By Matt Weingarden
There’s a new way to support rural entrepreneurs, thanks to the launch of a partnership between WEtech Alliance and Libro Credit Union.
Innovation Outposts are being set up across Essex County and Chatham-Kent, using business and community spaces to connect the people behind local start-ups and businesses.
The program will host regular events and support business development through education and better links to other support groups and programs.
“We realize that our region’s entrepreneurs, particularly those in more rural areas, have access to fewer resources than their peers in urban areas and face greater challenges in starting and scaling their companies,” said Adam Frye, director of Operations and Partnerships at WEtech Alliance.
Fitness. Adventure. Passion!
Included in the first session was Urban Surf Co., a locally based fitness and adventure company located at 55E. Pike Creek Rd. in Lakeshore. The company, who are celebrating its 10th anniversary in business, specialize in paddle board and kayak rentals, marina, summer camp, pottery classes and fitness sessions.
Included in the first session was Urban Surf Co., a locally based fitness and adventure company located at 55E. Pike Creek Rd. in Lakeshore. The company, who are celebrating its 10th anniversary in business, specialize in paddle board and kayak rentals, marina, summer camp, pottery classes and fitness sessions.
The event featured a start-up branding presentation with Tia Hughes, a Lakeshore based female founder and branding expert and a brand presentation with Danielle Chevalier and Chris Mingay, founders and owners of Urban Surf Co., followed by a complimentary sunset paddle board experience.
Participants were taught how to focus on various strategies and tips in keeping a start-up brand afloat as an entrepreneur. The event helped to create opportunities to network with entrepreneurs, business support organizations, partners and community members.
“This program is great for those just starting a business…it’s a chance to meet, share ideas and some the of challenges new business owners might face and learn from each other,” said Chris Mingay.
For Minguay and Chevalier, the 10 years in business has been challenging, yet rewarding, while keeping their brand top of mind. Since starting the business, they have grown to over 40 staff members.
“We continue to grow and we want to offer all of our customers an amazing experience,” added Chevalier.
The couple says they have a summer full of events line up for the public. So many if fact, they suggest visiting their website for all the details at Urbansurf.ca.
Partnership between WEtech Alliance and Libro Credit Union
The Innovation Outposts program builds upon the success of a six-year partnership between WEtech Alliance and Libro Credit Union.
“We want to empower entrepreneurs and their communities by connecting them to each other and to the regional resource network and bridging the rural innovation divide,” said Lori Atkinson, Libro’s regional manager in Windsor-Essex. “We believe rural entrepreneurship is a key element to rural revitalization and regional economic impact and prosperity.”
Natalie Close, Libro regional manager for Lambton, Kent and Middlesex Counties, said: “This is about creating opportunities to succeed, and making sure people with great ideas can make them work, wherever they are. It’s vital for rural economies to have supports like this, and it aligns well with Libro’s many years working with the rural community, especially in agriculture.” said Natalie Close, Libro Regional Manager for Lambton, Kent and Middlesex Counties
For the next year, there will be Innovation Outposts hosting events in Amherstburg, Chatham-Kent, Lakeshore and Kingsville.
All entrepreneurs, business owners, leaders, potential entrepreneurs, students, and community members are invited.
This is a three-year partnership, aiming to connect more than 250+ entrepreneurs with entrepreneurial training support hosting 10 events annually across Essex County and Chatham-Kent
For more information on the Innovation Outposts program, visit:
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