Mishall RehmanIn an effort to support self-employed military spouses and reach out to aspiring entrepreneurs, the MFRC-NCR, in partnership with Accenture Canada, is offering its first Self Employment Symposium on Nov. 28.
The Symposium could be the catalyst for becoming a monthly support group for self-employed spouses.
“It’s a taste of professional development for military families interested in self-employment, direct sales or are aspiring entrepreneurs,” said Heather Cudmore-McCarthy, Community Integration Programmer for the MFRC-NCR.
Aspiring and established entrepreneurs alike can spend the day learning and networking. The morning sessions are comprised of four workshops ranging from the basics of starting a business to discussions on how to refresh strategic goals. Participants will choose two sessions to attend. Following a buffet lunch, the afternoon session will give attendees a chance to partake in a “speed networking” session.
The keynote speaker for the day is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Military Family Magazine, Cyndi Mills. Mills will be sharing the successes and challenges of moving into the entrepreneurial world when launching the national magazine. She will give the audience tips for owning and growing your business.
Other guest speakers at the symposium included Peter Stewart, Manger Entrepreneurship Services for Invest Ottawa, Cheryl Wells, co-founder of Wells Garbe Productions and Director/Independent Consultant Epicure, Margaret Ann Davis, GR Business Networking, and Claudia Ojeda from Accenture Canada.
The speakers will cover the following topics:
- Is your business feasible
- Strategic Planning: goal setting for the independent business person,
- 10 Key Steps for a Successful Personal Business,
- Networking 101
“Here at the MFRC-NCR, we have found that many military spouses are self-employed. In response to this trend, we have endeavored to create an opportunity for excellent professional development for our military families,” said Cudmore-McCarthy.
McCarthy is hoping the symposium is a catalyst for a monthly self-employment club. The club would give spouses a support group and tap into local resources.
The symposium mirrors a similar self-employment club and symposium offered by the Halifax MFRC. Keeping the unique challenges in mind that military spouses face, McCarthy developed the workshops with the help of a committee of self-employed military spouses.
The session has a $40 fee and will be held at the Holiday Inn in Kanata. To register visit the MFRC-NCR website.
