Leading Canadian entrepreneur Arlene Dickinson introduced as Scotiabank Business Champion

TORONTO, Oct. 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Scotiabank is pleased to introduce a new partnership with Arlene Dickinson, which will spotlight Canadian entrepreneurs and business leaders and their importance to the Canadian economy. Arlene Dickinson, one of Canada's foremost entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, business leaders and television personalities will add Scotiabank Business Champion to her credentials, and engage Canada's business owners in discussion about the issues that are important to their success.

"Canadian businesses play a crucial role in the Canadian economy and it is important to Scotiabank to do more to ensure the leaders of tomorrow have the tools, information and resources they need to succeed," said James McPhedran, Scotiabank Senior Vice President, Customer Experience & Distribution Strategy. "The combined strengths of Arlene's distinctive personal experience and our expertise in delivering advice, products and services targeted to Canadian businesses will help facilitate the vital conversation about what entrepreneurs and business owners need to flourish."

Small businesses are a significant generator of jobs, income and wealth in Canada. Roughly 5.7 million Canadians, or close to 40 per cent of the paid workforce are employed at small firms with fewer than 100 employees. Another 2.2 million Canadians, or 15 per cent of the workforce, are employed by medium-sized firms with between 100 and 500 employees.

"At Scotiabank, we see firsthand how phenomenally talented Canadian entrepreneurs are and what an important impact they have on the business landscape," said Gillian Riley, Scotiabank Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Distribution. "We are looking forward to working with Arlene to help share her invaluable personal insight on navigating the Canadian business environment, which she gained firsthand by creating her company and turning it into a hugely successful enterprise."

Scotiabank provides tailored advice to Canadian businesses, with specialties that span from agriculture to professionals and skilled trades, through its advisors, online tutorials, client events and more. Canadian entrepreneurs at any stage in their business growth, whether just starting out or competing as a mature business, can benefit from tailored products and advice from Scotiabank advisors.

"It's rare in life that you have the chance to apply all of the lessons you've learned over the course of your career and put them to work in a way that's genuinely meaningful and helpful to others," said Arlene Dickinson, Scotiabank Business Champion. "My personal experience and lessons learned will complement Scotiabank's strength in the delivery of advice and products, a powerful combination ultimately benefitting Canadian entrepreneurs."

Together, Arlene Dickinson and Scotiabank look forward to making a meaningful connection to Canadian businesses and supporting the growth and success of the entrepreneurial economy. To mark the new partnership, Scotiabank will host an online town hall with Arlene Dickinson on October 15, 2012. To register for the town hall, visit www.getgrowingforbusiness.com/success.

About Scotiabank
Scotiabank is one of North America's premier financial institutions and Canada's most international bank. With more than 81,000 employees, Scotiabank and its affiliates serve some 19 million customers in more than 55 countries around the world. Scotiabank offers a broad range of products and services including personal, commercial, corporate and investment banking. With assets of $670 billion (as at July 31, 2012), Scotiabank trades on the Toronto (BNS) and New York Exchanges (BNS). For more information please visit www.scotiabank.com.

SOURCE: Scotiabank