By Greg Roberts
Published September 2013
In 2004 members of the Waterloo chapter of MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Association) met with The Working Centre to identify a way to help people develop the skills needed for starting their own business. A feasibility study identified the need for training for people who may not fit the criteria of government sponsored initiatives. In particular the study noted the importance of training for middle-aged workers, women and New Canadians. It also noticed that there was a gap in training opportunities for those with modest business aspirations despite the fact that Micro-Enterprises are the largest group of employers in the country.
At The Working Centre we continue to learn of the challenges facing these individuals. The need for training and supports to these groups has only increased as job opportunities decrease. For many a decade of experience working for others becomes a liability; over qualified, perceived salary expectations, and too much experience. Self-employment offers these individuals the opportunity to exploit their own talents.
To answer this need, in 2005 together with the Waterloo Chapter of MEDA, we started the Waterloo Region Assets Project (WRAP). Since then we have been captivated by the hope and enthusiasm individuals have demonstrated in their pursuit of their self-employment dreams. It has been a great privilege to be a part of this myself for the past 5 years. Each group of students in the WRAP program reflects the variety of lived experiences of those in our communities. Whether they are new to Canada, to business or even computer technology the students continue to meet these challenges with the very conscious support of their classmates. This repeated sense of cooperation is a refreshing alternative to the false impression that business is greedy and individualistic.
Indeed the experience of participating in these classes has led me to believe that given the opportunity people will look for ways to collaborate and practice mutual support. In the process of exploring their business ideas these entrepreneurs come to trust one another’s motivation and ability to deliver their goods and services with fair pricing and reliable service. The relationships developed in class are precisely the relationships needed between consumers and producers in the market place, for surely a business will fail if it is unable to gather the trust of its customer.
The ASSETs program is focused on helping individuals answer the questions about the direction their business will take. What costs will they have, what price will they charge, who is their best customer and how will they reach them are all dealt with in the course of the 10 weeks. Upon Graduation the aspiring entrepreneur is now one of many fish in the pond. Starting a dialogue with potential customers is a critical step for new businesses. Finding enough of these customers is the next challenge. At The Working Centre we are building a platform to encourage this conversation between producer and consumer. Through the Local Exchange and the Localism desk we hope to help new businesses present themselves to an audience that understands the integrity and passion WRAP graduates bring to the marketplace.
