Bridges to Better Business to showcase entrepreneurial successes as part
    of Small Business Week (October 21 - 27, 2001)

TORONTO,Oct. 10 2001 --Bell Canada, in association with the Business
Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and the Ontario Ministry of Economic
Development and Trade (MEDT), today launched the third annual Bridges to
Better Business(TM) education series to Ontario small business owners and
entrepreneurs. The 15-city tour is a unique learning and networking event for
entrepreneurs to hear local success stories and present new products, services
and ideas with other community-based businesses.
    "We are proud to present Bridges to Better Business as an opportunity for
small business owners and entrepreneurs to meet some of their peers, share
their experiences and learn how others have been successful in their line
business," said Kristine Emmett, vice president, small and medium-sized
enterprise, Bell Ontario. "Local firms and ventures are looking for success
stories, partners and mentors to emulate. Bridges to Better Business allows
business owners to interact with industry peers to discuss successes and
challenges, and ultimately, provide encouragement and support to develop
business strategies and objectives."
    Ontario Economic Development and Trade Minister Bob Runciman said,
"Entrepreneurs and small business play a crucial role in creating Ontario's
dynamic economy." He added, "the Bridges to Better Business program recognizes
the evolving needs of small businesses and the contributions they make."
Runciman said the ministry is pleased to partner with Bell and the BDC. Many
of the seminars are held at provincial Small Business Enterprise Centres.
    "Bridges to Better Business is in line with the BDC's objective to help
Canadian small businesses grow and we are proud to be part of this
initiative," said Michel Leduc, vice president and Toronto area manager for
the Business Development Bank of Canada. "Small business is the backbone of
the Canadian economy and the country's main driver of job creation."
    Bell Canada is presenting Bridges to Better Business together with
BeThere e-Strategy Workshop, a concurrent series of seminars on successful e-
strategy planning for small business. Presented in conjunction with 15 Ontario
community Chambers of Commerce, the BeThere e-Strategy Workshop is led by
Robert Gillelan, a recognized University of Toronto professor specializing in
e-business and online branding. The seminar series examines best practices,
strategic planning tools and evaluation techniques to understand and execute
powerful e-strategy initiatives for small business. For more information on
BeThere e-Strategy Workshop visit www.bell.ca/bethere.
    Bridges to Better Business runs October 10 to November 14, 2001. For more
information on the program, please visit www.bell.ca/bridges.

    About the Business Development Bank of Canada
    The Business Development Bank of Canada is a financial institution wholly
owned by the Government of Canada. BDC plays a leadership role in delivering
financial and consulting services to Canadian small business, with a
particular focus on the technology and export sectors of the economy. BDC's
Web site address is www.bdc.ca.

    About the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
    Economic Development and Trade is the lead ministry which promotes
economic development and job creation in Ontario by creating the best climate
for business to prosper and eliminating red tape, as well as stimulating
trade. The ministry markets the province as a desirable place to live, work,
invest, and raise a family. MEDT works with its private sector partners to
ensure its core responsibilities - employment and business development,
investment and trade - continue to help Ontario businesses compete globally,
contribute to a highly-skilled, well-educated workforce, and generate
prosperity for all Ontarians. In Northern Ontario, MEDT is represented by the
Northern Development Division of the Ministry of Northern Development and
Mines.

    About Bell Ontario
    Bell Ontario, a division of Bell Canada, provides a wide range of
communications services to its customers in its Ontario operating territory.
Bell Canada, Canada's national leader for communications in the Internet
world, provides connectivity to residential and business customers through
wired and wireless voice and data communications, high speed and wireless
Internet access, IP-broadband services, e-business solutions, local and long
distance phone and directory services. Bell Canada is owned by BCE Inc. of
Montréal (80%) and by SBC Communications Inc. of San Antonio, Texas (20%). For
more information please visit www.bell.ca.




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For further information: Andrew Cole, Bell Ontario Media Relations
(416) 581-3311, 1-888-482-0809, andrew.cole@bell.ca; Eric
Shapiro, Senior
Communications Planner, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade
(416) 325-6698, eric.shapiro@edt.gov.on.ca; Nathalie
Charland, Media
Relations, Business Development Bank of Canada (514) 283-7929,
nathalie.charland@bdc.ca