TORONTO, Oct. 20, 2011 /CNW/ - Nearly all Canadians (94 per cent) value their local small businesses for creating employment opportunities in their communities, according to a recent Scotiabank poll conducted by Harris/Decima about Canadians' views on small businesses. Scotiabank asked the winner of The Small Business, Big Impact Challenge in the Employment Category, Burrard Market Square, what Canadians need to know to be effective employers.

"Employees are an investment in the future of your company; if you treat them well and get them working at their full potential, you are in a great position to succeed," said Mark Winston, creator of Burrard Market Square, which houses 17 start-up retailers in Vanderhoof, BC.

When it comes to running a successful small business, you can learn a lot from the experts. Mr. Winston offers his tips for being an effective employer.

Tips for Being a Great Small Business Boss:

1. Hire only when necessary: Do you have enough business for an employee? Don't hire until your business really requires the support.
2. Hire wisely: Look for people who are the best fit for your company. Hire slowly while you determine the types of employees that will enhance your business.
3. Learn to say no: If a potential employee has demands in terms of salary and benefits that don't fit with your company, don't hire them. As your business grows, you need to work in the best interest of your company as a whole.
4. Pay attention to employees' needs: From the day you hire an employee in a small business, you are their human resources manager. Get to know each employee and his or her particular set of goals and needs.
5. Maintain a balance: Learn about the dynamic between your employees and how to balance each employee's needs to the best of your ability.
6. Create a positive atmosphere: The attitude in companies stems directly from the boss. If you work to foster a dedicated, positive atmosphere, you can reap the rewards of getting the most out of your staff.
7. Invest in your employees: Care about employees' growth and work to get them invested in your business's success. Show staff that as the company grows, so will their careers.
8. Take your position seriously: In your small business, employees are putting their faith in you that your vision will succeed. You are taking responsibility of their futures and need to think proactively to steer your company through whatever challenges you may face.
9. Be creative: By coming up with new and original business ideas, you are setting an example for your employees to do the same.
10. Listen to your community: Your clients will tell you what you need to do in terms of employees, such as when to expand your staff.

To hear more from Mark Winston and other small business experts, visit www.getgrowingforbusiness.com today at 2 p.m. ET for an online panel discussion featuring CBC's Dragons' Den's Jim Treliving. The online event also features CFIB's Catherine Swift; business specialists from Google Canada and Scotiabank; and the winners of The Small Business Big Impact Challenge.

For more ideas on how to succeed in your small business, please meet with a Small Business advisor at any Scotiabank branch or visit www.getgrowingforbusiness.com.

About The Small Business Big Impact Challenge
The Small Business Big Impact Challenge invited nominations of local small businesses across Canada that could demonstrate that their business made a difference in the community where they live and work in one of the following three categories: Employment, Products or Services, and Leadership. Over 1200 small businesses entered the contest and three unique businesses were selected to win the challenge.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 70,000 employees, Scotiabank Group and its affiliates serve some 18.6 million customers in more than 50 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets above $567 billion (as at July 31, 2011), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.