A new formalized partnership was announced during a kick off event held on Friday, June 14th at the Town of Olds office.
Sandra Blyth, Economic Development Manager for the Town of Olds and Invest Olds, notes the biggest part of the event was announcing the opening of the Regional Business Support Network. She says “This is one of the first partnerships that has been released in regards to the Next Generation Economy Initiative (NGEI). We are finally underway with funding and partners and this is only going to grow over the next few months. Stay tuned for the big partnership in the fall and the announcement of this strategy and who is all leading and helping us make it successful.”
She adds, the network has come to be because of the partnerships they were able to make leading up to the announcement. Blyth says “Through those partnership we can now be funding two positions for the next two years that will be helping us roll out the Next Generation Economy Initiative and also supporting our local and regional businesses grow and succeed. So it’s that hands on business service that has been a bit missing in our communities and being able to, you know, support that and add more value and some communities have them, some don’t. So we’re hoping to come in and help wherever we can.”
One of the new two Regional Business Support Network (RBSN) positions operating out of the Town of Olds office will be filled by Michelle McFadden who will serve as new Business Development Advisor. She says “The goal of my position is basically to advise, guide and navigate anyone who is starting, growing or even looking at exiting a business and to have a local person to help them navigate the big ecosystem that is available to them. So I have designation as a certified management consultant. I’m an award winning business coach and I’m an entrepreneur myself, so I totally understand what the business owners are going through on a day to day basis and I am there local focal point to help them succeed.”
The other position will be filled by Anne Serrano who is the new Digital Service Specialist for the Regional Business Support Network. McFadden says “Where my position offers advise, guidance and navigation to businesses, Anne’s is the promotional word of mouth spreading operation where she can tell the businesses stories. So if you are a business listening and you would like your story told to our region and beyond, then please get a hold of us.”
The new formalized partnership includes the Town of Olds, Invest Olds, and Community Futures Central Alberta. The Next Generation Economy Initiative is funded by Prairies Economic Development Canada through the Community Futures Pan West Network.
If you are starting a business, if you are growing a new business, if you need training to polish your skills, or if you have been in business for a while and need help with expansion or exit strategies, McFadden says to reach out to her at 403-845-9150.
You can also find out more information about the program online at InvestOlds.ca/RBSN.