April 08, 2013

Enterprise Brant has evolved over the past 24 years into a dynamic community organization; focused on building capacity in Brantford/Brant, they direct their efforts to creating healthy diverse local businesses in their community.

With rather modest initial funding (1.15M), they began helping new and existing businesses grow; today, the loan fund has grown to over $6 million.  They have advanced almost $17 million dollars in loans to more than 669 businesses.

Enterprise Brant supports its loan program by providing a portfolio of services; John Theurer, a client who owned a successful business in the community, describes his experience:  “…Enterprise Brant provided me not only with financial assistance, but advice on business planning, legalities and accounting.  Even use of the agency’s photocopiers and trade show booths can be a boon to new small business owners with limited resources.”  Business Seminar Series is another mainstay of the services, delivering over 100 seminars per year.

In addition, Enterprise Brant facilitates the Ontario Self Employment Benefit Program on behalf of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.  Over 54% of the 912 new businesses started through the program are still operating today.

Photo:  Front Row – from left - Cindy Swanson GM, Mike Kirby, Ellen MacDonald, Judy Rich / Back Row – Eustan Matthews, Vinesh Bhagat