Vancouver launch city for Scotiabank 'Get Growing to a Million' Small
    Business Tour

    VANCOUVER, June 2 /CNW/ - Scotiabank today announced it will launch the
first leg of a five-month cross-country tour to deliver tools, experts and
services to small businesses who want to 'Get Growing'. It's all part of the
Bank's 'Get Growing to a Million' campaign which will begin in Vancouver on
June 3rd with a Scotiabank Small Business event to help small business owners
identify strategies to grow their businesses.
    "We're on more than a road trip," said Kyle McNamara, Managing Director
of Small Business Banking, Scotiabank. "We're on a mission to help Canadian
small business owners grow to the next level. Small businesses play a huge
factor in the Canadian economy. We look forward to meeting these business
owners from coast to coast, and, along with our local Scotiabank Small
Business advisors, providing practical advice and information that lets them
take advantage of opportunities for business growth."
    Scotiabank also today announced the other elements of its Small Business
'Get Growing to a Million' campaign. In addition to the cross-country tour and
live speaker events, the campaign includes a new Scotiabank Small Business
website, www.getgrowingforbusiness.com and an online contest with cash prizes
totaling $50,000, all aimed at helping Canadian small business owners get to
the next level of success in their businesses.
    British Columbia's Ministry of Small Business and Revenue reports that
small businesses represent 98 per cent of all businesses in the province and
employ more than one million people. Between 2001 and 2006, the number of
small businesses in British Columbia increased 11 per cent, more than triple
the national average of 3.6 per cent.
    The Vancouver Economic Development Commission estimates businesses in
Metro Vancouver account for more than half of all the small businesses in
British Columbia, with 98 per cent of businesses having less than 50
employees. They report growth of small businesses since December 2002 at a
rate of about 16 per cent. In addition, a 2007 province-wide study found small
business accounted for 57 per cent of private sector jobs in BC, the second
highest rate in the country, and accounted for 27 per cent of the provincial
GDP, the highest rate among provinces in the country.
    The Scotiabank 'Get Growing to a Million' tour will host numerous events
across Canada. Many of these will feature local successful small business
owners as well as small business experts, such as Michael Hepworth, who will
deliver sales and marketing tactics for small business owners. The touring RV,
hosted by Scotiabank Small Business advisors, will be equipped with Scotiabank
Small Business tools and resources. Dozens of stops are planned across the
country to give local small business owners an opportunity to test drive
Scotiabank's Small Business tools, visit the new 'Get Growing for business'
website, as well discuss their growth plans with a Scotiabank Small Business
advisor.
    "Our experience with small businesses suggests the most successful small
business owners are those who have effectively planned their business concept,
from market research and human resources planning to cash flow forecasts,"
said David Wilton, Director, Small Business Banking. "Scotiabank Small
Business advisors have unique business planning and financial diagnostic and
check-up tools. We have also made a number of these resources available on our
new 'Get Growing for business' website to be used 24/7 at the convenience of
small business owners. In addition, because we are so confident in the
potential of these tools, we are bringing them directly to small business
owners in communities across the country with the touring RV," he concluded.
    The 'Get Growing for business' website serves as an important vehicle to
deliver Scotiabank's Small Business resources. Designed as an interactive
community site it offers small business owners a place to:-   participate in discussion forums focusing on current economic and
        business themes and their impact on small business;
    -   ask an online Small Business advisor a question;
    -   network with other small business owners identified by business
        segment and;
    -   access tools, including Blueprint for Business(TM) Check-up tool,
        ScotiaPlan Writer for business(TM) Planning tool,
        Scotia Starting Line for business(TM) Check-up tool, and its newest,
        Get Growing for business Sales and Marketing(TM) tool.In the spirit of encouraging and spotlighting entrepreneurialism, the new
website will feature the 'Get Growing to a Million' contest. Website visitors
are invited to submit a written or video entry explaining how $20,000 would
help them get their business to the next level for a chance to win a grand
prize of $20,000 or one of six regional cash prizes of $5,000.
    "The 'Get Growing to a Million' tour, website, and tools have combined
elements that can help significantly increase opportunities for small
businesses. We are looking forward to taking them out to local communities and
showing owners how we can make them work for their businesses," said McNamara.

    About Scotiabank
    ----------------
    Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With more than 60,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.5 million customers in some 50
countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a diverse range of products and
services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking.
With $453 billion in assets (as at April 30, 2008), Scotiabank trades on the
Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit
www.scotiabank.com.Scotiabank Small Business Event

    Location:    The Scotiabank Theatre, 900 Burrard Street, Vancouver
    Date:        June 3, 2008
    Time:        11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Presenters available onsite for
                 interviews from 10 a.m./NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available on
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