Timmins' business advisory group builds company sales and employment base.

• Author: Lamour, Adelle
• Position: Quantum Management Group

A new type of business advisory service is now available for small--and medium-sized enterprises in Northern Ontario.

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In June of this year, the Quantum Management Group in Timmins accepted a contract through the Innovation Synergy Centre in Markham (ISCM) to deliver its expert business advisory and mentoring services in the North.

"It's a good merger to get the private sector to help deliver the service in Northern Ontario," says Ken Petersen, partner and management consultant in the Quantum Management Group.

The ISCM is a not-for-profit business advisory hub based in Markham that helps companies increase their sales and employment base at no cost. Fast approaching its fourth year, it has assisted more than 385 companies in a wide spectrum of fields, from technology, biotech, automotive, agriculture, manufacturing, export and general business industries, says Rod Graham, ISCM director of client services. It receives support from the Town of Markham, The National Research Council and the Ontario Ministry of Innovation.

The Timmins centre evolved out of interactions with a mutual colleague, Randy Harris, partner and managing director of Quantum Management Group. As an expansion of services for both firms, it is unique from other business advisory centres because of the detailed level of service offered, as well as the ability to access the long-time expertise of the Quantum group partners, and its southern counterpart advisors at the ISCM.

The focus is on small- to medium-sized companies with sales around $1 million and 10 or more employees, not startup businesses. It is also available for clients who are looking to develop new technology, expand their business or export.

"We provide people with business direction and advice in more detail than probably they would get through the business self-help programs at current provincial government offices," Petersen says. "There is also a special...