What’s holding you back?

Wednesday evening I was delighted to attend Pictou County 2020’s fantastic annual event at Summer Street. Thirty speakers had two minutes each to tell how they are contributing to a healthy, united, thriving and abundant Pictou County.

Community groups promoting everything from physical fitness to social inclusion to business development came out. Established and fledgling entrepreneurs alike also spoke, and shared stories of how and why they opened businesses here in the county.

The session was presented in partnership with the Municipal Economic Development Group, the Pictou County Chamber of Commerce and PULSE Pictou County.

I was particularly inspired by Cathy Munro of Bramble Hill Farm. She chose to start farming locally a year-and-a-half ago, and has built a diverse business selling brewing hops, purebred Labrador retrievers and the salad greens you see at the New Glasgow Farmers Market.

“What is holding you back from pursuing your passion?” she asked, adding that, in her case, it was mostly fear and procrastination, rather than a lack of skill or opportunity.

Indeed, new businesses can and do succeed here all the time. So if you have a business idea and are hesitant to start, ask yourself: “What exactly is holding me back?” Jeff Davis Liberal candidate, Pictou Centre