Entrepreneurship initiative launched for students, alumni
Website, workshops, podcasts, contest included in services offered
For Ian MacDonald, knowing he’s part of something special motivates him to think of more and innovative ways to get students and alumni off the ground with their business ideas.
The business development officer, who is located at College of the North Atlantic headquarters in Stephenville, has spent several months immersed in planning, developing and implementing strategies that give students and alumni throughout the province the tools and resources they need to start or grow their businesses.
“This experience has been very rewarding,” said MacDonald in a news release.
“The response so far has been extremely positive overall. This is something that’s new for the college … We know this service was in high demand and we are excited to be able to provide it, while at the same time, building relationships with entrepreneurs, service providers and other stakeholders. A strong support network will be the key to the success of this initiative.”
Wayne Quilty, director of Partnerships, Entrepreneurship and Community Engagement, says CNA’s Entrepreneurship Hub has been a while in the making. Now that it’s a reality, it will create even more opportunities for the college’s students.
“We are proud to provide this assistance and look forward to speaking with all CNA students and alumni wishing to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career option.”
MacDonald says potential clients have an array of services to choose from when they contact him for assistance.
One of the showpieces for his area of expertise is the new Entrepreneurship Hub on CNA’s website. When navigating the microsite, visitors will see everything from information about mentorship, business and marketing plans and tools, and funding opportunities to get them started. MacDonald has also been focused on recording video workshops and a series of audio podcasts that can be streamed online.
The debut workshops involve a fivepart series that features Ted Cadigan, senior business consultant at the YMCA Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), and topics include business planning; identify and engage your customer base; building your network and supporting cast; establishing a professional social media presence; and building a financial roadmap. Viewers should stay tuned this fall for more insightful episodes that will involve other partners.
The podcast, named Best in the Biz, is something new for CNA and MacDonald.
“When the idea of the podcast first came about, I was a little uncomfortable because it was something I’ve never done before,” he said. “But I guess it’s like anything in life when you set goals and need to achieve them - you sometimes have to step outside what is second nature and explore new territory.
The same can be said for new businesses getting off the ground. Entrepreneurs need to be enterprising and adventurous.”
Best in the Biz is available online (Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you stream podcasts) and listeners will be treated to a variety of guests, all of whom are either future students of
CNA or graduates. They are sharing stories about their businesses, the challenges they’ve faced and tips on how to overcome them.
In addition, MacDonald says one of the upcoming activities is an entrepreneurship competition that’s open to current full-time students who are living in the province. While there are still some details that needs to be worked out, including an official name, it expects to be a thrilling way for participants to win financial support to help accelerate the start-up phase of their business.
MacDonald says interested participants can contact him to talk about their ideas and opportunities. He can be reached by email: entrepreneurship@ cna.nl.ca or call 709-643-7804.