Seven local entrepreneurs are preparing to pitch and launch their businesses during Community Futures Sunshine Coast’s Winter Barn Raising event at the Seaside Centre in Sechelt on Dec. 13.
A grand launch event to introduce new businesses to their friends, relatives, potential investors and future customers has become a tradition on the Sunshine Coast, and part of graduating the Local Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (LEAP).
Those attending the LEAP Winter Barn Raising party will hear about new businesses that range from a lavender farm to a local organic chocolate company. Come with an appetite for delicious local food, and great business ideas.
The accelerator program is an eight-week program delivered in partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU). Over the last four years LEAP has launched 16 new businesses on the Coast. LEAP helps social entrepreneurs test their business ideas while preparing to start their business.
“Social ventures use a business model to deliver social change,” said Nicole Chaland, director of SFU’s Community Economic Development Program. “The majority of a social enterprise’s revenue comes from market sales and the community benefit is baked into the operations of the organization, not tacked onto the side. Graduates on the Sunshine Coast have started car-share co-operatives, share riding services, and a climbing gym.”
Tickets are $20, and all proceeds are reinvested to support the entrepreneurs. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call 604-885-1959, ext. 221, or email [email protected]. Tickets can be purchased through the share-there website.
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