing business plans including financial projections

·         computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets 

·         excellent interpersonal, presentation and facilitation skills 

Duties include assisting with a program that provides business development training and counseling of women to complete a business plan, to find a job or to develop and market their businesses. Must be willing to travel within the region.

DURATION OF CONTRACT: Part-time, potential for full time, until March 31, 2007

DEADLINE for application: 3 P.M. Friday, April  21, 2006

Only those interviewed will be contacted. E-mail, mail, or drop off resumes, other documentation, cover letter, and three references with permission to contact to:

 PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise,

110-105 May St. N., Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 3N9

Attn: Rosalind Lockyer, Executive Director

E-mail: rlockyer@paro.ca

Funded by: 
The support of Government of Ontario through the Ontario Women's Directorate,
 the Ministry of
Citizenship and Immigration is acknowledged
 

bits and Pieces from the Desk of the Executive Director

Time to Spring Forward!

Last week you moved your clocks ahead.  This is a good time to move ahead in your business. One way is to review and update your business plan.  Why, you ask?

There are many helpful business articles on www.business-journal.com/survival/articles/. I have adapted this article on updating your business plan.

A business plan precisely defines your business, identifies your goals, and serves as your business resume. The basic components include a current balance sheet, an income statement, and a cash flow analysis. It helps you allocate resources properly, handle unforeseen complications, and make good business decisions. Because it provides specific and organized information about your business, your cash flow projections, and how you will pay bills or repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of deciding where you can “spring forward’ in your business or repay a potential loan. A business plan also can inform potential customers about your operations and goals.

The importance of a comprehensive, thoughtful business plan cannot be overemphasized. Much hinges on it: outside funding, credit from suppliers, management of your operation and finances, promotion and marketing of your business, and achievement of your goals and objectives.

As a management tool, the business plan helps you track, monitor and evaluate your progress. The business plan is a living document that you will modify as you gain knowledge and experience. By using your business plan to establish timelines and milestones, you can gauge your progress and compare your projections to actual accomplishments.

As a planning tool, the business plan guides you through the various phases of your business. A thoughtful plan will help identify roadblocks and obstacles so that you can avoid them and establish alternatives. Many business owners share their business plans with their employees to foster a broader understanding of where the business is going.

If you need help in creating or revising your business plan, give us a call. We would love to help you “spring forward.”  

Roz

Business Development Programs 

Are you a Woman with a Disability?

Dissatisfied With Your Work?

Want to Become Self-Employed?
Are you a woman contemplating going into business but do not know where to start? 
For more info, please call Lori 625.0328 or 1.800.584.0252 
Start Your Business Today!!!  Let us help you!
Join the Making A Difference: A Business Development Program
Funded by: 
The support of Government of Ontario through the Ontario Women's Directorate, the Ministry of
Citizenship and Immigration is acknowledged

PARO Self-Employment Benefit Program
PARO's GATEWAY: A Path to Self-Employment
On EI now or in the last 3 years, or had Maternity benefits in the last 5 years?
Register Today!! 
 Click here for more information
This program is funded by the Government of Canada
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Do you have a computer?  Can you surf the internet easily?  Why not try our new Pilot project...PARO On-line.

 

PARO Presents

 

New Items Never Before in the Store

~ Mini Pocket Warmers (heat in the microwave) ~ 100% Beeswax Tear Drop Candles ~ 

~ New Cord and Bead Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets) ~ 

~ Cross Stitch Bookmarks ~ Set of 2 Receiving Blankets ~ Beach Beanie ~ 

New Items This Week

Large carry all recycle bag made from recycled plastic bags ~ 16" Fluted Bees Wax Tapers (pairs) ~ Huggie Bear with 100% Bees Wax ~ 8" Bees Wax Cactus Candle Small ~ Scrubs ~ ~ Crochet Pineapple Runner ~ Pin Cushion (large) with Kittens ~ Lady Bug Cosmetic Bag/Purse(small) ~ Cosmetic Bag/Purse (large) 

Browse at PARO Presents anytime between 10am and 5pm Tuesday through Saturday

Store Special!

Fashion Earrings - Over 100 Choices $5/pair

Faux Fur Cuff Muffs - $25 Now $14.99 each

Check Out Our Yard Sale!

New Items Arriving Weekly

Browse at PARO Presents anytime between 10am and 5pm Tuesday through Saturday

Other Services

Supreme Cleaners Dry Cleaning and Alterations Depot

 PARO Presents 111 N. May St. 623-2200  

make An Offer

White Display Case

Good for business cards, flyers and brochures

Lots of Room ~ Available to see at PARO Centre

Make an Offer

PARO Success Story...

HomeTask is a home improvement referral network of pre-screened, dependable and highly skilled specialists in home and yard maintenance, home renovations, and any household task.

HomeTask provides a simple solution for finding qualified home improvement professionals at no cost to the homeowner.  HomeTask will complete all the legwork – no more searching through endless names in the phone book!

HomeTask is committed to strengthening the relationship between homeowners and home improvement professionals by providing service as a reliable, convenient and trustworthy connection source.

In September 2005, Lisa Bosch began working on the business plan through PARO’s Making A Difference program, and credits the success of HomeTask to the program for helping her take an in-depth look at the many areas needed to formulate a detailed, successful business plan.  Lisa recommends that both new and experienced entrepreneurs contemplating starting a new business contact PARO to explore the opportunities for assistance which their programs provide. 

Lisa and her husband Gareth launched HomeTask in March 2006, and have received an overwhelming, positive response from residents of Thunder Bay .  Many homeowners have registered their projects details with HomeTask and finally have their long-delayed home improvement projects completed!

Lisa and Gareth invite you to visit their website at www.hometaskonline.com, or give them a call at 628-0250.

Biz and Bagel

Join us for Biz and Bagel Wednesday April 12th, 2006 featuring 

~ Sharla Brown ~ 

Customer Service with a Smile: Creating a Win/Win Relationship for Both You and Your Customer

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If you have a Biz and Bagel topic you would like to be presented, like to be a guest speaker or know of someone who may be interested, please contact Lori @ loriw@paro.ca or 625-0328
This program is funded by the Government of Canada

 

Community Events

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Women on the Water  ~  3-day and 7-day canoe trip

Women on the Water provides opportunities for women to learn and develop their canoeing and campcraft skills, while enjoying the company of other women and the beauty of our Northwestern Ontario waters and woods.

 3-day Women on the Water   ~   August 18, 19 & 20, 2006   ~   Cost:  $300.00 CDN

This weekend trip is an introductory experience designed for women with adventurous spirits (but limited time).  The days will be a combination of instruction, paddling and play (with time to sit back, relax and savour).

7-day Women on the Water  ~   July 16 – 22, 2006   ~    Cost:  $700.00

This trip is for those adventurous spirits seeking to spend more time practicing their skills and getting in tune with the rhythms of the earth.  The days will be a combination of instruction, paddling and play, evolving into the natural simplicity and routine of wilderness travel.  Our Instructors come with many years of canoeing and wilderness experience.  They have a respect and passion for the outdoors of which they are eager to share.  They believe in learning through experience, so come prepared to get your feet wet and your hands dirty.

You Bring your sleeping bag, pad and personal stuff- we provide the rest  (sleeping bags and sleeping pads may be rented if need be).   Skills taught will include such things as canoeing, low impact camping, wilderness cooking, camp set up, navigation and nature awareness. 

 All experience levels welcome  F Register early as space is limited F

  For more information and to register contact: Sue Holloway at 807-473-4599 or e-mail elementofadventure@yahoo.com

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Fit to Win

For anyone who doesn't already know, Sharla Brown run's a not for profit weight loss group called Fit to Win.  So far she has helped over 250 people lose over 1300lbs.  

As part of her commitment to better health for Thunder Bay she is organizing a group to walk or run in the Royal Lepage Annual Women's United Run (Saturday, May 13th).  Her goal is to get a group of 100 women.  

Anyone interested in walking in the group can contact Sharla to register at 625-0131.  She is also taking registrations for the next 12-week session of Fit to Win which is held Wednesday nights at the Westfort Community Centre.

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Want to raise some revenue for your organization?

Do you want to raise it in a swift, no hassle way and have those funds within 8 weeks?

Join us on Saturday, May 6th, 2006 for the 7th Annual RBC Royal Bank Mayor’s Walk.

Of all the pledges you collect, 50% can return to your organization and 50% go to Volunteer Thunder Bay!’s vital youth programs.

Walk as part of a TEAM and walk with a gimmick to draw attention to you and your organization.

Bring friends, family and co-workers and be part of this fundraising walk that benefits ALL charities in Thunder Bay .

Join us on May 6th, 2006 to celebrate the huge contribution that volunteers make to our community and to recognize the diversity of services that are in our community and to raise awareness of your own vital services.

For more information, contact Christine Battle @ 623-8272 ext: 226

Or  visit www.volunteerthunderbay.ca

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world, indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead

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Idea Factory Challenge 2006

NOTC launches 4th annual IDEA Factory Challenge.

The IDEA Factory Challenge 2006

NEW categories:  "Focus on Forests" and "Student" in addition to the General Category

To download a complete package: Click Here

For more information on the Forestry category: Click Here

Entry Deadline: May 2nd at 4:00 p.m.

Winners to be announced May 25th, 2006

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A local business is in need of someone to do a few hours of data entry.  

The ideal candidate  will familiar with a computer keyboard, proficient at data entry and able to work a few hours during the day at the business location.  It is important that you be prompt and efficient.  

Please contact Teresa at 623 4863    

Health Minute

Hear and Now...

The way you view aging may affect how well you age.

Older people who have more negative stereotypes about aging have greater hearing loss over time than people with more positive views on aging. Focus on the advantages of age and expect to be as healthy as you can be by following your RealAge Plan.

RealAge Benefit: Taking care of your emotional health and well-being can make your RealAge up to 16 years younger.

Source:  www.realage.com 

PARO Events Calendar

The PARO events calendar will list all dates, times and places of events that will be held during the next few months.  Unless otherwise specified, events will be held @ PARO Place.  Please contact the office at 625-0328 for any information.  All Biz and Bagels will take place from 12:15pm until 1:15pm.   

April

12th - Biz and Bagel ~ Sharla Brown ~ Customer Service with a Smile: Creating a Win/Win relationship for Both You and Your Customer  

19th - Biz and Bagel ~ Lisa Beckwick ~ Strategies for Public Speaking

May

3rd - Biz and Bagel ~ The Lung Association ~ Jackie MacKay ~ Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Weekly Inspiration

 

"Kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve"
- Jacqueline Schiff

"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."
- Dalai Lama

 

"Giving is so often thought of in terms of the things we give, but our greatest giving is of our time, and kindness, and even comfort for those who need it. We look on these gifts as unimportant - until we need them."
- Joyce Sequichie Hifler

source:  www.kindness.ca

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POSITIVE QUOTE :  Do not go around saying the world owes you a living.  The world owes you nothing. It was here first.

                                      -Mark Twain

DAILY MOTIVATION :  HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height.  Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you     pay them.

2. Keep only cheerful friends.  The grouches pull you down.  (Keep this In mind if you are one of those grouches)

3. Keep learning.  Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.  Never let the brain get idle.  "An idle mind is the devil's workshop."  And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things. 

5. Laugh often, long and loud.  Laugh until you gasp for breath.  And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and  Lots of time with HIM/HER.

6. The tears happen.  Endure, grieve, and move on.  The only person who is with you your entire life, is yourself.  LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love whether it Is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.  Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health.  If it is good, preserve it.  If it is unstable, improve it.  If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Do NOT take guilt trips.  Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county,  to a foreign country, but NOT to where the guilt is. 

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

Irby F. Stewart


Until next week, have a groovy weekend!!

 LORI    

PS....if you have pictures of you at your business or with you family, your pet or a special picture and want to feature it on the PARO Link....send it to info@paro.ca

PARO Centre For Women's Enterprise - 110-105 May Street North, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 3N9 
Tel: 807.625.0328  Fax: 807.625.0317 Website:  http://www.paro.ca  Email:  info@paro.ca

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By popular demand, PARO is pleased to offer businesses an opportunity to advertise (within size limits) in the PARO Link.

Fees are set at $20 per ad for PARO Circle members, $25 per ad for PARO Networking Members, and $50 per ad for non-members. Non-members are encouraged to purchase an annual $25 Networking Membership to realize savings. 

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