BMO Offers Free Business Tools and Discounts to Canadian Entrepreneurs during Small Business Week
TORONTO,
            October 17, 2008 –  In response to small business
            owners looking for timely advice and guidance from their banks during
            the current market environment, BMO Bank of Montreal announced it
            is giving away free business tools and savings, including a comprehensive
            support network for small businesses available at www.bizassist.com.
      Available exclusively at BMO branches during Small Business week, October
        20-25, the BMO Key to Growth package was designed to help small business
        owners navigate challenging start-up and operational issues while identifying
        and taking advantage of growth opportunities. The free tools are located
        on a portable USB device that plugs right into your computer and includes:
      
        - A one-year
            membership to BizAssist Online – a
              service of templates and online tools specifically designed for
            small businesses,
            worth up to $1,500 plus access to a 24/7 support line for business
            related challenges;
 
        -  
          A package of discount coupons from Grand & Toy, Yahoo, Rogers and
              more valued at $600;
 
        -  A collection of BMO Business Coach Podcasts and Business Coach brochure
                templates that provide tips on growing a business. 
 
      
      “BMO understands that business owners are looking for practical
        and timely advice,” said Gail Cocker, Senior Vice President Commercial
        Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. “We want our customers to know that
        despite the economic environment, BMO is there for them, ready to lend
        and offer support. The Key to Growth package of business tools, templates
        and discounts is one more way we are helping to ensure our clients have
      what they need to take their companies to the next level.”
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