Our Stories
For many veterans, leaving the structured world of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) can be a daunting experience. But in many cases, the skills and discipline they’ve learned or passions they’ve developed can be channelled into starting their own businesses.
As any entrepreneur will tell you, there’s a lot you need to know before, during, and after opening your own business. Prince’s Charities Canada developed the Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur (POE) to provide education, training, tools and resources to transitioning members of the CAF, and their spouses.
Irving Shipbuilding Inc., J.D. Irving, Limited and Irving Consumer Products are proud to support this commendable program with $50,000 in funding.
Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur provides one-day introductory workshops and seven-day intensive entrepreneurship boot camps across the country at no cost, in both French and English. They also provide ongoing support and networking opportunities for business owners.
Laura McRobbie served in the Canadian Air Force for nine years as a Logistics Officer. Upon leaving military service in 2015, Laura was looking to put her skills to use, and establish a career that would allow her the flexibility to spend time with her family.
“The POE course made all the difference in starting up my own business. It walked me through every aspect I needed to consider from marketing, to business, to insurance and client management. I am confident in my ability to succeed in business having completed the course,” said McRobbie, who provides accounting and tax services to individuals and small businesses within Halifax through her firm McRobbie & Mann, Ltd. “As an accountant, I had the professional knowledge to do accounting and tax, and with the POE course I have the practical knowledge to run my own business.”
“With such a large veteran community in Atlantic Canada, we are delighted to be able to offer workshops, boot camps and ongoing support for the men and woman who have served our country. Entrepreneurship can be a great fit for skilled veterans transition to the civilian world. POE allows them to be confident entrepreneurs that continue to contribute to the community. Thank you to Irving for their generous support of Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur,” said Janet McCausland, Director, Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur.
To find out more about how to register for the programs visit www.princesoperationentrepreneur.ca.
