The Local Weekly The heart and soul of our communities with news and information about the Sunshine Coast
At the heart of every successful business is a story and a personal passion. Three new entrepreneurs officially launched their businesses at the Gibsons Chamber of Commerce office on May 15.
Driven by their passion, the three are the latest graduates of the WorkBC Self-Employment Program. Jody Franklin’s social enterprise, “Borderline Action Media” (BAM), is dedicated to using new media tools to educate people about mental health issues, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Magali Gauthier is bringing eco-landscaping to the Sunshine Coast with “The Silent Green”, which provides a full range of gardening services with a zero-carbon footprint. Violette Clark’s “Magical Garden Caravans” offers patrons a space to dream in their own custom-built, custom-designed backyard sanctuary – no permits required.
“I want to help smash the stigma around mental illness by sharing my lived experience of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and my journey of recovery,” says Franklin.
Gauthier’s business is the first eco-landscaping business on the Sunshine Coast. It emerged out of her commitment to preserving the health of our planet and the health of her community. The Silent Green uses electric equipment so that customers will benefit from low noise, no fumes, and a lower carbon footprint.
A self-confessed hippie, Clark is channeling her expertise into an enterprise that provides spaces for Coast residents to “experience their passion” in purpose-built caravans on their property. Each commission will be no more than 100 square feet to meet zoning regulations, and designed to fit the customer’s hobbies, passions, or vocations.
The WorkBC Self Employment Program is delivered by YMCA of Greater Vancouver in partnership with Open Door Group. The 48-week program offers 75 hours of business plan development over 10 weeks. It continues with monthly support for another 38 weeks during the implementation of the business plan.
If you have a solid business idea, secure your spot today. The Self-Employment program benefits anyone who has a viable business idea and meets the eligibility criteria. The next start date is September 11, 2018.
For more information, contact the WorkBC office in Gibsons (604-865-7729) or Sechelt (604-885-3351), or see www.gv.ymca.ca or www.opendoorgroup.org.
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