eSSENTIAL
Accessibility Inc.
is a registered trade-mark of
eSSENTIAL Accessibility Inc. in Canada and other countries
is a registered trade-mark of
eSSENTIAL Accessibility Inc. in Canada and other countries
Success Stories
J & N Construction - Reinfeld
Nick Funk & John Penner
Before immigrating to Canada, Nick and John were both involved in the carpentry and building trades in their home country of Germany. After working for related industries in Winkler, Manitoba, Nick and John were both laid off from their jobs. As friends usually do, they sat down together and brainstormed what career they could possibly star in their newfound partnership. Knowing the construction industry well, and John having built his own house in Winkler, they decided to pursue the home construction market.
Being on E.I. lead them to discover the SEA program that is offered through Community Futures Heartland, and there were quickly accepted, as their eagerness and ambition lead them through the process.
Having some working knowledge of the English language got them this far in Canada, but many of the forms were a bit difficult for Nick and John to navigate on their own. Heartland's staff made arrangements to meet the partners at their house and work through the forms and questions that were necessary to complete a business plan and cash flow forecast.
Nick and John have been awarded housing projects already, as their attention to detail and strong work ethic are spreading through the local market. using their own saving to start the business has really helped Nick and John understand the value of creating a business plan. Not wanting to lose their life saving has added extra motivation and desire to succeed in the partnership.
"Heartland played a large part in our success of the business." Nickolas Funk and Johann Penner.
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SRD Backhoe Services - Thornhill
Shane Dyck
After graduation from Morden High School in 2001, Shane Dyck decided to work as a linesman for Manitoba Hydro for four years. Once the call of the Western employers got strong enough, Shane packed his bags and headed out to British Columbia to drive truck for a construction company. After the early ice melt on the temporary roads, Shane came back home to Morden to find employment. After noticing all the construction that was happening in Southern Manitoba, Shane decided to investigate what type of service was needed in the area, and how that could fit into his current skill set.
Shane noticed that backhoe services for smaller jobs were lacking. With the big construction boom, all the large contractors were too busy taking on big contracts, and leaving the smaller jobs alone. Shane then decided to purchase a backhoe and help fill the void for completing smaller jobs.
While on the Self Employment Assistance Program, Shane secured a loan of $12,000 with Community Futures Heartland for the remainder of the backhoe purchase. Shane also applied to the Young Entrepreneurs Grant for the $4000 youth grant.
To date Shane has been quite busy with his backhoe, as the weather has been very cooperative this year and word is spreading that is his available to complete smaller jobs in a timely fashion. Shane decaled out his 2002 for 3/4 ton truck and uses that as advertising 24 hours a day. Decals on the backhoe also help to identify him on the job site.
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G & J Aircraft Belts - Portage la Prairie
Glen Jones
Based in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Glen Jones and his partner John Zorn started G.J.'s Aircraft Belts in 2000 after working for over 20 years in the Military and 10 years in the Aviation field. Recognizing a need to repair aircraft seat belts, they decided to create a partnership and investigate this business further. After many negotiations, Glen and John were given Transport Canada's approval as the only company in Canada to be licensed to fix and repair aircraft safety belts. Shortly after opening the business, and not knowing what sales were going to be in this new venture, Glen sold his share to John and pursued other interests. The business grew and sales increased every year, and in 2006 John approached Glen to see if he wanted to purchase the entire business, as then John was looking to retire from the business. Glen decided to purchase the familiar business, and began the search for financing.
With a loan from Community Futures Heartland, Glen was able to purchase the shares of the company and continue the business that he started 6 years previous.
The company is currently based out of Glen's home, and has contracts from across Canada and other countries around the world repairing aircraft safety belts.
Back to Top
Something Crafty - Portage la Prairie
Susan Hiebert
Susan Hiebert of Portage la Prairie always had a love for crafts. As she reached adulthood Susan took an interest in power tools and renovations projects. Susan was looking for something challenging and decided to combine her love for crafts and power tools and turn it into a home based business "Something Crafty". now Susan designs and builds custom toy boxes, table and chair sets, benches, art easels, chalk boards, toy shelves, cubbyholes, book shelves, step stools and so much more. Susan also paints glass block lights, makes flower pens and creates diaper cakes for baby showers which are always a hit. Susan loves being able to work from home and be with her family and the best part is she found something that she is passionate about, and with her long list of happy clients, Something Crafty is certainly a success! www.somethingcraftytx.esty.com
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T&L Entertainment - Portage la Prairie
Tom and Lana Bruner
Tom and Lana Bruner of Portage la Prairie have many years experience in the entertainment industry and decided to put talent and knowledge into something they could call their own. T&L Entertainment offers a wide variety of movies and video games. With over 400 member in less than 2 months of opening their doors, your can say T&L Entertainment is certainly a success!
Back to Top
Alexa Media
Lisa Gandier
Lisa Gandier is the founder of Alexa Media, a company which specializes in digital Display Solutions. With a team of dedicated professionals that enable their clients to reach target audiences via the powerful communication medium, Digital Signage for both indoor and outdoor. Alexa designs delivers high impact advertisements on digital display screens in Southern Manitoba and Winnipeg. Recently Alexa announced the addition of the Winnipeg Convention Centre and Centennial Concert Hall outdoor screens to their ever expanding network of screens. Alexa Media is Digital Signage done right! www.alexa-media.com
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Kingdom Home Inspections
Curtis Hildebrand
Kingdom Home Inspections is independently owned and operated by Curtis Hildebrand. Kingdom Home Inspections specializes in residential and commercial inspections in Southern Manitoba. Curtis has 9 years of carpentry and cabinetry experience together with basic electrical, plumbing and concrete experience. Curtis became a member of Inter NACHI and graduated with his Commercial Inspector's Certification in January of 2010. All of his Kingdom Home basic inspections come with a 31 page Inspection Report, Home Maintenance Manual and a disk with all the pictures he has taken of the home. Curtis continually upgrades his training to keep up with building trends and every Kingdom Home Inspection sends a child in India to summer camp. Kingdom Home Inspections is on the many Community Futures Heartland success stories. www.mbkingdom.com
Back to Top
Close Encounters-Portage la Prairie
Keith & Samantha Hutlet
Keith and Samantha opened Close Encounters Blacklight mini golf in 2009 a family fun centre consisting of an 18 hole black light mini golf game, games area, and a birthday party room to accommodate 12.They are open Monday through Thursday from 1pm till 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays 1pm till 10pm and Sundays from 12pm till 6pm.
Close Encounters is the only family fun centre in Portage la Prairie. They offer 10 Arcade games and 14 interactive games and they are the only owners of the 2011 Edition of Dance Dance Revolution. They also offer a concession featuring cotton candy, flavoured popcorn and slush puppies.
Close encounters is growing and the Arcade has brought forth new clients every day. With the business growing as such Keith and Samantha are looking to employ 2 part time staff in the near future.
Close Encounters is a popular place for birthday/group Party’s and just a day of fun. Another Success story from Community Futures Heartland.
Back to Top
J & N Construction - Reinfeld
Nick Funk & John Penner
Before immigrating to Canada, Nick and John were both involved in the carpentry and building trades in their home country of Germany. After working for related industries in Winkler, Manitoba, Nick and John were both laid off from their jobs. As friends usually do, they sat down together and brainstormed what career they could possibly star in their newfound partnership. Knowing the construction industry well, and John having built his own house in Winkler, they decided to pursue the home construction market.
Being on E.I. lead them to discover the SEA program that is offered through Community Futures Heartland, and there were quickly accepted, as their eagerness and ambition lead them through the process.
Having some working knowledge of the English language got them this far in Canada, but many of the forms were a bit difficult for Nick and John to navigate on their own. Heartland's staff made arrangements to meet the partners at their house and work through the forms and questions that were necessary to complete a business plan and cash flow forecast.
Nick and John have been awarded housing projects already, as their attention to detail and strong work ethic are spreading through the local market. using their own saving to start the business has really helped Nick and John understand the value of creating a business plan. Not wanting to lose their life saving has added extra motivation and desire to succeed in the partnership.
"Heartland played a large part in our success of the business." Nickolas Funk and Johann Penner.
Back to Top
SRD Backhoe Services - Thornhill
Shane Dyck
After graduation from Morden High School in 2001, Shane Dyck decided to work as a linesman for Manitoba Hydro for four years. Once the call of the Western employers got strong enough, Shane packed his bags and headed out to British Columbia to drive truck for a construction company. After the early ice melt on the temporary roads, Shane came back home to Morden to find employment. After noticing all the construction that was happening in Southern Manitoba, Shane decided to investigate what type of service was needed in the area, and how that could fit into his current skill set.
Shane noticed that backhoe services for smaller jobs were lacking. With the big construction boom, all the large contractors were too busy taking on big contracts, and leaving the smaller jobs alone. Shane then decided to purchase a backhoe and help fill the void for completing smaller jobs.
While on the Self Employment Assistance Program, Shane secured a loan of $12,000 with Community Futures Heartland for the remainder of the backhoe purchase. Shane also applied to the Young Entrepreneurs Grant for the $4000 youth grant.
To date Shane has been quite busy with his backhoe, as the weather has been very cooperative this year and word is spreading that is his available to complete smaller jobs in a timely fashion. Shane decaled out his 2002 for 3/4 ton truck and uses that as advertising 24 hours a day. Decals on the backhoe also help to identify him on the job site.
Back to Top
G & J Aircraft Belts - Portage la Prairie
Glen Jones
Based in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, Glen Jones and his partner John Zorn started G.J.'s Aircraft Belts in 2000 after working for over 20 years in the Military and 10 years in the Aviation field. Recognizing a need to repair aircraft seat belts, they decided to create a partnership and investigate this business further. After many negotiations, Glen and John were given Transport Canada's approval as the only company in Canada to be licensed to fix and repair aircraft safety belts. Shortly after opening the business, and not knowing what sales were going to be in this new venture, Glen sold his share to John and pursued other interests. The business grew and sales increased every year, and in 2006 John approached Glen to see if he wanted to purchase the entire business, as then John was looking to retire from the business. Glen decided to purchase the familiar business, and began the search for financing.
With a loan from Community Futures Heartland, Glen was able to purchase the shares of the company and continue the business that he started 6 years previous.
The company is currently based out of Glen's home, and has contracts from across Canada and other countries around the world repairing aircraft safety belts.
Back to Top
Something Crafty - Portage la Prairie
Susan Hiebert
Susan Hiebert of Portage la Prairie always had a love for crafts. As she reached adulthood Susan took an interest in power tools and renovations projects. Susan was looking for something challenging and decided to combine her love for crafts and power tools and turn it into a home based business "Something Crafty". now Susan designs and builds custom toy boxes, table and chair sets, benches, art easels, chalk boards, toy shelves, cubbyholes, book shelves, step stools and so much more. Susan also paints glass block lights, makes flower pens and creates diaper cakes for baby showers which are always a hit. Susan loves being able to work from home and be with her family and the best part is she found something that she is passionate about, and with her long list of happy clients, Something Crafty is certainly a success! www.somethingcraftytx.esty.com
Back to Top
T&L Entertainment - Portage la Prairie
Tom and Lana Bruner
Tom and Lana Bruner of Portage la Prairie have many years experience in the entertainment industry and decided to put talent and knowledge into something they could call their own. T&L Entertainment offers a wide variety of movies and video games. With over 400 member in less than 2 months of opening their doors, your can say T&L Entertainment is certainly a success!
Back to Top
Alexa Media
Lisa Gandier
Lisa Gandier is the founder of Alexa Media, a company which specializes in digital Display Solutions. With a team of dedicated professionals that enable their clients to reach target audiences via the powerful communication medium, Digital Signage for both indoor and outdoor. Alexa designs delivers high impact advertisements on digital display screens in Southern Manitoba and Winnipeg. Recently Alexa announced the addition of the Winnipeg Convention Centre and Centennial Concert Hall outdoor screens to their ever expanding network of screens. Alexa Media is Digital Signage done right! www.alexa-media.com
Back to Top
Kingdom Home Inspections
Curtis Hildebrand
Kingdom Home Inspections is independently owned and operated by Curtis Hildebrand. Kingdom Home Inspections specializes in residential and commercial inspections in Southern Manitoba. Curtis has 9 years of carpentry and cabinetry experience together with basic electrical, plumbing and concrete experience. Curtis became a member of Inter NACHI and graduated with his Commercial Inspector's Certification in January of 2010. All of his Kingdom Home basic inspections come with a 31 page Inspection Report, Home Maintenance Manual and a disk with all the pictures he has taken of the home. Curtis continually upgrades his training to keep up with building trends and every Kingdom Home Inspection sends a child in India to summer camp. Kingdom Home Inspections is on the many Community Futures Heartland success stories. www.mbkingdom.com
Back to Top
Close Encounters-Portage la Prairie
Keith & Samantha Hutlet
Keith and Samantha opened Close Encounters Blacklight mini golf in 2009 a family fun centre consisting of an 18 hole black light mini golf game, games area, and a birthday party room to accommodate 12.They are open Monday through Thursday from 1pm till 9pm, Fridays and Saturdays 1pm till 10pm and Sundays from 12pm till 6pm.
Close Encounters is the only family fun centre in Portage la Prairie. They offer 10 Arcade games and 14 interactive games and they are the only owners of the 2011 Edition of Dance Dance Revolution. They also offer a concession featuring cotton candy, flavoured popcorn and slush puppies.
Close encounters is growing and the Arcade has brought forth new clients every day. With the business growing as such Keith and Samantha are looking to employ 2 part time staff in the near future.
Close Encounters is a popular place for birthday/group Party’s and just a day of fun. Another Success story from Community Futures Heartland.
Back to Top
Community Futures Heartland
Provides a variety of business and community development services to the region such as business planning assistance, repayable loans, support for community development initiatives, project support and training opportunities.
We serve 15 Rural Municipalities, 2 Cities, 5 Towns, and 3 Villages.
Community Futures Heartland is a not-for-profit corporation run by a volunteer board of directors.
OUR SERVICES ARE FREE!
