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Brand new entrepreneurs complete JMSB program 

By Karen Herland

The first nine entrepreneurs to successfully complete the inaugural Starting Your Own Business: Entrepreneur Training Program offered through the JMSB’s MBA Community Service Initiative (CSI) program were fêted last month at a trade show presentation and dinner at the Montefiore Club.

The MBA CSI program is a multi-pronged program “using the talents and expertise of the business school to make a difference in the community,” according to coordinator Dave A. McKenzie. Since November 2008 the program has offered numerous ways for MBA students, faculty and staff to work with community members through internships, volunteer programs and community and economic development training programs.

The Starting Your Own Business: Entrepreneur Training Program was conceived as a way to equip unemployed or underemployed individuals with the tools and expertise needed to start their own business. McKenzie opted to work with the Little Burgundy Employment Center of the Tyndale St. Georges Community.

Initial orientation sessions attracted about 40 people, but McKenzie was looking for those with “entrepreneurial spirit”. Those who expected the program to do the work for them were weeded out. In the end, about a dozen would-be entrepreneurs agreed to undertake the demanding program, which required participants to attend courses two evenings a week, as well as Saturdays for over three months.

The selection process was evidently successful since 10 participants completed the program and nine have already registered their businesses. The newly-minted entrepreneurs showed off their projects at a Graduation Dinner and trade show presentation on May 14. Among the nascent commerces are Beverly Trought’s vacation villa in Jamaica, Angela Hewitt’s Natural Health and Wellness gift items right down to a company that will clear pet waste from your yard.

McKenzie used resources and materials from the JMSB to guide students through the complicated intricacies of preparing a solid business plan. Much of the training was provided by accounting lecturer Carmen Kuczewski and student Albert Nsiah. They attended the event along with Dean Sanjay Sharma and other representatives from the JMSB and the Tyndale St. Georges Community Centre.

Among those present was Don Walcot, who was informed of the project by Cornelia Molson, senior associate at Advancement and Alumni Relations. Walcot was so interested in the idea that he agreed to co-sponsor the program and have it expanded to other areas of Montréal.

Currently, a second group is going through the training and a third group will start in September 2010 with the Association communautaire d’emprunt de Montréal. The goal is to involve even more faculty and MBA students in the program.

McKenzie said the program will also offer ongoing support and advice to those who complete the training through a soon-to-be formed MBA CSI Entrepreneurs Club.