Maybe you're a student with an inspiration that you think could become your life's work. Or maybe, you're a farmer that's come up with an invention that you KNOW is going to change everything.
Perhaps you're working at a job you like, but you have a personal interest that you think might become a source of a second income. Or, you could be somebody that has been hit with some unexpected circumstance that has caused you to decide that it is time to stop working for somebody else and start up your own business.
Whatever your specific situation is...you have a 'big idea'...that you KNOW could become something even BIGGER.
The Kipling Entrepreneurial Group would like to help you turn that 'big idea' into a profitable sideline, a new product that people just HAVE to have, a flourishing business or an exciting 'fresh start' in life.
On Saturday, May 6th, the Kipling Entrepreneurial Group will host 'What's the Big Idea? An Event for Entrepreneurs'. Scott Kearns, one of the organizers, says that the event will provide valuable information to any entrepreneur.
"We want to do something to encourage anybody who is interested in starting up some kind of business in this area; by providing an opportunity for them to come to an event and gain some information. It will also be a chance for them to bounce their ideas off of business people and financial advisers. The hope is that people will leave with some fresh insights and a better understanding of how they can actually make their business idea happen.
He adds that people who are currently operating an existing business would also benefit from attending the event."
"We'd also like to provide information to business-people that might be looking at adding a new line to their business or expanding in some other way."
Scott points out that encouraging entrepreneurs is an important way to help the local economy grow and diversify.
"We want to stimulate growth in this area. We can't just sit and wait for somebody to move into the area and start something. We want to encourage the people that are living here already and give them advice on what needs to happen to move their idea forward."
Scott explains that the 'Big Idea' actually incorporates two different kinds of events into one.
"The event will start at noon with displays that will be set up from financial institutions and different agencies that offer assistance and support to small business such as Plainsview Credit Union, Community Futures, 'Square One' Saskatchewan's Business Resources Center and Start-Up Canada. There will also be a 'Pitch Party' held that afternoon. People will be able to 'pitch' their idea in much the same way that people entering the 'Dragon's Den' do. Prizes will be awarded and participants can rest assured that Kevin O'Leary will not be there! As well, we will have guest speakers...Pat Beaujot and Jessica Sproat. So, there will be a lot of different things happening that day.î
The event is open to anyone and admission is free. However, Scott points out that some individuals should contact him to pre-register."
"Anyone who wants to pre-register their pitch for the Pitch Party can do that at: register@sasktel.net. Or, they could phone me at: (306) 736-7838. I'd also like to encourage anyone who would like to come and set up a display or give a presentation on what they can do to help entrepreneurs and small business owners. For example, a presentation that shows how a person can effectively use the internet in their business might be helpful. Even a presentation on how people can profit from writing a blog would be interesting."
As Scott points out, "People who want to start up a new business can sometimes feel intimidated. But, just having some real, solid information at your disposal can make the whole idea a lot less daunting. We want people to come get some practical advice and some different perspectives. Ultimately, we're hoping that this event will help people turn their 'big idea' into an exciting opportunity and a new vision for their future."
This event is sponsored by Graham Dayle Chartered Accountant, Eve Realty, Gee Bee Construction and Town of Kipling.
