Enterprising Women Program Expanding to Sussex
SAINT JOHN– The Saint John Community Loan Fund is bringing on of its most popular programs to the Town of Sussex.
For the first time, the organization will be running its Enterprising Women program outside of Saint John. The program has helped more than 100 women start their own business since 2009.
“We always wanted to offer our services outside of Saint John,” said Christina Allain, economic development officer with the Saint John Community Loan Fund. “Sussex is just next door, so we’re trying it for the first time to deliver it for the first time outside the Saint John area.”
Running from April through June, up to 10 women will learn the ins and outs of starting a business in a supportive environment. Participants will meet twice a week for three-hour classes to learn how to conduct market research, create financials, build a business model, and create a business plan.
They will also learn skills such as conflict resolution, goal setting and more. Mentorship will play a key role in the program with participants having a chance to meet and learn from successful business owners and from each other.
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The program’s previous graduates have gone on to launch and grow successful businesses in Saint John, including Dioné Cosmetics, Heartbreak Boutique, Nails by Christina and LUNA Belly Dance.
Allain says the Saint John Community Loan Fund’s partners in Sussex are excited to have the program offered, for it will help women discover how to make their skills into a business.
“I did meet with some community partners over there and they’re very excited to have a program like this coming in,” she said. “We know there are a lot of talented women out there but they have that business piece that’s missing or some of them didn’t even realize that they could make a business out of the skills they already have. It’s definitely an opportunity.”
With Sussex already having its own active Startup Canada Community and Chamber of Commerce, Allain hopes the Enterprising Women program will help build that momentum.
“It really creates a support network of women in business and that’s something we can bring over there,” she says. “This is the first time starting the movement, but over the years, there will be a more active community of entrepreneurs who rely on each other and support each other along the way.”