Word of mouth has helped make OFB a popular centre. Outreach is an important part of the Shelburne County program. If clients can t come to us, we go to them. Staff travel to Lockeport, Shelburne, Woods Harbour or where required. Using a laptop allows the Internet and business software to be accessed by clients.
OFB staff are familiar faces in the schools in both counties.
Last year, over 1,800 students from grades primary to 12 took part in workshops about entrepreneurship. The school program is a great introduction to the idea of running your own business. For some, it's their first exposure, while for others, they are a part of a family who owns a business. A grade one boy spoke privately to me during a visit to his class. I then explained that was one of the reasons for the workshop to help people get other ideas of how to make a living.