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.

When Matthew LeDrew decided to study journalism, he thought he’d be the next Peter Parker, Clark Kent, or Lois Lane. Instead, he followed in the footsteps of writers Stan Lee and Jerry Siegel. Matthew is the founder of Engen Books, a book publishing company based in Newfoundland and Labrador, and he’s an author himself. In this episode, he and host Ian MacDonald talk about transferable skills, how mentorship puts things into perspective, and balancing passion with financial responsibility. Matthew says publishing isn’t a get-rich-quick venture. It’s a labour of love. Tune in to find out how he navigated the growing pains and created a career that ignites his passion every day. Find out more about Engen Books at engenbooks.com or check out Matthew’s Write Project Podcast on Facebook.

Ulnooweg Development Group has been providing loans and business services to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada since 1986. In this feature episode, host Ian MacDonald caught up with Arlene Blanchard-White. Arlene is a Commercial Account Manager at Ulnooweg and recent winner of the CNA 2023 Alumni Acclaim Award for Community Service. Covering topics from funding options to succession planning, Arlene shares valuable insights and resources for entrepreneurs at all stages. She identifies common challenges such as cash flow management, digital marketing, and how to scale a business. Key takeaway: Explore all your options and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Find out more about Ulnooweg’s services at ulnooweg.ca or toll free at 1-888-766-2376.

Following your interests can take you unexpected places. In Jamie Goosney’s case, it led him across North America and, later, to start Aguathuna Drafting & Consulting Co in Port au Port East. Jamie shares how his life experiences shaped a successful business idea. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of every opportunity. He stresses the importance of valuing your team, maintaining good relationships, and staying connected with classmates. Because true success is built on teamwork.

Godzilla in the St. John’s Narrows. Batman by the Basilica. Deadpool on Water Street. You can thank Kyle Callahan Photography for capturing these scenes and more. Kyle sat down with host Ian MacDonald to discuss the growth of his photography career. He first picked up a camera in CNA’s Graphic Design program, and the rest was history. Kyle now has a full-time spot at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market. He's also collaborating on a new book, The Fairies of Foggy Island, to be published by Engen Books later this year. His secret to small business success? Follow your passion, but also consider your audience. Find a way to be true to yourself, while still giving your audience what they’re looking for. That’s how you build your name. Once you're established, you can focus more on what your strategy and growth.

Stuck coming up with a business idea? Find something good and make it better. Jacob Trask, owner of Cryo NL, says business isn’t always sexy, and it doesn’t have to be. Jacob founded Cryo NL two years after graduating from CNA’s Business Management (Marketing) program. At the time, cryotherapy had been popular in the United States for years. It started gaining momentum in Canada, but it hadn’t yet reached Newfoundland and Labrador. Jacob noticed this gap in the market and leapt at the opportunity. But what is cryotherapy? It is the process of spraying dry ice on the body. It uses extreme cold (-77 degrees Celsius to be exact) for pain management and cosmetic purposes. At Cryo NL, Jacob has treated everything from arthritis to migraines. Jacob’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is don’t overcomplicate it. If you can find a way to better serve customers, you can find success… even in a crowded industry.

When you’re an artist, your art is your business. And that can leave you feeling especially vulnerable to criticism. In Sarah Crowe’s case, this fear nearly prevented her from starting her business Sarah Crowe Designs. After getting a degree, she thought she’d be a teacher or translator. Instead, she felt she was spinning her wheels. That’s when she decided to enroll at CNA to study Textile and Apparel Design. Starting a business was a natural, but scary, next step. Host Ian MacDonald talked to Sarah about the importance of a strong support network and asking for help. Sarah offers these words of wisdom: “Don’t let the imposter syndrome get the best of you. You owe it to yourself to go for it.” Sarah Crowe Designs operates out of Quidi Vidi Village Artistian Studios in St. John’s, NL.

Do all good business ideas disrupt the industry? No. But pitch competition shows like Dragon's Den and Shark Tank might make you think otherwise. Geoff Pevlin is the co-owner of Applebeard Editions and Rendell Shea Manor. He joined host Ian MacDonald to discuss “boring” versus disruptive business, staying open to opportunity, and how to deal with unexpected challenges. Geoff cautions entrepreneurs to be wary of advice. Every situation and business can be different; however, we can all learn from our mistakes. 

For Lucas Hillier, owner and operator of LH Media, business runs in the family. When Lucas got laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, he took inspiration from his Pop and Dad and started his own business. Support from friends and family – combined with smart word-of-mouth marketing – helped LH Media survive a slow first year of operations. Host Ian MacDonald sat down with Lucas to learn how LH Media found success in video production and digital marketing, and scored the opportunity to film for the History Channel. Lucas’ advice? Your first two years as an entrepreneur probably won’t go as planned, but if you invest the time and don’t give up, you can reap the rewards.

The Best in the Biz Entrepreneurship podcast is the first of its kind for CNA, offering tips and expert advice from some of the best business minds out there. Start your journey as an entrepreneur today with CNA’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. With our knowledgeable team at your side, you're sure to reach new heights and secure your success.

Hey, entrepreneurs! We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of CNA’s Entrepreneurship Initiative! If you're a CNA student or alum wanting to start a business or get help with an existing one, we’re here for you. Our website, workshops, and mentorship will give you the tools you need. But wait, there's more… We're launching the BEST IN THE BIZ Entrepreneurship podcast too! So if you want to start or grow your business, reach out and let us help you.