Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Announces a Banner Year
Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Northumberland County has announced the 2017 numbers for its Business and Entrepreneurship Centre.
The press release lists $129,000 in grants distributed, resulting in 82 new businesses launched, 24 businesses expanded and 106 jobs created.
Expanding its programs and services also resulted in another year of increasing the number of clients served, economic development and tourism director Dan Borowec said in the bulletin.
“When you consider that over 98% of businesses in Ontario are small enterprises, the importance of providing dedicated resources like this to support entrepreneurial success – particularly in small communities like Northumberland County – is clear,” Borowec stated.
“And these numbers tell a story of significant value delivered as a result.”
Entrepreneurs thinking about, planning, starting or expanding a business can work with the BECN to access a range of programs, services and micro-grants.
The centre also has a focus on developing youth entrepreneurship, involving more than 30 young people each year in three separate programs. Chris Jalbert and Sarah Pelletier acknowledge that this support was instrumental in getting their small-batch tea company, Number E Tea in Brighton, off the ground – not only the guidance and mentorship, but the opportunity to work with knowledgeable and motivating people.
Warden Mark Lovshin points out the role the centre has in advancing small business and entrepreneurship development, a key component of the county’s economic-development master plan.
“The BECN offers many innovative programs and services that are unique to our community,” Lovshin said.
“Council is proud of the work being done – it is directly contributing to a prosperous and vibrant Northumberland County.”
The BECN has four locations throughout the county to make it easy for local entrepreneurs to access the support and expertise they need to advance their businesses. For more information, visit www. BECN.ca.
Author: Pete Fisher
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