Grand dreams coming true for entrepreneur couple

Grand dreams in Victoria are coming true through funding from the provincial and federal governments.

Husband and wife team Marly and Greg Anderson have taken their more than 10 years of experience in customer service, combined with a vision of a business venture and a strategic business plan, and put their dreams into actions with The Grand Victorian, a new tourism destination in scenic Victoria-By-the-Sea.

Malpeque MP Wayne Easter and P.E.I. Economic Development and Tourism Minister Heath MacDonald, recently announced a $115,000 loan towards renovations and marketing efforts from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

The government of Prince Edward Island is providing a $175,000 loan and assistance with the creation of the facility’s website.

The Andersons acquired a vacant 140-year old church with more than 3,000 square feet of potential. The couple has a major renovation project underway to convert The Grand Victorian as a destination-wedding venue equipped to accommodate 120 guests and provide flexibility for indoor and outdoor weddings.

When not in use for weddings, the property will be available for social and business rentals as well as overnight accommodations.

So far, the Andersons are thrilled with both their new business venture and its location — a mix of old-world charm and new businesses, restaurants and lovely theatre.

“We have designed the space carefully to be complementary to the setting and to suit a variety of purposes,” they said. “We hope that offering this boutique wedding experience and unique venue rental will complement the area, and we are extremely proud to be new members of this community.”