Hive program launched in capital

06/23/2014

Mentorship | New program will help immigrants navigate business networks

The provincial government is investing $110,000 into “The Hive,” an innovative program designed to complement and expand the already existing Business Immigrant Mentorship Program (BIMP).

   Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Jody Carr made the announcement Wednesday at the program’s official launch in Fredericton.

   The Hive, a business incubator which assists entrepreneurs by offering them support, space, training and networking opportunities while they prepare their business plans, is being operated in partnership with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce.

   A similar program was launched in Moncton last year as a pilot project.

   “The Hive represents our government’s innovative approach to supporting immigrant entrepreneurs,”Carr said in a statement.“In fact, it is the first and only program of its kind in Canada. We have seen success with the Moncton Hive, and are confident our investment in Fredericton will prove just as effective in helping new immigrant-owned businesses flourish.”

   The $110,000 is for the Fredericton region program.

   While BIMP participants meet for formal programming one day per week – in addition to contact with their mentor – The Hive serves as an immersive environment where participants pay a fee for daily office space and business support, the chamber said.

   Fredericton chamber CEO Krista Ross told a small but enthusiastic crowd gathered outside The Hive’s Knowledge Park office that the program will foster and enhance the business community.

   “We are so pleased to be expanding our programming for immigrant entrepreneurs after pioneering the BIMP, which has since spread across the province and country,” Ross said in a statement. “Giving our immigrant entrepreneurs the tools to succeed is a high priority for the chamber and the provincial government, as evidenced by their continued support of BIMP and The Hive.”

   Hive director Janet Moser said the program’s participants were highly skilled and successful business people in their countries of origin.

   Creating an environment where participants are comfortable asking questions, learning about doing business in this country and being inclusively integration into the community are top priorities, she added.

   “Clients learn about Canadian culture, socially and economically,” Moser said.

   Hai Le, a program participant originally from Vietnam, said he has enjoyed the experience from the beginning.

   “I got sufficient support to make my project successful here,” he said. “I see my future here and my kids’ future here.”

   South Korean immigrant Stella Kim said the program allows individuals to not only share ideas but also develop them. Kim said it’s made her cognizant of resources she was previously unaware of.

   Carr told the gathering New Brunswick is open to the world and that newcomers are welcome. The Hive program brings this to the next level, he said.

   “Immigrant entrepreneurs are a key part of our of our population growth strategy,”Carr said.“Very soon the provincial government will be releasing a revised, a new and updated population growth strategy. Once again, we say we’re welcoming, we’re open and we want to work with the people of New Brunswick and the newcomers to New Brunswick to grow this partnership.”

   The Hive is a key program that allows for connections and support at the ground level, the minister said.

   The Fredericton Hive, meanwhile, has signed a community partner agreement to provide participants with a membership to Planet Hatch, an organization that connects startups with the best resources.

   Hive participants also have access to the services of Ignite Fredericton, a new economic development agency offering counselling and tools for entrepreneurs in the capital area.

   There are currently four entrepreneurs enrolled in the program.

   It is still accepting participants.

   The Fredericton Hive is located at 30 Knowledge Park Dr.

MICHAEL STAPLES THE DAILY GLEANER