Two coworkers turned business partners have brightened the smiles of the population of Grand Falls with the success of their dental hygiene clinic. 

Elicia St-Amand is the founder of "Elicia Starseed", a wellness company that offers clients with holistic treatments in Reiki and energy work in the Memramcook and surrounding regions.

William Blakney is the proud owner and operator of "Blakney Air" a business that specializes in residential air quality solutions serving the Fredericton, Oromocto and surrounding areas of New Brunswick.

“One thing I could not have anticipated was the pace at which things grow,” muses Leigh McFarlane, owner of The Soap Company of Nova Scotia. “I call it the soap-splosion!”

‘Easy’ and ‘convenient’ aren't usually words you associate with booking your dental cleaning, but with Mobile Smiles NL, you can not only book your appointment easily, but have your dental professional come to you! 

FINALIST Atlantic Business Award of Distinction

Building Success: Young Construction Company Solves Pandemic Problems

FINALIST Atlantic Business Award of Distinction

Reeling in Support: Cold Storage Facility Listened to the Needs of the Community

WINNER of the Atlantic Business Award of Distinction 2024

Where Exceptional Quality and Service Defy the Odds

Midhun Syriac, owner and operator of JMJ Driving School in Greenwood, was a nurse for 10 years while living in Southern India. Outside of work, he taught friends and family how to drive and realized it was his true passion.

White "glamping" domes dot the coastline like pearls at the end of "Chemin des Huîtres" (Oyster road), in Haut-Shippagan on the Acadian Peninsula. Just like the valuable gems created by the shellfish, Cielo Glamping is a hidden jewel in this part of the country.

Rob Corporon was a self-employed DJ and lounge promoter for over a decade before his new side hustle in lawn care became his livelihood.

What’s in a name? In the case of The Corner Store by missbrenna … more than you might think.

For the owner of Gabi’s Pie Shoppe, business is all about sharing a piece of herself and her passion for baking unique sweet treats with others.  

“You walk in here and it’s me. From the desserts to the decor, to what we post online — it’s really just me,” said Gabrielle Roy Richard.  

Each year CBDC presents the Business of the Year award to a CBDC client to recognize their outstanding achievements with this business and the impact that they have in their community.

“It was a dream we both had,” she recalls. “Let’s get our food truck and make our fortune, we said to ourselves.”

Kesha-Lena Weir is building a business with a lasting legacy – both for her family and her community in the heart of Pictou County.

If you’ve ever felt disheartened about the state of the environment or what you can do to help; you need to plan a trip to the Wholesum Refillery Shoppe in Kentville where owners Rachael Butcher & Krista McDonald put the fun in sustainability.

Tattooing is a form of body art that involves a needle injecting ink into a deep layer under the skin, leaving an indelible design.

Duo behind Vintage Jewellers Limited takes a spirited approach to selling jewelry

“It really was a 15 to 20-minute conversation,” Camie explains. “Jo said ‘what about opening up our own place?’ and then we did.”

Love getting into the great outdoors, but not the part where you sleep on the ground or wake up in a leaky tent? What you may really be looking for, is a glamping experience!

Want a bite of the best homemade cheesecake you can get on the island? Ready to support local farmers and butchers with fresh, delicious cooked-to-order burgers? How does a plate of maple bacon onion rings sound right about now?

No matter whether you live on the great northern peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador, or are just visiting, coffee is likely one of the first things you think about in the morning - and the best place to find that sweet, sweet, speedy juice is at Rebel Coffeehouse.  

For any bride, one of the most exciting and important parts of planning her wedding is finding the perfect dress. Unfortunately, up until October 2021, brides in Corner Brook had no choice but to travel far from home to find the dress of their dreams.  

When you need a package moved from the Baie Verte Peninsula to central Newfoundland, it’s not as easy as walking into a FedEx location. For a local job, you need a local business! G&P Courier always gets the job done five days a week, 52 weeks a year.  

Ever since the first moving picture show shocked and amazed audiences, going to the movies has been an exciting, entertaining, and enriching experience. In 1956, that experience came to Grand Falls-Windsor with the opening of the Classic Theater.  

With a growing demand for childcare, combined with a passion for supporting the development of children in a caring environment, Frances O’Rielly’s motto is creating a safe and loving home-away-from home for children while playing and learning. 

They say ‘when you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life,’ but Samantha Thorne of Heart + Home Design Co. knows the truth is when you love what you do, you’ll work harder than ever to make your business a success.  

Sometimes cutting back results in more growth.

When you’re in the mood for a chat - and maybe a delicious homemade breakfast - Bayview Convenience is the perfect place to stop when on the Burin Peninsula.  

Ever wanted to be an archeologist for a day? Ever wanted to know about early-settler life like what they ate, where they lived, and even how they used the bathroom? Want to play Dungeons and Dragons in a real 17th-century kitchen? 

Whether you’re passing through Triton, NL, or have a standing reservation at Bistro on Route 380; you’re guaranteed to have a delicious meal, made with love by owner Wanda Bridger.  

A passion for pastries and three years of serving up cakes to order and desserts to delight at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market (along with a little help from CBDC Cabot) has led to the successful opening of the Paradise flagship location for CakeyHand Dessert Factory.  

CBDC helps bring a luxury glamping experience to the Annapolis Valley

Valley Sky Glamping provides visitors a luxurious getaway to unwind and explore Nova Scotia’s incredible scenery

Fork Restaurant credits their success to the support and mentorship provided by CBDC Celtic

Chef Kayla O’Brien and her husband, Chef Kyle Puddester, continue to bring award-winning casual fine dining to the southern shore of Newfoundland and Labrador with the help of CBDC Celtic.

Soaring Ambitions: A Rural Newfoundland & Labrador Civil Engineering Firm Harnesses Drones to Foster Young Talent

Made with Local - Winner of the Atlantic Business Award of Distinction 2023

Elevating Production: How Value-Aligned Partners Brought an Ethical Granola Bar Company to New Heights.

If you find yourself near Tyne Valley in PEI be sure to stop by Whispering Hope Farm on Ellerslie Road.

“When I started working in the brewing industry, I knew it was something that I should be doing” explained Bryan Carver.

Charlene is a young indigenous woman in a non-traditional industry. Rock Solid Diesel is Heavy Duty & Truck Transport company that provides mobile mechanical service including repairs and preventative maintenance as well as 24-hour emergency call-out service.

Old World Bakery & Deli, located in Yarmouth, is a family-owned bakery and deli that focuses primarily on fresh-made sandwiches, soups, pastries and house-roasted coffee.

“When you succeed, they succeed.”

CBDC Cumberland help businesses create a safe and welcoming space for the community.

When Jeff Bembridge opened Duncan’s Pub in Amherst, N.S., he wanted to create a safe, welcoming place for people to enjoy great food and drink.

One-Stop Shop: The Stand General Store 

Living in a rural area means living life with a lot less convenience, but the owners of The Stand General Store knew rural life doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have access to the basics.  

CBDC Burin Peninsula helps small businesses grow in Newfoundland and Labrador

After 11 years living in New Brunswick, Wade Bennett decided it was time to return home to Newfoundland and open an OK Tire location in Burin, N.L., ensuring the highest quality service for the best price.

You Move Health and Wellness on the move!

Staying ahead of the game

Faith McCarthy owner of AVZN Athletic Wear is new to the Youth Ventures program this summer. This is an athletic wear business that specializes in gender-neutral attire. Faith’s business is just getting started, but her business is growing each day with big plans for the future.

Shana Brown, owner of Perfect Picks has been a participant of Youth Ventures since 2015.

Dillon Brown, owner of Fine Spots of Newfoundland and Labrador has been a participant of Youth Ventures since 2015. The business includes a clothing line of various communities around the region, as well as signs, magnets, and pictures, all of which are his hand drawn designs.

Arsenault Sawmill was originally started by Janelle and Janine Arsenault's grandfather (Pepe Franky Arsenault) in 1948 after he got back from serving in WWII. In the early 1980's, Leonce Arsenault, Pepe's son, took it over with the help of his brothers and cousins.

Olde Town Orchard

Modern Brewer’s Village Green

Lone Oak Brewery

Hive and Hollow 

Ryan Sweeney wanted to support young local athletes with his new business, Premier Sports Academy. Find out how the CBDC helped him every step of the way.

Knock it Out of the Park: Meet Premier Sports Academy

Kelly Snowdon is the owner and operator of Dugout, a sports training facility located in Dieppe. For baseball and softball enthusiasts, Dugout offers two bullpens (tunnels) with two baseball pitching machines and a softball pitching machine.

La CBDC Madawaska a reconnu un jeune entrepreneur lors du Gala de la PME le 13 novembre dernier.  Le récipiendaire du Prix Jeune Entrepreneur 2021 fut décerné à Pierre-Luc St-Onge, propriétaire de St-Onge Monuments.

On October 19, 2021 CBDC Trinity Conception hosted the Business Distinction Awards 2021

Youth Ventures Business of Distinction

Alyssa Barrett, Candy Treasures by Alyssa

Lacey Koughan is living proof that you can become an entrepreneur at any age. Her own mental health journey was a catalyst in changing her life around and creating her own dance studio in the process.

Huntley Horizon has a special place in the heart of many who live in West Prince, PEI.

At one with Nature

Cielo Glamping Success Story 

Invisible Fence Brand Nova Scotia offers solutions to a variety of pet related issues, from keeping pets safe on a small lot in a neighborhood, to keeping them contained on a 500-acre farm.

Apollo has landed… in Barrington Passage. Scott Symonds opened Apollo Sport and Wellness Centre in August, 2020. It’s been so busy, he’s already planning to further renovate the physical space and grow his team of experts.

Le prix Jeune Entrepreneur du Madawaska 2019 fut décerné à Annie-Claude Morin, Karine Bonenfant et Bruno Duguay, copropriétaires de l’entreprise

Physio Multi-Soins

B.D.M. Cette entreprise œuvrant dans la région d’Edmundston depuis bientôt 3 ans connait un franc succès.

Bulldozing a Path Right Through the Pandemic

Nourishment for Body and Soul

Dry-docked For Now, But Ready to Sail at a Moment’s Notice

The Taste of Continued Success

Cyril Meagher, Allendale Electronics

Shannon started her entrepreneurial journey thirteen years ago when she opened the doors of the first Spa Chappelle in a small upstairs location of another business. At that time, she was a solo aesthetician and was tasked with all aspects of starting a business.

“More than an ice cream shoppe”

Are you totally frazzled and frustrated from your career hunting experience? Feeling stuck in a job that you absolutely detest? Have you sent out so many resumes you’re afraid you’ve used the equivalent to three large trees for paper… with almost zero call backs?

Let’s face it: there isn’t a soul on this planet who doesn’t love to be pampered every now and then and the same goes for our beloved “fur-babies.” There isn’t anything quite like the feeling of cuddling with Petunia the pug after she’s been freshly showered and had her nails done.

On September 4, 2018, Kati Melville opened the doors to her newly Licenced Early Learning and Childcare Centre “Wee the West.” Kati has been actively involved and working within the early childhood sector for nearly 10 years.

Tucked away at 81 Champlain Street, Dieppe, NB, is one of the area’s most exclusive yet affordable ladies fashionwear shops, namely Madame Manteaux – Mrs. Coats.

If you’re in the business of giving seminars, hosting corporate events or simply having a banquet to celebrate your employee’s successes, you most likely want to ensure that you create a memorable experience for your attendees complete with crystal clear sound and stunning visuals.

From the get-go, Eliza Desmarais has been determined to be much more than the proverbial pretty face in the organic skincare industry. And CBDC Digby Clare has been there to help her do that. As the saying goes, beauty is only skin deep, and for Desmarais substance is what counts. She’s working h

Venture of the Year 2018-Kimberley Dunphy KMD Designs 

By Darcy Rhyno

Paddy’s Sub and Convenience by Cathy Martin
 

MusGo Rider Cooperative Ltd.

Emmanuel Toner, 30 years old and winner of the 2017 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the Grand Falls region and owner of Toner Red & White, since 2012, a family business that he bought entirely.

Yoga is a practice that has its roots in ancient India, yet has very practical benefits to people here in the Western world. Leanne Laracey, owner of Nava Yoga studio in Sackville, NB, has witnessed the benefits of yoga for many people in her studio.

Great entrepreneurs usually start a business based upon their passion for something they truly love, and that certainly was the case with Jeff and Peter Grandy along with their business partner, Ian Hillier.

At just 15 years old, Cody Green of Carbonear, started his business in the summer of 2017 because of the major influence that music has on his life.

grew up with forklifts as a staple piece of equipment in my back yard and learned at an early age how they run, what makes them run and how to fix them. At that time, I never dreamed someday I would be running my own Forklift shop carrying on the family tradition and name.

In 2005, Ron Mills, the owner of the Urban Shoe Company saw an opportunity to offer residents in the Gander area an option to purchase quality footwear close to home.

As one of the last remaining independently owned fish processing plants on the Northern Peninsula, Northern Lights Seafood Inc. represents this province’s past and future.

This concert venue, recording studio, and former CBDC client has been making waves in Lewisport since its inception in 2001.

Mike Yould is all fired up about providing Nova Scotians with Kansas-style cooking on a grill.

The Asado Wood Fired Grill catering service he started two years ago is smoking-hot on Nova Scotia’s weddings, parties and festivals circuit.

For Ghandi Mohrez, a new life in Canada has taken a few twists and turns. But the mechanical engineer from Syria who immigrated to Nova Scotia in 2000 with his wife Dima Khalil is happy to be running his own restaurant in Guysborough, and to call that community “home.” 

Offering a home-cooked meal for everyone to enjoy was the motivation for starting “In da Loop – Pub & Grub”. Owners Denise Leonard and Linda Cook opened the traditional Newfoundland style restaurant and pub in December of 2013.

Moving back to New Brunswick, while actively contributing to the economy of her community: This is a challenge that Diane LeClerc has successfully achieved. Her story is fascinating and will inspire more than one.

Shannon Doyle is an obvious entrepreneur and “go-getter”!  In June of 2012 she approached CBDC Trinity Conception to consider supporting her idea of putting a shoe store in the T-C Square in Carbonear.  It was a bit of a high risk situation for us; however, given the business plan and the demonst

Bill Richmond and Carolyn Kavanagh returned to Newfoundland after many years in Ontario and decided they were going to give a try at self-employment.  They both took advantage of our Self Employment Assistance program with Carolyn having started her own mobile hot-dog cart and Bill having started

Tim LeBlanc is celebrating his fourth year as the owner of Trendy Eyewear located in Amherst. It’s been quite a journey for the 49 year-old, whose been working in the optical field since he was 20 years old.

A business opportunity with a US-based partner prompted Perley Beairsto, 68, and his nephew, Les Falconer, to form Nova Scotia Fisherman, a company that makes natural skin care products infused with local sea kelp.

Stephen Mosher is living his dream. He doesn’t own an alarm clock and likes it that way. He also sets his own schedule; if he wants to quit work at 2:30 in the afternoon or work half the night, he can.

Bonavista Biennale 2017 is a large-scale exhibition of contemporary Canadian visual art, bringing together works by 25 leading Newfoundland and other Canadian artists on the occasion of Canada’s 150th anniversary.

The idea of becoming a physiotherapist first began in high school after experiencing anatomy for the first time.  After completing my degree in Kinesiology from Memorial University in 2005, I started working in a physiotherapy clinic, which further solidified my desire for the profession.

After graduation, Pulley started teaching at Digby Regional High School and also started offering evening Zumba™ classes.

First, they bought a home in Little River, Digby County. They vacationed there and did repairs and renovations every summer until it was suitable to live.

What is a Podologist?

Podologists have advanced knowledge of lower limb diseases and disorders, gait analysis, and advanced pedicuring skills. They specialize in pedicuring geriatric, diabetic and immune compromised clients.

Beginnings

Joanne Flynn & Haley Hancock are the owners of H&F Designs Ltd., a retail company specializing in design and print services. This eye popping print shop is located in Forteau, a community on the southern shore of Labrador.

Leigh says that “It can be really isolating as a small business person and knowing that there are people who I can pick up the phone and call and say I have this going on and they listen and suggest ideas that I didn’t even know were possible”.

Innovative, community-minded and environmentally conscious describe Matt Cormier, founder of Arcticold Refrigeration Ltd.

A & A Ouellette Entreprises Ltée is operated by Annik and her spouse Adrien. The business is both a grocery and hardware store. In addition of taking care of the accounting, placing orders and many more, Annik is involved in various organizations.

In June of 2013, Dr. Mike Cochran, (MD, DC, BSc), wanted to supply his community of Salisbury and surrounding area with much needed chiropractic service while at the same time earning an income to support his family while his wife was off on maternity leave.

When did your business start?

Jennifer started decorating cakes when she was only 9 years old and says that her mother inspired her to start her business; “She taught me the joy of baking.” After 14 years working at a job that her heart was not into, Jennifer decided she needed a change.

Helena’s Cutting Edge
11 Cormier Avenue
St. Alban’s, NL A0H 2E0

Land and Sea Outfitting Inc.
13 Marine Drive
PO Box 700
Port Aux Basques, NL A0M 1C0
www.landandseaoutfitting.ca

Ever After Bridal Boutique
947 Topsail Road, Mount Pearl
NL, A1N 3K2
(709) 364-3837
everafterbridalboutique.ca/

Resource Innovations Inc.
61 Riverside Drive, Suite 101
PO Box 121
Corner Brook, NL A2H 6C7

Click here to download the success story!

As long time employees of the now closed Bowater Paper Plant in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, these brothers were looking for a source of income to support their families.  How they got the idea sort of just came to them.

Clear air is something most of us take for granted. Outdoor pollution isn’t that extreme (with a few exceptions in major cities), but what about the quality of the air inside the dwellings where we live? Exactly how ‘clean’ and fresh is it?

Daniel has lived in the Restigouche region for decades. He has known this business for a long time, long enough that he knew it’s first proprietor. Today still, the business offers the same wide range of auto repair services: “We do almost everything, in terms of general mechanics.

Jeff Schnurr along with Daimen Hardie, Gavin Hardie, Zachary Melanson, Elijah Manchester, and Dale Prest make up the main driving force behind Community Forests, which provides low-impact forestry services from tree planting, pre-commercial thinning of properties, and harvest assistance throughou

Another CBDC Success Story - Island Spaw and Kennels

The Local General Store Makes a Comeback

Rheal Caissie knows his wine and beer. He should. He owns and operates Brew Chez-Nous, a wine and beer supply store in downtown Shediac. In his rustic, 400-square foot shop, he has wine and beer kits and accessories galore.

Success Tastes Great

In the case of entrepreneurs Brian and Ayu Pitre, success is literally something you can taste every day at Martha’s, their multifaceted restaurant in Shediac, NB.

Complementary Healing Comes of Age

Sitting in my room doing friends and my own nails from a kit that was ordered online, was only what I thought to be a girl thing.  But when I was approached by Nick with Youth Ventures in Spring 2014, to turn my own hobby into my own business, I thought nothing more.

Located at 395 Main Street in Shediac,  Adorable Chocolat specializes in premium and craft chocolate confection. In 2008, Ginette Ahier founded her own company Choco-Cocagne, which later was incorporated under the name Adorable Chocolat with the French chocolate maker Frédéric Desclos.

Shane Green and Jennifer Hillier of AirCo Sheetmetal Inc. accepts the 2015 Business Distinction Gold award from Ray Tuck, Chairperson of CBDC Trinity Conception.  The awards were presented at the Annual General Meeting held on October 20, 2015.

Lori Dooley of The Bridal Suite accepts the 2015 Business Distinction Bronze award from Ray Tuck, Chairperson of CBDC Trinity Conception.  The awards were presented at the Annual General Meeting held on October 20, 2015.

Located at 120 Main Street, in the heart of downtown Bathurst, Confiserie Andréa has been in existence since 2011. A company founded by Andréa Duguay-Cormier, an entrepreneur who isn't new to the business, since she has worked for a long time in the confectionery field.

At the beginning of the new millennium, Broadway Productions was established in Grand Falls. Carol-Irma Mulherin just had her second child and was hoping to find a solution to stay at home while remaining professionally active.
 

Jo Mamma’s Coffee Hut started as an idea to bring quality coffee beverages to Summerside because we just couldn’t find the quality here we wanted that was available in other cities.

G.L. Enterprises, owned and operated by Tom Pinsent, consists of two components – G.L. Audio and Visual and G.L. Moving and Storage. This business is currently located on Main Street in Grand Falls-Windsor, but has come a long way since it first started nearly 20 years ago.

OCEANSIDE FITNESS & TANNING
Fitness Never Felt So Good

Able Canvas – More Than Just an Awning

The sound of occasional barking from the interior of Melissa Cormier’s business means there’s most likely a full house at Mel’s Waggin’ Tail Inn Inc. (www.melswaggintailinn.com) in Scoudouc, NB. And that’s a good thing!

To download the success story click here!

Back on the water

Living Her Dream

Piper on the Move

Roseway Manor

W.P. Griffin Inc. is a family owned and operated farming and packaging facility located in Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island.  Their farming business has grown to be a leading producer in specialty potato products.

Upper Echelon Developments Ltd. Operating as Robin’s Donuts/241 Pizza – Jonathan and Victoria Paddock of Clarke’s Beach

W. P. Griffin

W.P. Griffin Inc. is a family owned and operated farming and packaging facility located in Elmsdale, Prince Edward Island. Their farming business has grown to be a leading producer in specialty potato products.

Hanoverian Farm
Regardless of your choice of sport, there comes a time when you need the best equipment to gain the podium, whether that is a top set of skates or a well-bred horse. Looking objectively through performance, Hanoverians have earned their 1st place rank in sport.

Mitchan Sushi Inc. opened its doors in 2005 in an area where seafood and more traditional ‘meat and potatoes’ are usually the main offerings on the menu’s of local restaurants. Yet Ms.