"It was a challenge, but I still enjoyed the program—I can honestly say it was fun! It really enabled my personal and professional growth, and helped me to embrace change. I learned how to plan my business’s future development and also how to network effectively. All these skills have contributed to my success. Finally, I made long-lasting friendships while at Mohawk—one of these is now my best friend."
Brandy, Class of 1993
President, Take Control Cosmedix Inc., Owner, The Makeup Source, Hamilton
Hamilton Woman of the Year, 2004
"The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Program gave me the tools I needed to take our family business to the next level. We made significant improvements in our business strategy and continue to do so."
David, Class of 1996
Co-owner, Grand River Home Hardware, Caledonia;
Co-owner, Caledonia Auto Laundry and Dunnville Auto Laundry
Educomm Winner’s Circle Award for Entrepreneurial Achievement, 2003
National Hardware Retail Association (NHRA) Young Retailer of the Year Award (Canada-U.S.), 2004
Mohawk College Alumni of Distinction Award, 2005
"A major strength of this program is its ability to connect students with real business owners and entrepreneurs—those who have already achieved success by their own initiative. Because of this, the field trips, guest speakers and the mentoring sessions were highlights for me. I learned from the best."
Bob, Class of 1994
Owner, Don’t Fret Musical Instruments, Burlington
Educomm Winner’s Circle Award for Entrepreneurial Achievement, 2005
Professional musician and performer, Guitar repair and restoration specialist
(Don’t Fret has a music school with 13 teachers and 500 students.)
"I had the technical abilities in music, and the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Program gave me the business skills needed to move my business out of my home and grow beyond any of my original expectations. This program not only supports its students, but its graduates also. After graduation, one of my professors coached me in the final revision of my financial plan, which I presented to bankers for the loan for my first ‘storefront’ location."
Jennifer, Class of 1998
Owner, Performance School of Music, Locations in Burlington and Hamilton
Runner-up, Young Entrepreneur of the Year, 2004 Hamilton Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Business Achievement Awards
"The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Program’s business planning process helped my business partner and I to develop new strategies for our existing insurance business including a move to a new location, which has improved our performance significantly."
Linda, Class of 1994
Partner, State Farm Insurance, Hamilton
Educomm Winner’s Circle Award for Entrepreneurial Achievement, 1996
"The business plan I developed while in the program continues to be a great benefit to the business. As a result of my studies I have compiled a policies and procedures manual, launched an employee benefit program and several years ago developed a company Web site—the first in our industry in this area. We’ve made numerous other changes for the better, many of them due to my experience in the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Program."
Gale, RN, Class of 1996
Partner, A-1 Towing and Recovery Services Inc., Hamilton