You are here
Step 3: Build a Support Network
Introduction
Starting on the Right Path
Seven Steps for Help You Start Your Business
1. Take a Good Look at Yourself
2. Identify Your Customers
3. Build a Support Network
4. Make it Official
5. Facilities and Staff
6. Write a Business Plan
7. Obtain Financing
Keep It Going
Appendices
Contact Information
Fun Facts
Step 3: Build a Support Network
For anyone starting his or her own business, it’s important to know where to find help. By creating a list of contacts, you are building a network of support. Surround yourself with people you can ask for advice about the responsibilities and challenges you will face in running your own business.
Some advice and support services you’ll have to pay for – from a lawyer or a bookkeeper, for example. But other support can be obtained for free, if you know whom to ask. Build relationships with people who can help your business succeed.
Your network could include:
- Economic Development Officer
- Banker
- Insurance Broker
- Lawyer
- Bookkeeper
- Industry/Sector Organizations
- Chamber of Commerce
- Advertising Media (television, radio, newspapers)
- Family and friends
- Other business people
You are not the first to start a business.
Talk to others who have tried and find out how they succeeded.
Below are some of your most important contacts. Make these a part of your network. The information you will need is available from any of these sources, whether it’s about government regulations, Inuit firm status, preparing a business plan, or sources of financing.
Key Contacts
Your community’s Economic Development Officer (EDO)
Call your hamlet or city office, or look up your EDO on the Nunavut Economic Developers Association website’s “EDO contact list”: www.nunavuteda.com
Economic Development and Transportation’s Community Operations Offices
Kitikmeot Community Operations (Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Kugluktuk, Kugaaruk and Taloyoak)
Toll-free: 1-844-475-1166
Kivalliq Community Operations (Arviat, Baker Lake, Chesterfield Inlet, Coral Harbour, Naujaat, Rankin Inlet and Whale Cove)
Toll-free: 1-844-737-8627
North Baffin Community Operations (Arctic Bay, Clyde River, Grise Fiord, Hall Beach, Igloolik, Pond Inlet, and Resolute Bay)
Toll-free: 1-888-899-7338
South Baffin Community Operations Office (Cape Dorset, Iqaluit, Kimmirut, Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, and Sanikiluaq)
Toll-free: 1-844-737-8627
Canada-Nunavut Business Service Centre
The CNBSC is “Your Gateway to Government Information for Business.” There are offices in Iqaluit, Rankin Inlet, and Cambridge Bay.
Toll-free (877) 499-5199 www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/centre/sgc-62/#sgcselect
975-7860
Baffin Regional Chamber of Commerce
(867) 979-4654 www.baffinchamber.ca
Regional Business Development Centre
Baffin Business Development Centre, Iqaluit
(867) 979-1303
(800) 263-2232 toll free
Keewatin Business Development Centre, Rankin Inlet
(867) 645-2126
Kitikmeot Community Futures Incorporated, Cambridge Bay
( (867) 983 7383 www.kcfi.ca
Regional Inuit Community Economic Development Organization
Inuit CEDOs help train Inuit to start up and manage their own businesses.
Kakivak Association, Iqaluit
(867) 979-0911 www.kakivak.ca
Kivalliq Partners in Development, Rankin Inlet
(867) 645-2118 /867 645 2122 www.kivalliqparteners.ca
Kitikmeot Economic Development Commission, Cambridge Bay
(867) 983-2095
Kitikmeot Regional Chamber of Commerce
Under development
See “Information Sources” for these and other useful business support contacts