On April 5, 2023, BizLink and its four regional Community Futures offices hosted the event: Your Entrepreneurial Journey – Don’t Travel Alone. At this event, attendees learned how to build the right team of people, both within and outside their organization, to enhance their success.
The event Included:
Networking Adventure
Sarah-Jane VandenBerg, Author, Speaker & Owner of The Career Growth Company
Whether networking to build your business or interviewing to build your team, the key is getting the information about people that you need and communicating your message clearly. Test and develop your skills in this fun and interactive exercise.
With over 30 years of experience as a Career Coach and Workshop Facilitator, Sarah-Jane VandenBerg has consistently added to her toolbox to serve her clients with the most effective and appropriate tools possible to empower them to figure out their next job or career goal and then successfully achieve that goal.
Local Stories of Entrepreneurship – Lighting the Flame, Featuring:
Kevin Le, The UPS Store
Kevin immigrated to Canada from Vietnam, on a quest to provide his family with a better future. Hear him share his experience taking over the UPS Store.
Patricia Cousineau, Bird House Nature Company
In the exciting venture of buying the Bird House. Patricia learned how to utilize her resources creatively, including her staff and loyal customers.
Timm McLean, Windmill Garden Centre & Landscaping
Timm chose to purchase a business with an established track record and firm foundation. a decision that was worth the wait.
Workforce Development Trends, Challenges & Opportunities
Kelly McKenna, Executive Director, Simcoe Muskoka Workforce Development Board & Literacy Network
Kelly provided an overview of The Simcoe Muskoka Labour Market Plan (LLMP), which is an annual report that highlights changes in local labour market information including industry, demographics, and job trends. It also identifies key workforce opportunities and challenges in the Simcoe Muskoka region. The LLMP offers residents, businesses, and stakeholders a snapshot of our present employment climate by presenting insights for both job seekers, businesses, and for those offering employment.
Local Stories of Entrepreneurship – Passing the Torch, Featuring:
Geoff White, Georgian Bakery
Running restaurants runs in the family, and Geoff is no exception. He has experience operating restaurants and is experienced as both a business buyer and seller.
Korine Keyzer, Aknor Construction
For the past 10 years, Korine Keyzer has applied her extensive HR, logistics and trucking experience as the owner of Aknor Contruction. She’s grown with the business as it evolved into a specialized float service.
John Beischer, Farm View Newspaper
This unique business has been a family business since 1977. Farm View Newspaper serves the local farming and agriculture industry with news, events and announcements.
Barb Simmons, ADM, Office of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity
There are many stages in building and transitioning successful businesses, from the importance of mentorship to transitioning and selling your established business.
Stories and insights on entrepreneurship from the Assistant Deputy Minister, Office of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity.
