October 25, 2016
Toronto Mayor John Tory and Microsoft Canada President Janet Kennedy today announced a new partnership that will provide cloud-based productivity tools and solutions for Toronto small businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and it’s important we support our local businesses across our city, said Mayor Tory. “Through this partnership with Microsoft Canada, Toronto’s entrepreneurs and small business community will have access to the resources they need to succeed, grow their business and create jobs.”
“The way we work, collaborate and communicate is changing and it is important that small businesses have technology in place that empowers them to be more agile, cost-efficient and competitive in today’s digital world,” said Janet Kennedy, President of Microsoft Canada. “We are excited to bring our productivity suite of services to the City of Toronto’s program and look forward to continuing our commitment to helping Canada’s small and medium-sized businesses grow and prosper with modern technology.”
As part of the partnership, Microsoft Canada will work with the City to assist small and medium-sized businesses to use digital tools and services that can help them boost their productivity and profitability. A related goal is to help businesses work together and to address common concerns. The support offered to small businesses will include providing access to a range of cloud-based technologies and training sessions.
Today's announcement builds on the City of Toronto's services for small businesses, including its small business support program, Enterprise Toronto (www.toronto.ca/enterprisetoronto), and Digital Main Street (www.digitalmainstreet.ca).
Those programs are part of the strategy "From Concept to Commercialization: A Startup Eco-system Strategy for the City of Toronto" that City Council endorsed in 2015.
Today's partnership announcement was made at the City's 16th annual Small Business Forum, Toronto's largest conference for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The all-day event featured keynote presentations by inspiring Canadian entrepreneurs alongside panels and breakout sessions. More than 80 exhibitors showcased their services for small businesses.
The forum, which is annually attended by more than 2,500 people, gives existing and new businesses alike the opportunity to network and learn from business community peers, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, lending institutions, sector experts and government program providers. More information is available at
http://www.toronto.ca/smallbizforum and on social media using the handle @enterpriseTO and the hashtag #SBFTO.
The Small Business Forum is produced by the City of Toronto through Enterprise Toronto. Throughout the year Enterprise Toronto provides services tailored to meet the needs of Toronto's entrepreneurs and small businesses, helping them to achieve their full potential so that they grow to create jobs and contribute to Toronto’s prosperity. Enterprise Toronto is a service provided by the City's Economic Development and Culture division.
The commitment to building a strong community for small businesses in Toronto at the forum is supported by valued sponsors and partners including TD Bank Group, Yellow Pages, Microsoft, Vistaprint, Rogers and TruShield Insurance.
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT"), the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. More information is available at
http://www.microsoft.ca.
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit
http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.
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Media contacts:
Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Keerthana Kamalavasan, Office of the Mayor, 647-460-7507, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Veronica Langvee, Microsoft Canada, 289-305-0247, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
