It’s a well-known fact that an intellectual disability can’t stop your entrepreneurial spirit. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Perhaps not a recipe in Emma’s Easy Cookbook by Emma Henderson, a participant in North Shore ConneXions Society’s Venture Enterprises program, but rest assured, it still provides a lot of delicious fuss-free recipes to recreate. Just like, ‘Easy Hummus,’ one of Emma’s favourites.
Venture Enterprises (VE) is an entrepreneurial program where innovative individuals create their own businesses with the assistance of their vocational trainers. These businesses, based out of North Shore ConneXions Society, provide reliable, efficient, necessary services and products to the community.
“Participants come up with ideas and the concepts, and then establish how to create it with assistance from vocational trainers, who help promote it,” says Tavia Cosper, marketing manager, North Shore ConneXions Society.
“It’s really inspiring seeing what they can do.”
For more than 65 years, North Shore ConneXions Society has fostered an environment of inclusion by supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities. The organization provides quality programs and services, which support the development, independence and empowerment of adults, children and families.
They also work in partnership with society members and the community to advocate for the development of a full range of community-based services that meet each person’s unique needs.
VE provides participants with an environment in which distinction and merit are affirmed, celebrated and enhanced.
Achievements are numerous, especially when it comes to participants’ business endeavours, but the VE program has made significant strides, too.
“The participants and vocational trainers created an online Square Shop where they sell products and earn their own revenue,” says Taraneh Shamloo, vocational trainer, Venture Enterprises program.
A portion of the profits recirculate back into the program for new ingredients, projects, tools, and more. Once expenses are covered, participants receive a paycheque with their own percentage.
The VE program is government funded, with referrals usually from Community Living British Columbia (CLBC). The team meets with a CLBC agent, the candidate and their family, to determine if it’s a good fit and if so, they’ll join a trial period.
“Participants also put together their own individual pitch presentations for their business/product,” reveals Shamloo.
Successful pitch presentations have resulted in prosperous entrepreneurial businesses. Meet some of the VE crew and their products:
Jeff Westmoreland: 2022 calendars
Jeff created two beautiful calendars, ‘Flowers and Vehicles,’ comprised of stunning photographs he took during his walks around town. A collection of his favourite images adorns 12 months to brighten your walls year-round. $25/each; $45/both.
Emma Henderson: Emma’s Easy Cookbook
With the help of VE staff, Emma completed Emma’s Easy Cookbook, her first so far. It’s full of simple and scrumptious recipes she developed and perfected. “I like working on my computer and love cooking. Helping staff and my friends makes me happy.” $10/digital;
$35 sale/hardcopy (includes free digital link).
Janet Laing: wine charms
Detail-oriented with a passion for beadwork, Janet has turned her passion into a business by creating pretty and unique wine charms (used for mugs, too). Your purchase will help support Janet’s artistic VE pursuits. $2/each with an organza bag.
Jeremy Sellers: dog toys
An animal lover, Jeremy created two colourful dog toys for your furry friends. Fetch balls are made from tennis balls and socks, while crackle toys are crafted from clean plastic bottles, socks and jingle bells. Jeremy performs at the annual Variety Show as an Elvis impersonator, but hasn’t yet divulged if “Hound Dog” is his favourite tune. Fetch, $10/each; Crackle, $5/each.
Colleen Sound and Chris Gonzales: cat toys
Both Colleen and Chris love animals, especially cats. She developed a catnip fluffy sock ($7/each) stuffed with cotton and organic catnip, with a jingle bell to keep your cat’s attention. Chris created a catnip ball (kitties love the scent), constructed from sturdy sisal rope. $6/small; $10/large.
For more information, visit www.nsconnexions.org, or email [email protected].
