Find a niche and fill a need – that’s exactly what three new business owners have done.
Three new start-up businesses are ready to launch on the Coast, thanks to the Self Employment Program run in partnership between WorkBC, Open Door Group and the YMCA of Greater Vancouver.
One of the entrepreneurs, Lee Nelsen, created Maids of Honour, a concierge and cleaning business. Her reliable, professional service and customer orientation is garnering loyal clientele. Maids of Honour sets up a customer’s summer residence, so they can enjoy their property as soon as they arrive. Lee has big dreams for her company and wants to eventually make Maids of Honour into a franchise opportunity for other aspiring business owners.
James Covell, another Self Employment Program graduate, has been in the culinary field for many years. He has a passion for food, and saw the need for locally made and ethically raised delicious meats and cheeses as well as artisan products and specialty foods. His new business, Plethora Fine Foods, opened this week on Cowrie Street in Sechelt and supplies customers with products not currently available on the Sunshine Coast.
“I came up to the Sunshine Coast with a dream to start my own business in 2016,” Covell said. “I had a lot of experience and schooling under my belt and needed a bit more of a push to make my dream a reality. WorkBC’s Self Employment course helped me put my vision into a solid business plan and helped connect me with the right people to make it all happen… I would definitely recommend the course to anyone who is looking to start their own business.”
Since the program wrapped up at the end of May, another participant, a local carver focusing on indigenous culture, has sold a few pieces locally, and is expanding to the Vancouver market. He stated that the program was a big benefit to help him build his business idea into an enterprise.
The YMCA Self Employment Program is part of Employment Services British Columbia and is sponsored by Open Door Group. It is a 48-week program that offers 75 hours of business plan development over 10 weeks. It continues with monthly support for another 38 weeks during the implementation of the business plan.
If you have a solid business idea, secure your spot today. The Self Employment Program benefits anyone who has a viable business idea and meets the eligibility criteria. The next start date is Sept. 19.
For more information, contact the WorkBC office in Gibsons (604-865-7729) or Sechelt (604-885-3351), or see www.gv.ymca.ca or www.opendoorgroup.org.
– Submitted
