I don’t really know how to express my feelings towards SEEDS. It pushed me to my limits, it would make me extremely happy, but then the next day I would be extremely stressed with all that needed to be done. Despite it all, it was a huge unforgettable experience that has forever changed me. I wish ever budding business owner could take SEEDS we would have so many great places in the Lower Mainland if they could.

Since December everyone has heard me grumble and and praise this program which involved me going through numerous steps.

November/December
1) Take an information session at a unemployment centre
2) Apply to meet with a counselor
3) Meet said counselor and convince him that SEEDS was the right move for me
4) Fill out and create multiple pieces for the application (which consisted of me going back at least three times – one involved finding out he was sick)
5) Book interview with SEEDS
6) Have said interview with SEED’s
7) Receive call from government funding with issues about my business (involving transit and money)
8) Getting official word that I was in phase one of the program

March
9) Spend two weeks creating a mock business plan to present to advisers
10) Receive call from business adviser dealing with more issues with the government
11) Get accepted into phase two
12) Spend two months learning about operations, sales, financials, marketing and so much more
13) Present business plan to business adviser, business consultant, and four business owners for 15 minutes.

June
14) Get accepted into phase three where we are out on our own till March. We have monthly meetings with our business consultant, hand in monthly reports to the government and have a handful of night classes.

Despite all the struggles with everyone, I wouldn’t do anything different. I walk down the street and think like an entrepreneur and act like an entrepreneur. I couldn’t imagine trying to start my photography business without SEED’s – thank you to everyone involved.

From left to right:
1) Abdul Bhatti – Lead Tech Services
2) Jeffery Fang – AutoCAD Design
3) Joyce Zhou – Entrust AutoCAD Services Co.
4) Richard Cui – RJLC Environmental Associates Inc.
5) Bill Filtzgerald – Brush Tek Painting
6) Anthony O’Clery – Hedgescapes Landscaping and Design
7) Suki Kailla – Mobile Pressure Wash
8) Kevin Gavin – PuckLife Magazine
9) Jarod McIntosh – High Dynamic IT Solutions
10) Jim McKinnon – Retailersos.ca
11) David Qi – Rotatory Clothing Rack Supply
12) and Me!

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