At Scotiabank, we recognize and applaud small businesses for the important role they play in our country's economic well-being. We are proud to partner with them as they grow and succeed.
While customers clearly look to Scotiabank's Small Business advisors to provide the right financial services products needed to run their businesses, increasingly we are playing a role in providing access to resources that go beyond loans and deposit accounts. Scotiabank has strengthened the business training we provide to Small Business advisors, and have equipped them with tools and resources, which can help business owners effectively manage their businesses. Whether the issue is better managing cash flow, preparing a business to take advantage of new global opportunities, or implementing better financial information systems, the Bank is ready to offer the right financial solutions.
|
| (at October 31, 2012) |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
| Branch managers with small business experience |
963 |
977 |
975 |
| Dedicated small business account managers and officers |
715 |
731 |
757 |
| Number of branches with dedicated small business officers |
459 |
454 |
475* |
| Total number of small business bankers |
1,678 |
1,708 |
1,732 |
| * Out of 1,037 Canadian branches.
|
"The valuable contribution small businesses make to the economy of Canada, to the communities they serve and to the availability of a wide range of products and services continues to be the good news story of this important sector. Our team of Small Business advisors in branches from coast to coast is committed to supporting the success of our Small Business customers by providing advice and practical financial solutions, which facilitate growth. We take pride in the strength of our relationships with entrepreneurs, listening to and understanding their vision of business success and then working together over the lifetime of a business, from start-up to maturity. It's a privilege we take seriously."
— John Roberts, Vice President, Small Business Banking
Continually Growing Our Services to Small Business Owners
Scotiabank also offers an informative "How-to" series designed to help entrepreneurs navigate through the changing needs of a business over the various stages of its growth. Available from any Scotiabank Small Business advisor, they include:
- "Scotia Starting Line for Business," a how-to guide for Canadians interested in starting a small business.
- "Get Growing for Business," a how-to guide to taking your company to the next level.
- "Selling your Business," a how-to guide for ownership transition.
The Bank has expanded online resources through Get Growing for Business, a resource for articles, videos and new tools that address a wide range of business topics. Here are some highlights of those resources:
- Small Business blog, featuring biweekly articles from a variety of experts.
- Scotia Plan Writer for business, a free interactive business planning tool.
- Scotiabank Lending Tool, a resource providing information about lending options for small businesses.
- Scotiabank Ownership Transition Tool, which assists business owners as they consider options for the sale or transfer of ownership of their business.
Arlene Dickinson, Scotiabank Business Champion
The bank recently introduced a new Scotiabank Business Champion, Arlene Dickinson. Recognized as one of Canada's business leaders and a highly successful entrepreneur, Arlene shares her experiences and lessons learned on her path to success. We are delighted to offer her unique insights at getgrowingforbusiness.com/success.
Scotiabank continues to expand programs to include enhancements to the agricultural banking program, franchise arrangements and both Scotia Professional and Scotia Professional Student Plan. With customized offers for both new and established professions these programs provide financing for internationally educated professionals entering bridging programs in Canadian universities. New product offers include other Scotia Power Savings for business, a new high-interest savings account, as well as a broader range of payroll services, recently added to the financial solutions already available. No matter what life phase the business is progressing through, the Bank provides a full range of products and services that are customize to unique needs and objectives.
Small Business Customer Loyalty (Canada) - Top Box
Scotiabank's small business customer loyalty index is based on results from an internal survey, and is a key indicator of our customers' loyalty to Scotiabank.
Top Box refers to the proportion of customers who provided the highest rating based on a five-point rating scale.
Our Commitment to Small and Medium Enterprises
Scotiabank's Code of Conduct applies to all business and personal relationships and ensures that the bank serves the small business community in a fair, clear and transparent way. The code covers the following topics:
- Open communication.
- Commitment to listening to you.
- Protecting your need for confidentiality.
- Making access to credit easier by providing clear advice and information.
- Working together when changing circumstances affect your business.
Canadian Small Business Product Information
