Much iDo About Dinner?

Cibo Systems: Part of Picton's Technology Cluster

Have you ever been in a bar or a restaurant, trying to order another drink but you can’t seem to flag down your server? Or maybe you suddenly need to pay the bill but the same story holds true?

Restaurant owners everywhere are well aware that the key to making money is to maximize efficiencies. Three of the key three opportunities where restaurant can potentially lose sales are in 1.not being able to take orders in time, 2. the server not being able to resturn to the table at the right moment to capture an order for another round and 3. in not being able to generate the bill and process it quickly enough.

You’d think that with all of the current technology that there would be some sort of iSolution to these age-old conundrums. Well now there is, courtesy of two bright, young Queen’s MBA grads. And, of course, the idea was conceived over a few beers.

Ricky Chandarana and Simon Hamilton are the innvoators behind the brand-new Cibo Systems, who’s HQ has taken up residence right here in the new Innovation Centre, located on the Picton Harbour. Their tablet-based technology promises to address a plethora of issues and problems faced by traditional restaurant Point of Sale (POS) systems in truly innovative and creative ways…at a FRACTION of the cost of traditonal POS systems.

Beta tests are scheduled to launch before year’s end. The biggest challenge the new company is facing right now? Finding software developers who are either currently living in Prince Edward County or willing to relocate. In particular, Chandarana and Hamilton are seeking developers who’s area of focus is mobile innovative development. For more information, Contact Simon or Ricky through their website, www.cibosystems.com

Cibo Systems is one of many businesses and services in Prince Edward County that contribute to our community’s emerging technology cluster.

If you would like to know more about starting a business in Prince Edward County or already have a business here and would like to learn more about the free confidential services available to help with your business please get in touch!

Karin Desveaux-Potters, Economic Development Office, Prince Edward County. 613 476 2148 x 344, kdesveaux-potters@pecounty.on.ca @Cre8tiveKarinD

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Kid’s Farmer’s Market Begins Again This Weekend in Bloomfield!

Kids Farmers Market

Children and youth of Prince Edward County will once again have the opportunity this year to participate in a Farmer’s Market in Bloomfield throughout the summer that is  just for them!

The brain-child of Wayne Cooper and the A.O.T.S. (As One That Serves, Bloomfield United Church Men’s Club), community kids will be hosting a weekly market on the lawn of the United Church in Bloomfield every Saturday morning throughouy the summer starting on Saturday July 9th.

The market runs from 9am until products run out. Youth are welcome to peddle baking, art or fruits and vegetables that are grown or harvested themselves. The church supplies tables; more details about how to participate are available from Wayne at 613.476.3947 or wcooper6@sympatico.ca .

The Kid’s Farmer’s Market one of many unique community-based initiatives in Prince Edward County that contribute to our community’s vibrant food culture.

If you would like to know more about starting a business in Prince Edward County or already have a business here and would like to learn more about the free confidential services available to help with your business please get in touch!

Karin Desveaux-Potters, Economic Development Office, Prince Edward County. 613 476 2148 x 344, kdesveaux-potters@pecounty.on.ca

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Starting from Scratch is Easy in the County

garden chairContributed by Sandy Abbott, Enterprise Facilitator

As Enterprise Facilitator each month I write about how entrepreneurs can assess their business strengths and limitations based on the Trinity of Management. Product, Market and Finance. What are you good at? What do you know about? Where in the business, do you like to spend your time? Faced with the challenge of starting a hospitality venture with no experience or knowledge of the industry I decided to get help from the vast array of resources in the County. In other words, I facilitated the Facilitator.

B&B or Vacation Property? Never knew there was a difference till I spent an hour with Rick Caruso of the Chamber. Rick is a wealth of information about the different types of accomodations available, strategies on marketing, payment options and more. The Product was a two story house, so Vacation Property it would be! With the goal of inexpensive but tasteful decor, I relied on County Traders and Dead People’s Stuff for ideas and furnishings. John, from Traders even let me bring back chairs when I found ones I liked better on the next visit. The walls are decorated with beautiful County scenes thanks to an amazing sale at Paper Images and my specialized guest soaps are hand crafted at Big Tub Botanicals. Gano Excel Coffee from Legendz in Rossmore will give guests the healthy boost they need.

How in demand would a property in town actually be? Richard Barrett from Sandbanks Vacations and Wayne Carruthers of 57 Mary Street gave me tips about using the shoulder seasons to creat a niche market, as well as ideas about amenities wanted by in town visitors. A last minute opening in a BIA publication allowed me to place my first ad! Beyond Parallel Design created a professional ad to fit the space – timely help, thanks.

As for finance, I talked with several local hosts who generously shared advice about fees, downpayment, cancellation and damage policies. I have settled on a payment system that looks easiest for a working host. After much free creative advice and patience on the part of Anne VanVlack of InfoLink, my site is up and we are ready for business!

If you would like free, confidential help with a business idea, why not give me a call? Let’s see what we can do together! 613-476-4240

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