Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur hosts one-day workshops this fall

When stepping out of the uniform and into a new career, many military members want to turn their hobbies into small businesses but often don’t know where to start. This fall, these aspiring entrepreneurs can turn to  Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur’s (POE) four one-day workshops on the basics of stepping into the world of business.

The first workshop was held in Valcartier on Oct. 20. The other three will be held in Gagetown, Nov. 3, Ottawa, Nov. 4, and Halifax, Nov. 4. The workshops are free of charge.

The workshops will be conducted by in-house experts who are “highly skilled” business coaches and trainers.

During the morning session of the program, attendees can expect seminars and discussions on the topics of transferable skills, what military skills transfer to the world of business; personal readiness, figuring out if this is a right time for such a venture; and considering business ideas from a different vantage point to get a bird’s eye view of starting a small business.

At lunch time, participants will have the opportunity to network and meet alums of the program.

The afternoon session will host guest speakers from local small businesses giving tips on what resources are available in the community. The workshop will also explore topics like social media, cash flow, marketing, and franchises.

POE asserts that it is different from other employment programs.

“There are other organizations…that offer second career assistance, but POE provides the education, mentoring and resources to those looking to start something from scratch.  That may be turning a hobby into a financially viable venture or opening a B&B in their hometown,” said Kathleen Kilgour, POE Program co-ordinator.

Since 2014, POE’s 23 one-day workshops coast-to-coast have attracted 838 attendees.

The organization has received positive feedback from graduates of the program.

A program of Prince’s Charities Canada, Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur has programs designed to help former military members pursue their passions to start a small business. Paying special care to medically released members, POE claims more than half of their boot camp participants to-date have been medically released. Stating “As a program for transitioning military, POE is part of the solution for these individuals, assisting medically released personnel interested in starting a business move into a second career that is a good fit with their experience and abilities.”

POE also puts on a weeklong boot camp designed to help transitioning CAF members gain in-depth knowledge in entrepreneurial skills. The boot camps are held in five universities across Canada between the months of May and August each year. The program is also free of charge.

Interested in registering for a One-Day Workshop? Visit Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur for more information.