Best in the Biz

Social Media Marketing for Entrepreneurs : We’re kickstarting season three with Olivia Crane, the mastermind behind Amplified Social. Whether you're a startup or a seasoned business owner, Olivia shares actionable insights on how to focus your energy where it truly matters – where your target audience hangs out online. Find out how to develop a rock-solid long-term strategy and learn why consi...

Get ready to take notes! In this episode, Rae Miller, Executive Director of the Community Business Development Corporation (CBDC) Long Range, offers up a treasure trove of resources. In her experience, your business plan is your roadmap, but writing one can be challenging. Luckily, with a network of 15 CBDCs in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), help is nearby. CBDC Long Range supports entrepreneurs...

The Arlims story: old school charm invigorated by new energy. This week’s guest is Tracy Boland, co-owner of Arlims store in Stephenville, NL. Driving down main street Stephenville, the iconic yellow Arlims sign is bound to catch your eye, but it might also send you on a trip down memory lane. For Tracy, her love of the store blossomed long before she took ownership in 2023. It started when she wa...

Andrew Hibbitts-Kerhoas is no stranger to the ups and downs of owning a business. At Horizon TNL, he provides business services, helps employers with their bilingual recruitment needs, and supports tourism and immigration. He’s also owned several businesses himself. Host Ian MacDonald sat down with Andrew for an engaging conversation on staffing challenges, effective marketing, and accessing often...

Meet Allie Lynch, Chief Innovation Officer of RAR Innovations. Allie is a student of CNA’s Mechanical Engineering Technology (Manfacturing) Co-Op program. Recently, she completed an entrepreneurial work-term with the college. In this episode, we explore how Allie’s work-term catalyzed the development of the Lickety Splint. This includes access to prototyping labs and 3D printers in CNA’s Office of...

This week’s guest is Peter Buckle. He’s the owner of PB Productions and an instructor in CNA’s Digital Filmmaking program. After working in the Vancouver film industry, Peter made his way home to Corner Brook, NL. He expected he’d eventually wind up back on the East coast. Instead, he started a successful video production company and, shortly after, began training the next generation of filmmakers...

What’s it like being an entrepreneur? Stefan Young says it’s a balancing act. Stefan is the owner of Karl’s Canteen and Irving Gas Bar in Stephenville Crossing, NL. He purchased both businesses just over three years ago. In a rural community like Stephenville Crossing, businesses like his are essential. In this episode, Stefan shares the challenges and benefits that come along with acquiring an ex...

When Matthew LeDrew decided to study journalism, he thought he’d be the next Peter Parker, Clark Kent, or Lois Lane. Instead, he followed in the footsteps of writers Stan Lee and Jerry Siegel. Matthew is the founder of Engen Books , a book publishing company based in Newfoundland and Labrador, and he’s an author himself. In this episode, he and host Ian MacDonald talk about transferable skills, ho...

Ulnooweg Development Group has been providing loans and business services to Indigenous entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada since 1986. In this feature episode, host Ian MacDonald caught up with Arlene Blanchard-White. Arlene is a Commercial Account Manager at Ulnooweg and recent winner of the CNA 2023 Alumni Acclaim Award for Community Service. Covering topics from funding options to succession plan...

Following your interests can take you unexpected places. In Jamie Goosney’s case, it led him across North America and, later, to start Aguathuna Drafting & Consulting Co in Port au Port East. Jamie shares how his life experiences shaped a successful business idea. He encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of every opportunity. He stresses the importance of valuing your team, maint...

Godzilla in the St. John’s Narrows. Batman by the Basilica. Deadpool on Water Street. You can thank Kyle Callahan Photography for capturing these scenes and more. Kyle sat down with host Ian MacDonald to discuss the growth of his photography career. He first picked up a camera in CNA’s Graphic Design program, and the rest was history. Kyle now has a full-time spot at the St. John’s Farmer’s Market...

Stuck coming up with a business idea? Find something good and make it better. Jacob Trask, owner of Cryo NL , says business isn’t always sexy, and it doesn’t have to be. Jacob founded Cryo NL two years after graduating from CNA’s Business Management (Marketing) program. At the time, cryotherapy had been popular in the United States for years. It started gaining momentum in Canada, but it hadn’t ye...

When you’re an artist, your art is your business. And that can leave you feeling especially vulnerable to criticism. In Sarah Crowe’s case, this fear nearly prevented her from starting her business Sarah Crowe Designs . After getting a degree, she thought she’d be a teacher or translator. Instead, she felt she was spinning her wheels. That’s when she decided to enroll at CNA to study Textile and A...

Do all good business ideas disrupt the industry? No. But pitch competition shows like Dragon's Den and Shark Tank might make you think otherwise. Geoff Pevlin is the co-owner of Applebeard Editions and Rendell Shea Manor . He joined host Ian MacDonald to discuss “boring” versus disruptive business, staying open to opportunity, and how to deal with unexpected challenges. Geoff cautions entrepre...

For Lucas Hillier, owner and operator of LH Media , business runs in the family. When Lucas got laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, he took inspiration from his Pop and Dad and started his own business. Support from friends and family – combined with smart word-of-mouth marketing – helped LH Media survive a slow first year of operations. Host Ian MacDonald sat down with Lucas to learn how LH Me...

The Best in the Biz Entrepreneurship podcast is the first of its kind for CNA, offering tips and expert advice from some of the best business minds out there. Start your journey as an entrepreneur today with CNA’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. With our knowledgeable team at your side, you're sure to reach new heights and secure your success.

Hey, entrepreneurs! We’re thrilled to announce the official launch of CNA’s Entrepreneurship Initiative! If you're a CNA student or alum wanting to start a business or get help with an existing one, we’re here for you. Our website, workshops, and mentorship will give you the tools you need. But wait, there's more… We're launching the BEST IN THE BIZ Entrepreneurship podcast too! So if...