Small businesses can be big business for southern Alberta – that's the message two University of Lethbridge Faculty of Management researchers are sending as they launch a new institute that will focus on the specific needs of small businesses.

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, the U of L and its Faculty of Management will officially launch the Small Business Institute (SBI), the brainchild of Dr. Gordon Hunter and Dan Kazakoff, two management faculty members with several decades of experience in small business consulting, management and education between them.

The focus of the institute's work will be on privately held small businesses, varying from start-up operations to multi-generational ownership. In addition to entrepreneurship and family-owned businesses, other aspects of their research will include franchises, non-participating family members, succession and sustainability. The SBI is unique in that it will focus primarily on Lethbridge and southern Alberta businesses.

Both Hunter and Kazakoff expect a significant student benefit through the exchange of ideas with business people and faculty. In addition, new courses may be developed or existing courses modified to incorporate ideas that come out of the SBI research process.

The launch event and a brief presentation about the SBI takes place on Tuesday, Jan. 17, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in AH100 (Andy's Place). An advisory council is currently being organized that will provide guidance to Kazakoff and Hunter with regard to the Institute's direction. Information about the advisory council will be presented at that time.

For more information, contact Steve Craig (steve.craig@uleth.ca) or call 403-329-5181. To learn more about the institute, visit http://www.uleth.ca/management/SBI

Kazakoff and Hunter also welcome those interested in the SBI to contact them via e-mail: dan.kazakoff@uleth.ca and ghunter@uleth.ca.