Canada's Minister of Public Works and Government Services Diane Finley believes more can be done to help small businesses grow in Chatham-Kent and Essex County.
Finley toured Hike Metal Products Ltd. at the Wheatley harbour and Southwestern Ontario Gleaners in Leamington, Tuesday.
She'd like to see exporting made easier. "Especially for the manufacturers. You look at all the free trade agreements we've signed with other countries over the years, it's a huge number, and those are all opportunities for small businesses," explains Finley. "I met with a lot of people (on Tuesday) that are doing a lot of export business, which can only be good for this community."
The minister says she'll be taking feedback from the local business owners back to her department, which includes the office for small and medium enterprise, as well as her colleagues in small business and tourism.
