In June of 2016, Business Cape Breton (BCB) changed its scope of operations to focus exclusively on the Cape Breton Regional Municipality and local entrepreneurs. While there has been some speculation surrounding the reasons for leaving the Province of Nova Scotia's Regional Enterprise Network (REN), BCB's Chair of the Board of Directors, Parker Rudderham, is clear that change was needed.

“When I became Chair, it became clear to me that the current situation wasn’t workable,” said Rudderham. “We were trying to serve too broad a mandate with fewer and fewer resources. We needed to re-focus our efforts so we could achieve a positive difference given the resources we had to work with. That meant being more focused on helping small businesses in the CBRM."

Accordingly, Business Cape Breton re-positioned itself as the economic development agency of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, and recruited a hands-on group of business people and community leaders, all of whom  have a demonstrated record of achievement, to serve on its Board of Directors.

Rudderham is an experienced businessman who was born and raised in Cape Breton, moved away to work, and later founded a successful global pharmaceutical business before returning to the Island.

"I wanted to help Business Cape Breton because I directly experienced the value of the services they provide through a couple of businesses that I am involved with.  I instantly knew that many other local entrepreneurs could benefit from their approach.”

“We are no longer trying to lure businesses from away to create 500 or 1,000 jobs. If they knock on our door, we will help, of course, but our focus should be and will be helping local entrepreneurs create 3 to 5 to 10 jobs. I think those are the people we can help the most, and who need our help the most. Base hits, not home runs, are what will make a meaningful difference to our region.”

BCB is already seeing results from its new direction and leaner operations. A number of small businesses in the area have expanded their operations after receiving business counselling and planning services from BCB staff. 

Dianne MacLean

MacLean Hearing Centre

Dianne MacLean opened MacLean Hearing Centre after receiving Business Counselling Services from Business Cape Breton. MacLean Hearing Centre provides hearing solutions that are more powerful, precise, and user-friendly than ever before. As well as creating employment for herself, Dianne now also employs an additional staff member. 

Drs. Shaun & Jen Maher (& Ethan)

Island Chiropractic & Family Wellness

Drs. Shaun and Jen Maher wished to build a business and a life in Cape Breton.  After accessing the Small Business Development Program, they opened Island Chiropractic & Family Wellness with the goals of making the residents of Sydney and the greater Sydney area the healthiest bunch on the Island. 

Following the change, Business Cape Breton staff was reduced to its current complement of four. CEO Eileen Lannon Oldford continues to lead the team which operates out of offices at 77 Kings Road in Sydney, NS.

Moving forward, Business Cape Breton is looking to recruit more volunteer board members from the private sector who are willing to roll up their sleeves and make a difference.  To learn more about the opportunity to serve on BCB's Board, click HERE.

“There is no point in spending taxpayers’ dollars, or frankly for me to invest my time, if we don’t produce results,” said Rudderham. “We need to be transparent, we need to be accountable, and we need to see positive outcomes if we are to survive as a community.”

Look for more success stories about local entrepreneurs in the coming weeks.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Business Cape Breton

77 Kings Road, Sydney, NS B1S 1A2
Toll Free: 1-800-818-2201

T: 902.562.2201
F: 902.562.2866

E: [email protected]