October Small Business Month: Celebrating Entrepreneurship And Resiliency
Small businesses contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and employ nearly 70% of the country’s private labour force (ISED Canada).
October is Small Business Month across Canada, a time to celebrate entrepreneurs and recognize their impact in communities . . . like Windsor Essex and Chatham Kent!
Every business starts with an idea and many entrepreneurs look to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Centre — a division of Invest WindsorEssex — for help growing that initial plan. It offers guidance and professional advice for new businesses, from ideation and concept stage to start-up and operation, to early growth and expansion.
“Since 1992, the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Centre (SBEC) has provided thousands of entrepreneurs with the training and support necessary to start and grow successful businesses in Windsor and Essex County,” states Sabrina DeMarco, SBEC Executive Director.
The organization offers complimentary business information, advice and consultation, business plan support, research assistance, business development workshops, mentoring and networking opportunities, micro-grant and training programming, and information on government requirements and supports. (A list of all their services can be viewed online.
In 2022, DeMarco reports that SBEC posted some impressive statistics . . .
- Nearly 7,000 small business inquiries
- 1,300 one-to-one business consultations (for new and existing business owners)
- 86 workshops/seminars (with over 1,200 individuals in attendance)
“The impact of these interactions and activities cannot be overstated,” DeMarco expresses. “They helped to facilitate 130 new businesses and 96 business expansions, resulting in the creation of 398 new jobs in the local economy.”
DeMarco’s advice for entrepreneurs: Do your homework! Research the concept, the industry, and the market before you invest, and then work on a business plan.
She also points out that business and market conditions can bring uncertainty, but this is a reality of business.
“Stay on top of industry trends and pivot the business when needed,” she suggests. “It’s important to be flexible and adapt to changing trends and changing consumer preferences.”
Along with highlighting the free support the SBEC offers, Biz X contacted some local companies to share their stories and advice, so we can help area businesses reach their full potential.
Bounce Hair Boutique
Jennessa Couture graduated from Marvel Beauty School in 2002 and worked at some fairly typical hair salons, but as she gained more knowledge and focused on curly, textured hair, she realized there was more that could be done for clients.
In 2015, Couture launched Bounce Hair Boutique and began challenging the dated norms of the hair industry. Along with being the Owner/Founder of Bounce Hair Boutique, she is also a leadership coach who works with other stylists to grow their businesses.
Her boutique focuses on cutting, colouring, and natural texture specialties. Clients are matched with a stylist based on the client’s goals and their budget — this is part of the Bounce difference.
After the pandemic, Couture had to analyze her business and she recognized that what Bounce sells is time. So she turned the salon into a co-working environment.
“Our pricing model is transparent and we have total upfront pricing,” Couture explains. “There are no charges for add-ons in the service and no surprises at the checkout. The price we quote you ahead of your booking is the entire price for everything . . . including gratuity.”
She adds: “This way every stylist — 20 at the moment — is able to work whenever they want, with as much time off as they want, they choose their own rate and have full control of their income. I control our revenue by actively recruiting stylists consistently.”
Along with a simplified, quality experience, the salon also focuses on inclusivity and providing a safer space for clients. Highlights include genderless pricing, gender-affirming services, employing texture specialists, and offering a private room for those who wear a hijab.
“I am and will always be committed to creating and learning how to further create safer spaces for clients and stylists alike,” says Couture.
To find out what makes Bounce unique, discover why Couture is a leader in the industry, and to get matched with a stylist, visit the boutique at 1645 Wyandotte Street East (Suite 200) in Windsor, or online.
Small Business Tip: “Put your mental health at the forefront and keep people around you who let you take a mental break.”
Just Jeff’s Gourmet Express Inc.
Twenty years ago, Red Seal Chef and graduate of the Stratford Chef School, Jeff White, opened Just Jeff’s Gourmet Express Inc.
The store offers heat & serve meals (including meals for seniors) and hot takeout food, along with full catering services for private parties and weddings.
Customers stop in for the friendly service and variety, and White says they return for the consistency and quality.
“Our heat & serve meals are fresh, well-balanced, have no added preservatives, and are all homemade fresh daily,” White explains.
As with most businesses, White’s business also had to adjust due to the pandemic.
“We were very fortunate since we were known for take-out . . . although our business took a hit in the catering department due to group restrictions and social distancing, our walk-in traffic for heat & serve meals quadrupled,” he indicates. “Now that COVID is thankfully behind us, our business has surpassed pre-COVID numbers.”
If you have ever stopped in for a treat or have been to a party where a Just Jeff’s platter was served, you might know why White is very proud of how his Nothings & Salsa and Cinnamon Crisps, in particular, have exploded far beyond what he ever imagined.
These rave reviews keep him energized.
“I love what I do . . . It honestly doesn’t feel like a job,” he expresses. “Cooking for guests and hearing them praise the food, keeps me motivated, still to this day.”
And that’s why Just Jeff’s is loved by all and is a two-time Biz X Award winner, for Outstanding New Business in 2003 and in 2020 for Extraordinary Event Caterer!
To see the daily menu and catering options, stop by 4315 Seminole Street in Windsor, or visit online.
