by Ruby Arsenault
CBDC in West Prince is offering a new FREE support service called the PEI Virtual Adviser Program to Island businesses and non-profit organizations who are struggling through this pandemic.
This program offers free mentorship to existing business owners across the province. This program is providing a new and fresh perspective by being matched with an off-Island adviser with years of experience in the field.
“We are now entering a full year of our economy being affected by COVID-19 restrictions, and this of course has added huge strains on businesses and non-profit organizations on PEI,” says Carol Rayner, Program Coordinator out of CBDC Western in Alberton.
“Since I started with the program, I have had a tremendous amount of positive feedback from the applicants,” says Carol. “This program is user friendly and I have some clients who have already completed their mentorship sessions.”
A mentor who has years of professional experience and wisdom will help advise and guide a business, and this is done virtually by phone and/or video from anywhere in Canada.
The first step to accessing this amazing program is to complete an online application. Apply online, and then your business is matched with a couple of mentors/advisers from a database based on the applicant’s criteria. These advisers are located in another province in Canada to maintain the highest level of client confidentiality.
These advisers have 20 to 30 years of experience in their field. They are either retired or semi-retired professionals and have a wealth of knowledge to share. The applicant chooses their adviser, based on their resume which is emailed to the applicant.
The participant will be able to have four to six calls with their mentor over a one-to-three-month period. Halfway through there is a check-in survey to ensure all is going well for both parties involved.
“I have received strong positive feedback from the participants,” says Carol.
“I want to encourage anyone who is struggling through these unprecedented times to consider this FREE support program being sponsored by CBDC Western, and by all means feel free to contact me for any further questions.”
For further information, contact Carol Rayner, Program Coordinator for the PEI Virtual Adviser Program located at CBDC Western Prince Ventures Ltd. in Alberton.
Call 902-853-3636, or email [email protected]
Apply now at www.boomersplus.com/PEI-VAP.
This program is sponsored CBDC Western PEI. Supported by Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Innovation PEI and powered by BoomersPlus.
CBDC Western offers many programs to support our business community, including financing up to $300,000. Support services include business training, the Consultant Advisory Services Program, Human Resource Advisory, and the Community Navigator, which supports new residents with settlement services.
For more information, visit CBDC West Prince Ventures Ltd.