Best in the Biz College of the North Atlantic

Get ready to take notes! In this episode, Rae Miller, Executive Director of the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) Long Range, offers up a treasure trove of resources. In her experience, your business plan is your roadmap, but writing one can be challenging. Luckily, with a network of 15 CBDCs in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), help is nearby. CBDC Long Range supports entrepreneurs with business loans, expert guidance, the Entrepreneurial Training Fund, the Self-Employment Assistance (SEA) Benefit, and more. Contact CBDC Long Range at 709-643-2933 or LongRange@cbdc.ca to tap into these invaluable resources and take your business to new heights. 

The Arlims story: old school charm invigorated by new energy. This week’s guest is Tracy Boland, co-owner of Arlims store in Stephenville, NL. Driving down main street Stephenville, the iconic yellow Arlims sign is bound to catch your eye, but it might also send you on a trip down memory lane. For Tracy, her love of the store blossomed long before she took ownership in 2023. It started when she was a young girl fabric shopping with her mom. Fast forward to present day and family is still at the heart of this local business. In fact, it was a family connection that set Tracy on her entrepreneurial journey. She says the key to success in the retail industry is treating your staff and clientele like family too. Tune in to learn more about maintaining a good business reputation and prioritizing community. Keep an eye out for upcoming contests on Arlims' Facebook page. 

Andrew Hibbitts-Kerhoas is no stranger to the ups and downs of owning a business. At Horizon TNL, he provides business services, helps employers with their bilingual recruitment needs, and supports tourism and immigration. He’s also owned several businesses himself. Host Ian MacDonald sat down with Andrew for an engaging conversation on staffing challenges, effective marketing, and accessing often underutilized resources. Ending on a sugar high, Andrew shares the sweet success of his latest business acquisition Candy Lane. Explore Horizon TNL’s services at www.horizontnl.ca. For a sweet treat, check out www.shopcandylane.com
This episode was recorded in December 2023.

Meet Allie Lynch, Chief Innovation Officer of RAR Innovations. Allie is a student of CNA’s Mechanical Engineering Technology (Manfacturing) Co-Op program. Recently, she completed an entrepreneurial work-term with the college. In this episode, we explore how Allie’s work-term catalyzed the development of the Lickety Splint. This includes access to prototyping labs and 3D printers in CNA’s Office of Applied Research. Allie highlights the need to build a strong team that works to each person's strengths. She also encourages other entrepreneurs to ask for what they need. In her experience, sometimes the answer will surprise you. Want to find out more about RAR Innovations’ work? Connect with Allie on LinkedIn!

This week’s guest is Peter Buckle. He’s the owner of PB Productions and an instructor in CNA’s Digital Filmmaking program. After working in the Vancouver film industry, Peter made his way home to Corner Brook, NL. He expected he’d eventually wind up back on the East coast. Instead, he started a successful video production company and, shortly after, began training the next generation of filmmakers. He never looked back. One big benefit to operating in a small town? The outpouring of excitement and support the community gives… including the opportunity to shut down an airport runway. Check out PB Productions on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PBJfilms and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/productions_pb

What’s it like being an entrepreneur? Stefan Young says it’s a balancing act. Stefan is the owner of Karl’s Canteen and Irving Gas Bar in Stephenville Crossing, NL. He purchased both businesses just over three years ago. In a rural community like Stephenville Crossing, businesses like his are essential. In this episode, Stefan shares the challenges and benefits that come along with acquiring an existing business and operating in a small town. He discusses the wealth of support he received from his community and organizations like Ulnooweg Development Group. Entrepreneurship may be hard, but in Stefan’s view the bad days are balanced out by the good. Find Karl’s Canteen and Stephenville Crossing Irving on Facebook.