Entrepreneur Centre

In late 2005, Membertou established a unique partnership with the YMCA of Cape Breton to open an Entrepreneur Centre in Membertou. The Membertou Entrepreneur Centre now provides customized business training and support to interested entrepreneurs in the Membertou community.

Speaking to a crowd in attendance at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Chief Terrance Paul said, “Membertou has pursued an aggressive strategy towards economic sustainability and we have now identified a growing need in our community for entrepreneur training and business support. The Entrepreneur Centre opens up the opportunity for our community members to actively pursue small business development and in turn contribute to the Cape Breton economy.”

The Entrepreneur Centre offers a business development program that includes customized training and workshops as well as one-on-one support for new and existing businesses. The main focus is to assist Membertou residents that are interested in starting a new business or expanding an existing business, develop a strong business plan.

Several times a year, orientation sessions are held in Membertou for anyone thinking of starting his or her own business. For anyone serious about starting their own business, the next step is to attend an assessment session. A person can then be approved for a training program of up to 12 weeks to assist them in preparing their detailed business plan.

The Entrepreneur Centre will also work together with Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC), Ulnooweg Development Group and other federal, provincial and community economic development agencies to determine how best to provide investment capital and funding to support new business ventures in Membertou.