Prince County businesses make pitch to immigrant entrepreneurs

Around 80 immigrant entrepreneurs living in Charlottetown made the trek to Summerside on Wednesday, to check out business opportunities in the Western end of the Island.

The networking event led by the PEI Connectors program gave dozens of Prince County businesses looking for investors or new ownersa chance to make their pitch.

"A lot of our immigrant entrepreneurs really only know Charlottetown very well. They are keen to get to know other parts of P.E.I.," said Nicole Bellefleur, PEI Connectors' manager.

"They just don't really know to do that without someone being there to make those connections, open the doors, introduce them to the local business community.So they are definitely excited about this kind of event."

Many of the immigrants in attendance came to P.E.I. through the Provincial Nominee Program, and are required to start up their own business, or purchase an existing one as part of their agreement.

Murray Sallis is hopeful a newcomer will buy his business, the Anchor Motel and Suites in Bedeque.

Like many business owners who attendedWednesday's session, he's keen to retire.

'It only takes one'

"It's difficult to get exposure for a small business that's for sale," said Sallis."But we've had good conversations here with fouror fivepeople.It only takes one."

Wednesday's networking event officially marked the expansion of P.E.I. Connectors to Summerside.

Until now, the government funded program which helps connect newcomers to Island business opportunities has operated solely out of an office in Charlottetown.

Now, the City of Summerside and the P.E.I. government have come up with funding to employ an extra program officer, who willwork out of the Summerside Chamber of Commerce.

Summerside Mayor Bill Martin, spoke at Wednesday's event, and saidthe expansion is off to a promising start.

"I couldn't be prouder of the vibe taking place here in the room, the opportunity in the room," he said.

"My whole vision is economic development.So these kinds of events, well I'll smile for the next 36 hours.I think this has huge potential."

The Anchor Motel's owner agrees.

"Undoubtedly this is going to be a draw here," MurraySallissaid."The people in Charlottetown with PEI Connectors are more interested in Charlottetown. Bringing this up here will bring exposure to businesses up here."

Bellefleursaidplans for more networking sessions around the Island are in the works.