Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)* play a very important role in the Canadian economy – Statistics Canada reports that 97 per cent of all Canadian businesses are small enterprises. Scotiabank makes it a priority to respond to small business customers’ unique challenges and opportunities. In addition to providing access to credit, we equip small business bankers with new tools and resources to help them deliver advice, information and services, including practical strategies and solutions customized for each customer’s specific goals.

Enhancing our products and services

In an effort to meet the needs of small business owners, we continually update existing products and services and introduce new ones. In 2007:

• To help entrepreneurs with start-up businesses under two years old, Scotiabank launched the Running Start for business™ package, which provides discounts on banking services, complimentary accounting software and access to financial tools and online resource guides.
• We introduced the free, interactive Scotia PlanWriter for business™ to help new and established small business owners through the process of writing, organizing and using a business plan. Available at www.scotiabank.com, this planner includes sample plans and external links to research on local markets, customer needs and industry trends.
• We offered the Blueprint for business, a financial diagnostic tool that creates a written report recommending strategies and solutions to help small business owners achieve their financial goals.

Product & Service Information

* Canadian businesses with revenues of less than $5 million and borrowing requirements under $500,000.