-  Get Growing: Keys to Unlocking the Potential of your Small Business
       offers success stories from the road and step-by-step strategies to
       grow a small businessTORONTO, June 16 /CNW/ - In book stores today, Get Growing: Keys to
Unlocking the Potential of your Small Business is a relevant resource for
entrepreneurs looking to grow their small business. Scotiabank Small Business
experts and co-authors David Wilton and Kyle McNamara offer practical advice
on how to handle the challenges faced by small business owners and share some
of the success stories from entrepreneurs they met during a five-month
cross-Canada tour last summer.
    "During the tour, we observed there are commonalities among flourishing
businesses," said Kyle McNamara, Managing Director and Head of Small Business,
Scotiabank. "In the book, we have leveraged these characteristics to create
'unlocking keys'. These are guiding principles that were most often mentioned
to us as being critical for any business targeting growth."
    Get Growing: Keys to Unlocking the Potential of your Small Business,
published by Key Porter Books, highlights the two overarching principles found
in many successful small businesses: the importance of an effective business
plan, and how a team of trusted advisors can help entrepreneurs overcome
challenges and identify opportunities for growth. Topics also include:-  sales and marketing strategies;
    -  managing cash flow, costs, finances, human resources and risks; and
    -  strengthening leadership skills.Throughout the book, 'unlocking keys' are linked to detailed online
worksheets and tools. Readers can visit www.getgrowingforbusiness.com to
access the complementary resources and join the growing online small business
community to share ideas and successes with other owners.
    In their continued effort to keep in touch with small business
communities in Canada, Mr. Wilton and Mr. McNamara will once again be
traveling across the country appearing in a number of venues, including book
stores, to heighten awareness of how Get Growing: Keys to Unlocking the
Potential of your Small Business can be a resource for small business owners.
    "This book is about helping entrepreneurs access Scotiabank's expertise
and the combined wisdom of small business owners we spoke with during our
original tour," said David Wilton, Director, Small Business, Scotiabank. "It's
all about taking business planning to the next level, accessing new resources,
connecting with advisors and other small business owners who can help
entrepreneurs explore growth opportunities."
    "Small Business owners we met across Canada discussed how they overcame
challenges and capitalized on opportunities. We saw firsthand their
willingness to share those perspectives for the benefit of others," concluded
Mr. McNamara. "Through this book, our goal is to use the advice and
information we gathered from the businesses we met to help facilitate an
exchange of ideas."
    All royalties from Get Growing: Keys to Unlocking the Potential of your
Small Business will be donated to the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, a
national charity dedicated to championing Canada's aspiring young
entrepreneurs.

    ABOUT THE AUTHORS

    Kyle McNamara is Managing Director and Head of Small Business,
Scotiabank. With more than eighteen years of experience in the financial
services industry, he holds an honours degree in actuarial science and
economics from the University of Western Ontario. He has championed the
interests of small business owners both within the Bank and through his
activities with many national and provincial associations.

    David Wilton is Director, Small Business, Scotiabank. His thirty-year
career at the Bank includes various management positions in Ontario. He is a
Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, and holds an MBA from Dalhousie
University. He is the co-author of Succession Planning Toolkit for Business
Owners.

    Mr. McNamara and Mr. Wilton will be available for media interviews in the
following cities:Toronto

    Tuesday, June 16th & Wednesday, June 17th


    Hamilton (Mr. Wilton)

    Thursday, June 18th


    London (Mr. McNamara)

    Thursday, June 18th


    Western Canada Tour with Kyle McNamara

    Monday, June 22nd      Victoria, BC
    Tuesday, June 23rd     Vancouver, BC
    Wednesday, June 24th   Calgary, AB
    Thursday, June 25th    Edmonton, AB
    Friday, June 26th      Regina, SK
    Monday, June 29th      Winnipeg, MB


    Eastern Canada Tour with David Wilton

    Monday, June 22nd      Ottawa, ON
    Tuesday, June 23rd     St. John's, NF
    Wednesday, June 24th   Halifax, NS
    Thursday, June 25th    Charlottetown, PEI
    Friday, June 26th      Fredericton, NB
    Monday, June 29th      Moncton, NBScotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and
Canada's most international bank. With close to 69,000 employees, Scotiabank
Group and its affiliates serve approximately 12.8 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 more than $513 billion in assets (as at April 30, 2009), Scotiabank
trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information
please visit www.scotiabank.com.