October has been officially proclaimed Small Business Month in British Columbia.Lots of activities and events are taking place in B.C. and October is the month when small business owners should take time to explore a new direction or find ways to improve business operations and grow their business.Industry Canada reports it is definitely a struggle to keep your small business in business. Their statistics show that 96 per cent of small businesses (1 to 99 employees) entering the marketplace survive for one full year, 85 per cent survive for three years and 70 per cent survive for five years.What makes the difference between businesses that fold after one year and those that sail past the five-year mark with a viable business plan and growing profits?Information, education and training can give you the tools you need to stay in business. Successful business owners know the best way to prosper is to be open to learning.In other words, arm yourself with education and business tools so you can recognize, and take advantage of, every opportunity to maintain and grow your business.A local company is doing its part to ensure that Comox Valley businesses have access to the information, education and tools they need to be successful. Based in the Comox Valley, Stomp’n Kickaxe Marketing & Business Development Consultants will offer a series of six business seminars to coincide with Small Business Month. Kicking off on Oct. 13, the seminars are geared toward Comox Valley small business owners as well as those just starting out. More information about these seminars can be found at http://stompnkickaxe.com/seminars.More information about Small Business Month can be found on the Small Business BC website at http://www.smallbusinessbc.ca.— Stomp’n Kickaxe Marketing & Business Development Consultants