SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — A regional business support organization wants the incoming federal government after the Oct. 21 election, regardless of political party, to offer more supports to start-up and small businesses.
Tina Dickieson, executive director of the Community Business Development Corporation Central (CBDB Central), said things like access to capital funding, human resources support and labour shortages are things that impact start-ups and prevent small businesses on the Island from growing.
"Access to capital is the No. 1," said Dickieson.
"Often cases, banks want to see two years of financial statements, some might request to see a credit history and not only can that impact new, young business owners and entrepreneurs, it also can impact newcomers to Canada who want to start a business."
This is just one of many concerns Dickieson hears from new clients, and businesses moving to the next phase after they've started.
The current labour shortage on P.E.I. is also playing its part.
"Smaller companies don't have human resources supports for recruiting workers and retaining them. I'd like to see the [incoming] government work with regional agencies to provide help with this."
She said it's a rather new issue to P.E.I.
Dickieson also suggested that some form of tax reduction would be helpful and allow business owners to focus more on hiring employees and investing in the business.
Rapid growth
With recent industry growth on P.E.I., it's also important that expanding businesses know what regulations they need to follow.
With rapid growth comes the need for support, so businesses owners have the correct health and safety regulations in place, she said.
"We've seen this in manufacturing goods and food. Navigating and learning what a business needs, needs to be streamlined so all the information is in one place would be a big help."
She said the Island is in a great position in terms of growth, as companies begin to move from "mom-and-pop" to businesses with more than 10 people.
For these reasons it's important there are regional economic services because a one-size-fits-all approach won't work, she said.
She noted the province is leading the country in economic growth, causing more and more people to come to the Island to settle in and start a business.
"But as a result of this influx, we need more supports. With growth comes good things but also new challenges and adaptations."
The candidates
Malpeque candidate for the Liberal Party and incumbent MP Wayne Easter said if he were to pick one thing to improve upon with how government works with business it would be the the bureaucracy's tendency to focus on process over results.
"Someone businesses could reach out to and be told, 'Oh, you need to do this for this, and speak with this person for that,' they don't have time to try to navigate through it all. They're running a business."
Conservative Party candidate for Egmont, Logan McLellan, said his party would work with ACOA (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) to bring the Start-Up Zone or a similarly like-minded incubator program to Summerside.
Craig Nash, the NDP candidate for Malpeque, said it's important government be progressive in supporting small businesses.
"There's a lot out there, but where do people start? Streamline access to information between the government and get rid of the layers. Provide expert services so, as companies get bigger, they can access the services they need without delay."
Alex Clark, Green Party candidate for Egmont, said he'd start by addresses the government's inability to work together across the board.
"You have to have something from one level to get something from another. Let them all work together. That's a big inefficiency. There's certainly room for a liaison for the government levels and stops small business owners from asking, so what level of government do I need to talk to today."
