An inspiring story is taking root in Olds, Alberta. Caroline, the first approved applicant of the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, has set up her company, B&G Canada Inc. Her journey, taking her from her homeland to this rural Canadian township, is an embodiment of entrepreneurial tenacity and cultural adaptation.
B&G Canada Inc., at its core, deals in construction products. These range from park and yard products to key home-related merchandise. With Caroline having a solid 15 years of experience in the banking sector, the transition into entrepreneurship was a natural one. A stark difference, however, lay in the nature of her operations: while in her home country, Caroline was involved in both manufacturing and export, her Canadian venture is purely retail-based.
The decision to venture into construction products in Canada was fueled by the booming e-commerce industry and the rise of new communities. Caroline saw an opportunity in the swelling demand for construction-native products and thus, chose this area to start her business.
When asked about how she discovered the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, Caroline recounted her arrival in Canada. In a country that provides a plethora of programs for newcomers to start, she combed through the website of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) to find the program that was the right fit for her. After analyzing the requirements of the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, she found that she could indeed meet all of them and hence, decided to apply.
An integral part of her journey was the decision to set up her operations in Olds, Alberta. A diligent research process led her to send emails to several towns. However, the quick response from Olds was what caught her attention. As she familiarized herself with the town, she found the environment and educational system highly conducive for her two children. The warmth of the community and the international standard of education made Olds a perfect choice for her family.
Regarding the operational side of B&G Canada Inc., Caroline mentioned that her company would primarily rely on digital platforms for sales. The online business model, featuring a website, a Facebook presence, and planned YouTube content, is designed to maximize reach. However, the marketing strategy doesn’t stop at online platforms. The company also plans to collaborate with local contractors and make door-to-door visits in new communities to offer competitive quotes.
Overall, Caroline’s journey is not just about starting a business. It is a story of resilience, adaptation, and courage. As an entrepreneur, she embraced the challenges of moving to a new country and turning opportunities into a promising venture. As a mother, she found a nurturing community for her children. As an immigrant, she embodies the spirit of the Rural Entrepreneur Stream, contributing to the vibrancy and economic diversity of rural Alberta.
