There’s no business more essential in a rural area than a local grocery and gas store, and in Burlington, when the owner of the Harbourview Grocer was looking to make a change and move out of the province, Deano Young knew there was an opportunity to support his community and stretch his creative muscles. Young purchased Harbourview Grocer in 2020 and has been expanding its services to the community ever since.   

The convenience, gas, and grocery store offers essential goods, but since Young purchased the business, he’s worked to bring in other products the community was in need of, like local baked goods, hardware and car maintenance items, and even items for gifts like puzzles and gift certificates. By expanding, the store has become an even more important service to the community.  

“I saw an opportunity to expand and grow it beyond what currently existed,” Young says. “Knowing the customer base, I was able to quickly identify the needs to make the venture possible.” 

Young says working for himself has been exciting because he has the freedom to implement his own ideas. “However, the most rewarding part is the opportunity to provide essential services to customers,” he says. 

But the opportunity to start and grow the business couldn’t have happened without the support of CBDC Emerald. Young says the office supported him with business advice, helped him develop a business plan, and to access key funding for start up and growth. For Young, taking advantage of the First-Time Entrepreneur Loan, SEA Program, as well as other programs, has led to his success.