Impact Gala 2011 - Sal Rabbani, Partner - BDC Consulting

Opening remarks from Sal Rabbani, partner at BDC Consulting, at the Impact Gala 2011. It was held November 16, 2011 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto.

The following is a written transcript of the opening remarks :

"Good evening everyone,
My name is Sal Rabbani and I'm a senior partner with the Consulting service at the Business Development Bank of Canada.

On behalf of BDC, I'm pleased to welcome you to this wonderful gala. It's great to be able to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship with such an enthusiastic group. This is the second year I have attended this event and I can tell you it is truly a highlight of my year!

I love to come here and plug into the energy and excitement of a new generation of entrepreneurs. You renew my faith that we have a bright future ahead of us in Canada.

BDC's motto is Entrepreneurs First and our mandate is to support Canadian entrepreneurship. We fulfill that mandate by supporting close to 30,000 businesses across Canada with highly tailored financing and expert consulting services.

Small and medium-sized businesses are the heart of the Canadian economy and their success is vital to our country's economic prosperity. That is why we are so proud to once again be the lead sponsor for this evening's gala.

One of the main reasons that people decide to start their own business is because they want to be their own boss. Being an entrepreneur gives you that freedom. It also gives you the opportunity to create something with your own two hands. It allows you to make a difference for yourself, your family and your community.

Yes, the road isn't easy. You will make mistakes along the way. But as long as you learn from them, your mistakes will eventually turn into successes. You will gain confidence and experience and inspire others to follow your example and join you.

I would also like to tell every young entrepreneur in the room how important your contribution is to the future of our country. You are the leaders of tomorrow and your hard work and innovative spirit are essential to the development of Canada.
But inspiration is a limited resource if not fostered constantly. You need to strive to improve and challenge yourself. It may be a cliché, but it's true, especially here in Canada—the sky truly is the limit. Go ahead and dream big dreams about your future. Picture yourself in 10, 20 or 30 years looking back with pride at all the things you have accomplished.

I hope you'll learn a lot tonight from Harry Rosen and the wisdom he has accumulated over more than 50 years in business. I hope he will help you understand how to build a strong business through creativity and innovation. And I hope his example will inspire you to believe that you too can make a success of yourself.

There is also much to learn from Jordan and Elmer. They represent more than a company. Facebook is a global phenomenon with more than 800 million users. I am sure their insights on how to be entrepreneurial in your career will help you aim higher in your quest for excellence.

I look around the room and I see passion and determination. You are the future of this country; you are the ones who will take it further.

Your time is now. Look around you and see what needs to be changed or improved in your community, in your country. And then make it happen!
For each of us, life asks: What kind of person will I become? What will I make of myself? What will I achieve?

I believe we answer these questions with the choices we make every day over the course of a lifetime.

I also believe that entrepreneurship—building a business and being your own boss—can be a wonderful answer to many of life's questions.
There is a wonderful journey ahead of you. Make the best of it!
Thank you."
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For more information about BDC, visit our website : http://www.bdc.ca

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