Sign-Up to be a Connector!

Immigrant entrepreneurs, skilled workers bring an abundance of experience, resources and access to new markets that are enormously beneficial to the provincial economy. However, they are challenged by a lack of familiarity with the local business and work environment, and the absence of professional networks. A welcoming support system is needed to help them succeed in business in PEI.

On the Island, skilled workers and immigrant entrepreneurs access this support through PEI Connectors, where they are introduced to established business professionals who help familiarize them with local business community. Known as “connectors”, they volunteer their time to provide knowledge, access and contacts to clients who are launching, purchasing and/or investing in businesses in PEI.

MEET OUR CONNECTORS

Before moving from India to PEI three and a half years ago, Garima Mishra had never been to North America. Now a Scrum Master at Maximus Canada DeltaWare Division, Garima offers her time as a Connector to share her experience with other newcomers.

Lee McKinley, Manager of People Development at Biovectra

Having experienced the other side of the program, Lee is no stranger to the challenges that newcomers face. “It can be difficult to crack into a market when you’re a newcomer,” she says, “but it’s nice to be able to share my experience with people and assure them that it will happen.” Lee always encourages newcomers to put themselves out there, noting that networking and community involvement helps people get to know you beyond your resume. “You really have to work on making connections and getting your name out there … That can make all the difference.”
She’s witnessed the benefit of connections first-hand having previously connected a client with their current employer. “It’s a great feeling to help facilitate that and to see the program come full circle.”

Vivan Beer, Manager of HR Strategy at PEI BioAlliance

As a driving force for the bioscience sector, PEI BioAlliance continues to generate jobs for Islanders. With a range of opportunities available, Vivian Beer, Manager of HR Strategy at PEI BioAlliance, says it’s important to know what talent is coming into the province. Since becoming a Connector, Vivian has connected with newcomers of all different backgrounds, ages and levels of experience. She helps newcomers tap into job opportunities while connecting Island companies with the talent they need.
Acknowledging the power of networks on PEI, Vivian says “whether you’re moving from another country or another province, PEI has a unique culture … being part of a network gives you more familiarity with opportunities and how to approach them.”
Vivian often meets with PEI Connector clients to help them gain a better understanding of the bioscience sector and the companies within it. “I encourage them to ask any questions they may not want to ask potential employers. That gives them more confidence because they have a better understanding of the industry and companies they’re applying to.” Vivian has found that networking ultimately helps increase newcomer’s comfort level which can be key to landing opportunities – something that benefits both companies and new Islanders.

Steve Reaman, Business Development Officer at Innovation PE

Steve Reaman has been helping newcomers navigate PEI’s business landscape for over 20 years. As a Business Development Officer at Innovation PEI, Steve supports all kinds of entrepreneurs – many of whom are new to the Island. He’s regularly in touch with PEI Connectors to stay up-to-date on who’s new to the business community and what help they might need.
 

Steve says programs like PEI Connectors help with community integration for newcomers. “If you look around PEI now you can see many different nationalities and hear many different languages. We’re becoming more and more multicultural.” As for the impact this has on the business community, Steve says newcomers bring a fresh perspective. “When you bring new people into the community – people from all over the world – they bring new ideas and new ways of doing things. It’s important.”
 

Jason Tompkins, Owner of TNT Tuna and One Tuna Inc.

When Jason Tompkins was asked to become a Connector, he was happy to jump aboard and provide insight to newcomer entrepreneurs. Jason sees great value in the PEI Connectors program having previously spent several years working in Spain.
 

“I know that doing business in another country can be very intimidating,” he says. “These people have risked a lot both personally and financially to come here and try to do something new, and PEI Connectors has created a great community to help them do that.”
 

From a business perspective, Jason feels that helping newcomer entrepreneurs benefits everyone involved. “Many newcomers are looking to export to countries around the world, so as a business owner, I see them as potential partners. If I can help them set up shop and become an expert here, not only does it grow our local economy which trickles down to our restaurants, grocery stores, real estate, and so on, but maybe there’s a possibility for synergy on one of my products as well.”
 

While not all connections lead to partnerships, Jason says, “it’s interesting what bonds you create. I met one guy and even though we don’t do any business together, we’re good friends now. We connect probably once a week.”

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