Raluca Nemes Pacioaga
WHEN RALUCA Nemes Pacioaga moved to Burlington from Romania two years ago, she knew a career change was in order.
The 40-year-old mom of two had been an elementary and high school computer science teacher in her home country, but felt a language barrier would prevent her from finding a job in the same field in Canada.
“I can’t have an academic job because of my English,” she says.
Having also worked in the field of information technology as a systems administrator, Nemes Pacioaga decided to leverage those skills and make a career that fit her abilities and schedule.
She worried about fitting into the work culture in Canada and wanted to make sure she could be home with her sons, ages three and 12.
While seeking work — along with some help with her resumé — Nemes Pacioaga learned about the Women’s Entrepreneurship Program offered through YWCA Hamilton.
The Y’s business coach “really believed in my idea and she helped me a lot,” she says.
The business plan and cost projections they developed together got the ball rolling.
While the program also offers a microloan component, Nemes Pacioaga opted not to apply because her business doesn’t have a lot of startup costs.
Her husband has lived and worked in Canada for some time, so traditional financing options would likely be open to them.
But many newcomers “don’t have choices in this case,” she points out.
Before the program started, Nemes Pacioaga didn’t know anything about registering a business.
“It’s a different country, different rules,” she says.
She plans to launch the business — Data Wizard — in September.
The home-based data recovery company created alongside her husband, an engineer for Go Transit, is expected to serve people’s techie needs in Hamilton and Halton Region.
Advice for others
“To be very motivated and confident … Victoria (the business coach) will do the best for each involved in this program.”
Key benefit of the program
“Entire program. It’s a very, very big support. In Romania, I was sure that information costs. If you need qualified advice, you must pay … This program offers entire support for people without any payment.”