Contributed by Sandy Abbott, Enterprise Facilitator, Prince Edward County

Renewal is in the air as I visit small business owners through out the County in March. Each, in their own way, has used the winter months to regroup, assess business needs and make plans to strengthen key areas of their operation. My job is to help them find the resources to do just that.

Viola Michalska has been busy over the winter renovating a part of her home just north of Bloomfield. She plans to open her porcelain studio mid May. She already had a website but wanted to expand her presence by creating a facebook business page. I was able to link Viola with the staff of the Small Business Centre for no cost, individual help.  Check out her facebook business page to see the array of functional and beautiful porcelain.

Big Tub Botanicals is gearing up for their second year of operation in Wellington.  Over the winter Erin has taken advantage of the wealth of information available locally through the Social Media Brown Bag Lunches hosted by the EDO. As well, she networkd extensively at the Bridges to Better Business event put on by the Small Business Centre. She discussed her e commerce plans with several people  before she was really clear about the kind of website her business needed. She is now working with Craig Smith and plans to have her new improved site up soon.

Penny Morris is putting the finishing touches on her new bulk store, Penny’s Pantry. With only 100 bins, she is taking great care to stock the items most in demand by people who value quality food and snacks. She surveyed the public at Maple in the County and spoke to many local health practitioners and foodies before selecting her products. Turns out Miss Lily’s is interested in several baking products they are unable to get in the County. Dr Maureen Horne Paul contributed a list of product she prescribes for her patients. Up until now they were available only in Kingston.

Fabulous soaps and lotions, beautiful porcelain and healthy snacks. Shopping in the County just gets better every Spring! If you would like help turning your dream into a business, give me a call. 613-476-4240