Giving Entrepreneurs a Head Start

BRAMPTON, ON: It can be a daunting task striking out on your own and starting a new business from scratch.

With a passion for rock climbing, Kevin Allen wanted to turn that into a career. But despite a business degree and a desire for success, there were unseen challenges and hurdles between where he was and where he wanted to be. With the help of programs like Starter Company, he and his business partner Trevor Davis were able to get Toprock Climbing, Brampton’s first rock climbing gym, off the ground.

“Working with the City of Brampton’s Entrepreneur Centre, Starter Company gave us connections to answer questions that we didn’t even know we had,” says Kevin, who also received a $5,000 grant from Starter Company. “It helped us get through zoning issues and make connections that have proven invaluable not only as we moved towards opening, but in helping our business grow.”

The Brampton Entrepreneur Centre has recently launched an extension of Starter Company, a provincial program to support entrepreneurs in Brampton through training, mentoring and grant opportunities to start, expand or buy a small business.

Starter Company Plus will help entrepreneurs by providing:

· One-on-one guidance from the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre.

· Access to business experts, workshops and networking events.

· Training and business skills development.

· An opportunity to receive a grant of up to $5,000 to kick off a new business or expand an existing business.

“As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Brampton is one of the best places to start a business,” says Bob Darling, Director of Economic Development and Culture at the City of Brampton. “Programs like Starter Company Plus make it even better by putting a team of seasoned professionals on the ground to support entrepreneurs, This creates new opportunities for people to strike out on their own and be their own boss.”

Offering both day-use and a membership, Toprock Climbing is Kevin’s way of sharing his passion with others. It caters to both experienced climbers and those who are interested in giving it a try.

There were were times when Kevin wasn’t sure their dream was going to become a reality. It is not an uncommon experience among new business ventures, whether they experience funding issues, can’t find an appropriate space or run into unexpected expenses.

“It is all about perseverance,” he says. “You are going to hit major roadblocks along the way that you think are debilitating and will keep you from even getting started. But you have to keep moving forward and stay focused on your main goal.”

For more information about entrepreneurship programs at the Brampton Entrepreneur Centre, please visit www.brampton.ca/bec

Brampton is thinking bigger. We are a future ready organization with a sharp focus. We know our community’s growth, youth and diversity set us apart. We sit at the centre of Canada’s innovation super corridor, encouraging investment and growing our global success. We are building vibrant urban centres that ignite opportunity and instill pride in the people who live and work here. We are moving Brampton forward to be a connected city that is innovative, inclusive and bold. Follow us onTwitter and Facebook. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.