Several business ideas and initiatives have ignited our passion this week.
Tuesday night, Johan Stroman, executive director of Coast Car Co-op, made an exciting pitch to Gibsons council, a proposal that could forever impact transportation needs through a car-sharing program on the Sunshine Coast.
According to Stroman, there are more than 100,000 car-share members in Canada who are utilizing some 3,000 vehicles in 19 programs across the country, including five in B.C.
With the Sunshine Coast community spread out as it is, how many people living in Gibsons, let's say, might not have access to a car for an important appointment in Sechelt? They could take public transit or ask friends for a ride - both viable options - but for a minimal annual fee, a vehicle can be rented through the car co-op and the problem is solved. Stroman hopes to launch the service this fall in Gibsons with five vehicles with the hopes of seeing the program expand to other locations up and down the Coast.
This is a fantastic idea, one that received a warm reception at Gibsons' council meeting. Here's hoping that the other governments will jump on board and embrace this friendly, new transportation initiative.
Stroman's idea was sparked from the FUSE work hub's Ignite program, which also gained our attention recently when Deer Crossing the Art Farm and project manager of FUSE Community Work Hub Chad Hershler appeared before Gibsons council seeking a charitable partner for a funding application.
Building on the success of the Ignite program, Hershler and his colleagues are hoping to see the program extend for the next three years to develop it into a self-sustaining incubator for social entrepreneurs on the Sunshine Coast.
Partnering with Community Futures of the Sunshine Coast and Simon Fraser University, they are now seeking $60,000 over three years from the Vancouver Foundation.
Further up the Coast, District of Sechelt is seeking to attract new business opportunities and ultimately more jobs through its Sechelt Innovations Ltd. initiative. The District is currently advertising for the new board and director of business development positions, and if they get the green light from the inspector of municipalities, then the project is a go.
All these opportunities have us pretty stoked. These are exactly the kinds of projects this community needs - ideas that have positive impacts on our community, create employment opportunities and help to create a better, more vibrant community.
We are more than impressed with people like Stroman and Hershler who are young entrepreneurs with dreams to have sustainable businesses and help other entrepreneurs achieve their dreams as well.
