ESTEVAN - Southeast Business Startup continues to do its part to help people start and grow their businesses, and, in turn, further their dreams.
“We do have educational programming, but the biggest part we do is the one-on-one business support. We’ve had a really good uptake for that,” said manager Jeff Taylor.
He says he sees at least one new business idea every week, which he believes is “fantastic” for a community the size of Estevan. It shows the innovative and entrepreneurial spirt of the people of the area.
Taylor has encountered a variety of people who have come through the doors. Some are people who have figured out what they want, and others are those who have just lost their job, and aren’t certain exactly what to do, but they have always wanted to start a business.
Taylor will listen to learn where they are at, where they need help and the ideas they have.
“Then we start looking at the viability of the business, which I think is one of the most important things. There’s no point in spending a lot of time and money if the numbers don’t work.”
They need to establish if there’s a market for that type of company, or if there are other companies already in that space.
Sometimes he’ll encounter ideas that he really likes, but the numbers don’t support the concept. In other instances, he’s won’t be the target audience, but he can tell there is a market.
Then he’ll look deeper at the local competition, figure out how the idea can meet a need and provide the service, determine a location and decide how to reach the market.
“Make sure that we cover all of the bases in terms of what they need. This is the same time I would go through with them and check to find out what kind of permits or anything else are needed by the business.”
It’s important to have a business plan and think of everything, because so much is involved in being an entrepreneur.
“People usually have the answers to most of the things, but there’s usually one or two things that catch them by surprise.”
There have been some success stories for businesses that have gone through Southeast Business Startup, although Taylor can’t divulge any names.
Southeast Business Startup has been hosting sessions and workshops as well. The next one is Oct. 28, on getting noticed online. Taylor said it’s always been important, but it has a growing relevance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attendance for the classes had been good, but with new restrictions that require proof of vaccination, the numbers have dropped off. He hopes the number of patrons will eventually recover.
Taylor said it’s great that so many people in Estevan want to start their own business, because these are people who want to pursue their dreams and passions.
Southeast Business Start-up is a free service, and it’s here to help people start their business.
