Why small business owners risk it all to open a business
We asked our members in Atlantic Canada why they risked it all to open a business. We think the answers will help decision-makers better appreciate what makes small business owners tick and the contribution they make to the province and our region.
Read some of the answers below. We think you'll find the stories heart-warming, inspiring and honest and a testament to the people that are working hard to build our communities, one business at a time.
I was working for someone else in a grocery store when I decided to get into business on my own. My husband encouraged me to do so. He said if I was going to work I might as well be working for myself. That was in 1976, and I told him at that time that I would give it a try for 10 years. Here it is now 34 years later and I am still working for myself. At the time I started with $3000 and everything I made in the first couple of years went back into the business. It has taken a lot of commitment on my part, but it is a very good business.
Arlene Miller
Miller's Murray River Esso, Murray River, PEI
I started my own business to take control of my own destiny and hopefully make enough money for a comfortable retirement. The "thrill of the hunt" was also a factor, which you don't get from being an employee. Unfortunately, the margins that we were able to obtain are not near what is reluctantly given to our socialist society (Government) and the desire to remain self employed is waning. The problem being, businesses have to run at peak efficiency and to put this numerically - 75% to 90%. The margins we could only dream off are passed along to a self serving entity that runs at an efficiency rate of 5% to 20%.
Martinus Rose
The Meta Group, Georgetown, PEI
I became a small business owner totally by accident. During the recession of the early eighties, I was working for the PEI Government and found myself out of a job as a result of layoffs. I was given the opportunity to "bump" someone else in government who had been there less time than I. However, after doing a little research into who I would be "bumping", I decided I could not, and would not stay if it meant that I had to take another person's job. I examined my skills and experience and decided to give it a try on my own. That was 27 years ago. Still here, still going strong.
Sharon Elederkin
PEI Office of the Future, Charlottetown, PE
I really had no choice but to become a business owner. After my accident no one would hire me because of my injuries, they wouldn't insure me. So in order to continue doing what I know, I had to go out and do on my own. Best decision I ever made.
Gordon Perry
G.J.P Automotive, Charlottetown, PEI
Would you like to add your own story? Email us at MSPEI@cfib.ca .
