Brian Gibb lends a hand to Liz Gibb as she makes her way up the ramp into a wheelchair-accessible van. Going with Gibb is an accompaniment service in which Gibb offers rides – and companionship – to people needing a drive to appointments, chores or special events.

Brian Gibb lends a hand to Liz Gibb as she makes her way up the ramp into a wheelchair-accessible van. Going with Gibb is an accompaniment service in which Gibb offers rides – and companionship – to people needing a drive to appointments, chores or special events.

When Brian Gibb lost his job at Casino Rama – alongside dozens of other employees – he found himself at a crossroads.

Like most people, he polished his resume and applied for 292 jobs before attending a job fair at Orillia Square mall – it was a decision that would dramatically alter his path.

“The Business Enterprise Resource Network had a booth at the job fair promoting their self-employment benefit (SEB) program,” Gibb explained. “I started talking to them about an idea I had for a business and it just took off from there.”

Gibb soon applied – and was accepted – into the SEB program, which offers income and support during the process of developing and launching a business.

“I had this idea of starting an accompaniment service for more than two years,” said Gibb of his enterprise, Going with Gibb in which he offers rides – and company – to people going to various appointments, chores or special events.

However, he needed almost $50,000 to purchase an accessible van. Enter the CDC with a loan – and the opportunity to get to work. The CDC also helped him achieve his CPR certification and they have afforded him critical networking opportunities.

“The CDC is always there as a sounding board as well. In my opinion, if you’re starting a business, you’d be crazy not to look into the SEB program and not to go to the CDC.”

For more information, visit goingwithgibb.com, call 705-345-2239 or email [email protected].