Wendy Smith opened Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery on the Cabot Trail - Cape Breton Island in 2005. Over the years CBDC Northside Victoria has helped her expand her shop twice. “They really understand the needs of small businesses,” says Smith. “They’ve been hands on and eager to help me all along the way.”

When she outgrew her space CBDC helped fund her shipping and receiving building and new warm glass studio. “Without the loan for the studio kiln I wouldn’t have been able to develop one of my new product lines and expand at just the right time.” Glass Artisans Studio & Gallery features the art from over 25 glass artists and in the summer has glass blowing demonstrations on site. Beyond the loans, Smith has found the advice from the CBDC helpful. “They’re good business consultants and know their stuff. They helped me with store locations, business leads, and product development along the way.”