Vietnamese Immigrant Becomes New Owner of Fredericton UPS Store
Fredericton’s UPS store has a new owner thanks to a program that helps immigrants get into business.
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce’s Business Immigrant Mentorship Program (BIMP) and Kinh Huynh – the new owner of the UPS Store #101 – hosted a grand reopening this morning at the store’s location on Dundonald Street.
Huyhn came to New Brunswick under the government of New Brunswick’s Provincial Nominee Program from Vietnam and has worked with the Business Immigrant Mentorship Program over the past few years to become a Canadian business owner.
“Kinh very quickly did exactly what we hope our newcomers will do, which is integrate quickly, take advantage of the service provision that we’re giving on behalf of the province and the [Fredericton] Chamber of Commerce, and then get into a turnkey situation where they can walk into a franchise or a successfully run business that’s on the market or for sale,” said Janet Moser, director of the Business Immigrant Mentorship Program.
Huyhn said that since his first visit to Fredericton four years ago, he has been working towards finding a way to move to the city from Vietnam.
“Four years ago, I [had] my first visit to Fredericton, New Brunswick with my family and I have been falling in love with Fredericton since that time,”Huynh said. “We decided to apply to come to Canada and especially to come to Fredericton, New Brunswick.”
“Of course it took me a while to come here but what I can say is I have been receiving a lot of support from everyone here … Without the support, I don’t think I would have what I do today.”
Moser said Huynh and his business are a great example of what BIMP does and how immigrants to the area can receive support.
“It’s just a testament today of the success that’s happening here in New Brunswick for the Provincial Nominee Program and for people coming from around the world who are looking for a different way of life in an environment where it’s safe and they feel comfortable and at home and welcome,” Moser said. “We hope we’re providing that here in Fredericton.”