Andrea Markey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 14/05) - How do I write a business plan? Can I get access to free money? How do I start an Internet gambling operation?

Of all the questions the staff at the NWT Business Service Centre have fielded, that last one is the only one to have stumped them, said Claudia Kelly, manager at the Centre.

"Generally, if we don't have the answer we can find it," she said. "And we try to cut through the phone calls and red tape."

With a library full of books on everything from step-by-step business plans and other how-to books to financing and business-related directories, there isn't much one can't find in the small seventh-floor Northwest Tower office.

Specific information on women in business, aboriginal businesses and joint-ventures is available.

French copies of the new e-commerce book will be out this week.

The NWT-specific guide to e-commerce was produced after a number of artisans approached the centre to learn how to sell their art on-line, said Kelly.

"A lot of people come in knowing what they are looking for, but there are just as many who just don't know where to start," she said.

Based on common questions, the centre frequently offers free workshops.

During Small Business Week in mid-October, a marketing workshop will be held, as will one on small business bookkeeping entitled "Out of the shoebox."

The Canada Revenue Agency will host a workshop on GST, payroll and income tax at the beginning of October.

"A lot of people come in looking for help to find the free money - the grant money - first," said Renae Agrey, business information officer at the centre. "After that, they look around at everything else we have here."

Based on interest from the public, the office will begin staying open over the lunch hour, beginning in October.

The centre's website has recently been revamped.

A new feature called "Talk to us" will be accessible in the next two weeks.

This allows a person to be at home or office, search the centre's website and interact with the staff on-line or over the phone during business hours.