How did SBC get started?

The Small Business Network concept started in early 2011 when a trio of Simcoe County Business owners got together to discuss networking opportunities for newer and small businesses. Debbie Ouellet (EchelonOne Consulting), Sinda Simpson (ESS Direct) and Shane Serra (WSI) remembered the help they received from the Simcoe business community when first starting out in their businesses.

They wanted to start a networking group where they had the opportunity to give something back. Soon, Patricia Dent (Inciteful Solutions) and Faye Zevenbergen (FBZ Accounting Solutions) joined the team. The group approached local business experts and champions for feedback and received wonderful encouragement from such places as Business Enterprise Resource Network, Grow Vantage, The Barrie Public Library and Mr. Bob’s Network. The first SBC meeting took place on September 21, 2011 at the BERN office located in southern Barrie.