Sofifran sparks curiosity with its entrepreneurship program for women

“Today’s event is extremely important because we are celebrating International Women’s Day and, on top of that, we wanted to close with the last workshop of the EntrePrend project.” Those were the words of Fété Kimpiobi, executive director of Sofifran, in the community room at Welland City Hall, in front of an audience of several dozen women from all backgrounds.

On this Sunday, March 8, the organization was wrapping up its EntrePrend program, which began last October with the goal of strengthening the entrepreneurial skills of women who want to go into business. Through a series of workshops led by two facilitators from the Société économique de l’Ontario (SÉO), Siham Chakrouni, employability and entrepreneurship advisor, and Adra Berezintsev, manager of the Mentorat aux nouveaux arrivants program, each participant learned the general principles of running a business so she could start her own company.

For the final workshop, the participants presented their business plan to a panel made up of Ms. Chakrouni, Ms. Berezintsev and Yvette Plentai, economic development officer at SÉO. The format was similar to what viewers see on the Radio-Canada show Dans l’oeil du dragon (Dragon’s Den), with the four participants presenting their product or service and then answering a few questions from the judges.

Once they had gone through this exercise in public speaking, in front of the audience and the three SÉO facilitators, the participants only had to wait for the results.

Here is how they turned out. First place went to Junise Dorvil for her business Junica Bio-beauté Fascinante, which specializes in hairstyling and natural beauty products. Second place was shared between Sherlyne Jean Charles, for her bilingual child care service Home Away From Home, and Tanya Dorvil, for her catering service Dorvil’s Kitchen. Third place went to Kettia Zéphir and her Ketou Gala Store, which will sell beauty products and wigs for women.

The ranking was symbolic, and each participant received a $150 bursary.

The ball is now in these women’s court as they carry their business plans through.