Organizers of a two-day business training program in Parksville are thrilled with the popularity of their program.
Zenith Training International’s Success Series for Small Business has been drawing attendees from the mainland, Washington State and the Island.
“There is a great need for continuing education in the small business world,” says ZTI founder Ricia Adair. “Whether they have recently moved to Vancouver Island or are looking for work due to various circumstances, many Islanders come to the realization that, in order to have a job, they must create one. As a result, the Island is a wealth of fabulous micro-businesses managed by individuals who may not have the necessary skills to be successful in the long term. In today’s economy you can’t, for example, only have good technical skills. You also have to master marketing, sales, social media effective communication and much more.
“A few years ago I learned that about nine out of 10 start-up small businesses on Vancouver Island fail within their first five years. I was both astounded and saddened by that fact. My objective in launching the Success Series for Small Business was to change that reality. We provide an intense, information-packed and inspiring series of workshops covering everything from sales and marketing to social media, personality profiling, goal setting, networking and more.”
Program facilitators teach 'hands on, real-world skills and training for absolutely unstoppable business success’ and draw from the expertise of Island-based business experts, including Adair, an acclaimed international leadership trainer, speaker, author and film producer.
Adair is “in love with the energy of entrepreneurs.” According to event attendees, that energy and passion comes through loud and clear in this upbeat and inspirational program.
Kara Foreman, owner of Comox-Valley-based IMAGINE, was getting ready to launch her new company when she attended the Success Series.
“It was a powerful weekend that really helped me solidify my goals and objectives and gave me an action plan to move forward,” said Foreman. “Since then I have been able to get my business off the ground and I now feel confident in my ability to succeed.”
A new source of provincial funding for small business owners —the Micro Business Training Program — is available for programs like this. Business owners may qualify for up to $1,500. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce to determine if your business qualifies for funding, or visit www.bcmicrobusiness.com.
The series runs May 25/26 and June 22/23 in Parksville, and June 8/9 on Quadra Island.
Call 1-800-547-9041 or visit www.achievewithzenith.com.