The opportunity to own your own franchise in Sydney River, NS

It was always a dream for Troy and Judy Hulme to move back home to Cape Breton Island. After living and working in Halifax for many years, Troy for the Navy and Judy for the federal government, an excellent opportunity presented itself – the opportunity to own and run their own Massage Addict franchise.

“It was my dream to own a franchise, and I looked into several, but not many offered the terrific support Massage Addict did,” said Troy.

As a franchise owner, you are paired with a Business Advisor who is available to you whenever you need support. From the very beginning, through the building/ renovation stage, through to opening and after, their dedicated team of advisors are available to provide support.

So what made them decide to take the leap and venture into the healthcare industry?

“We were clients of the Massage Addict location in Sackville and we always had a great experience, so when one of the massage therapists told me about the opportunity in Sydney River, I immediately looked into it,” says Troy. “Within the next few days, we met with Massage Addict and the decision was made.”

The initial discussion with Massage Addict took place in the fall of 2015, and their location was built and ready to open on June 7, 2016.

“The franchise was wonderful throughout the process, we couldn’t have done it without their ongoing support,” said Judy.

What began as Troy’s dream, has been made a reality thanks to Judy’s business acumen and background.

“Troy took on a new job as a Marine Engineer from home that he really enjoys, so I stepped in to run the business,” adds Judy.

In addition to the business being “pandemic-proof”, and as an essential service, it provides a great opportunity for therapists to treat clients, without the extra work of booking appointments, doing laundry, or processing insurance.

“It’s a great model, because therapists can come in and do what they love and that’s to treat their clients, and I worry about running the business,” she adds.

In addition to the many benefits, the membership model provides owners with excellent guaranteed monthly revenue, which allows the ability to offer benefits to therapists – such as medical and dental. The model gives clients the opportunity to commit to a monthly membership, which in turn lowers the cost of each individual massage.

“We currently have eight therapists with us, and we’ve had upwards of 14 in the pre-pandemic days,” says Judy. “There is great potential in this business for a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or a reflexologist.

So why the decision to sell now when things have been going so well?

“Judy would like to retire and it was always our plan to build it, run it for a few years and then sell it,” says Troy. “Now is the time for an energetic new owner to step in and continue what we started.”

“We want someone to take over who is passionate about the community of Sydney River, about providing good paying jobs to the therapists, who in turn provide exceptional care to clients,” says Judy.

When asked if they have any advice for the new owners, they say, “Embrace the support from the organization. Stay in regular contact with your business advisor and maintain relationships with massage schools and recruit new graduates.”

About the community of Sydney River

The Sydney River Massage Addict is located at 45 Keltic Drive in the picturesque community of Sydney River. Centrally located in a major retail district of Sydney at one of the primary entry and exit points into the urban centre, the community is named after the river itself, also known historically as the Spanish River. This business location serves a population of approximately 133,000 people. Personal services, including massage therapy, is the third largest spending retail segment in this Primary Trade Area with more than $120M in 2019. A healthy 4.4 per cent growth in this segment is projected by 2024, and an additional 4.7 per cent of growth is projected by 2029 when more than $130M in spending is expected.   

Sydney River boasts many amenities, and is home to a strong performing convenience sector that is anchored by Walmart and Sobeys, along with a cluster of local home furnishing retail businesses. With a total of 428,945 sq. ft. of occupied retail space, and a well- balanced inventory of branded to local independent retailers with high sales productivity, Sydney River is an ideal location for this successful Massage Addict franchise to continue its growth and success.

Current business opportunity

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business in the 3-billion-dollar health and wellness industry, here’s your opportunity.

Massage Addict is currently seeking entrepreneurs to franchise their own Massage Addict location in Cape Breton – Unama’ki.

If you’re ready to be part of a proven brand in a growing industry, please contact:

Michael Mutsaerts
VP Franchise Development
Massage Addict Incorporated
1-888-550-1080 x 112, or email MAfranchiseinfo@massageaddict.ca.

A previous informational webinar is available here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/135747225389892109

Elevate is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s business-focused publication brought to you by the Cape Breton Partnership. To evolve with our business audience, the publication has now moved from a print publication to fully online. Readers can expect to see Elevate articles appearing on both our website and on Saltwire.com.

When Lori Latimer-Merlin, a former government employee, and teacher Tracey Hanratty made the bold leap to make their business dreams a reality while coaching basketball together nine years ago, selling their dream one day was all part of the plan.

The Ugly Mug Café was the product of that successful partnership, and the Sydney café will soon take on new owners, as Hanratty and Latimer-Merlin are set to step down from the well-loved community coffee shop and boutique on Dec. 18, 2021.

Coffee connoisseurs and regulars, however, have no reason to worry about where they’ll get their morning roast, because the Ugly Mug is in good hands (pun intended) as it changes ownership to the Pham family, who recently immigrated to Canada from Vietnam.

“The Ugly Mug was named by my niece, and after an ‘ugly’ mug that my 99-year-old grandmother made by hand in Arichat, which I still have to this day,” says former owner Latimer-Merlin. “We both knew going into this journey that I had plans to retire and volunteer at 50, and that Tracey aspired to go back to teaching. We first met with the Cape Breton Partnership almost two years ago and created a description of our business and only shared with a handful of individuals that we were looking to sell.”

Finding the right fit

While the pandemic added a challenging layer to the sale, causing an initial sale from an international entrepreneur to fall through, the two business-partners remained optimistic. They knew the right owner and fit could be found for their café, which has become like a second home to many in the tight-knit community of Sydney River.

“When the phone rang in May of this year, and it was the team at the Cape Breton Partnership letting me know that they had found someone interested in purchasing the business, we were beyond excited,” says Latimer-Merlin, adding that it was the Partnership who made the match between Sang Pham, a recent Cape Breton University MBA graduate and former entrepreneur in Vietnam, who was looking to purchase a business and make Cape Breton his forever home.

“For us, it really came down to finding the right fit — an owner who cares about the community. We feel wholeheartedly that the Phams are the right fit.”

And so far, it’s been a perfect match.

There is currently an opportunity to become a Massage Addict Franchise Owner in Sydney, Nova Scotia! Click here to learn more!

“Sang had attended a few of our events and information sessions about entrepreneurship and succession planning, and reached out to us looking for assistance in purchasing an existing successful business,” says Tyler Mattheis, Acting President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership.

“Lan Zheng, our Business Growth Advisor, worked exceptionally hard to assist Sang and his team with the transaction, and to ensure that everyone was satisfied with the match and that they each met one another’s expectations. This is a great example of when succession matching works and is beneficial for both parties.”

Home at last

For Sang and his wife Julie, finding the Ugly Mug and being part of the community means the world to them and their young family.

“I want to get to know my customers the way Lori and Tracey have, I want to continue their legacy and leave a lasting impact on the community,” says Sang.

The Phams are excited for the future and to continue the great work done by Lori and Tracey over the years to build the business, but they are excited to add their own little touches over time.

“We have future plans to add some traditional Vietnamese dishes to the menu, which we will slowly introduce,” says Sang. “Thank you to the Cape Breton Partnership who helped me find the right business for my family and I to purchase, and to Lori and Tracey for spending valuable time with us to make sure we feel comfortable and that the transition goes smoothly.”

Succession matching is just one of the services and supports the Cape Breton Partnership provides to the small local business community across the Island.

“If you are looking for assistance in either starting a business, already have an existing business, or are looking to expand and grow your business, our team of dedicated experts are ready and willing to help,” says Mattheis. “From business planning to succession planning and matching, to name a few, our Economic Development Officers are located all across the Island to support Cape Breton – Unama’ki companies and entrepreneurs to continue making Cape Breton – Unama’ki a great place to live, work, and invest.”

Current business opportunity

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business in the 3-billion-dollar health and wellness industry, here’s your opportunity. Massage Addict is currently seeking entrepreneurs to franchise their own Massage Addict location in Cape Breton – Unama’ki.

If you’re ready to be part of a proven brand in a growing industry, visit massageaddict.ca/franchising/who-we-are, call 1-888-550-1080 x 112, or email MAfranchiseinfo@massageaddict.ca.

Elevate is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s business-focused publication brought to you by the Cape Breton Partnership. To evolve with our business audience, the publication has now moved from a print publication to fully online. Starting in 2022, our readers can expect to see Elevate articles appearing on both our website and on Saltwire.com.

About the Cape Breton Partnership
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed.

To learn more about how we can help you and your business and the FREE services we provide, please visit capebretonpartnership.com.  

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cape Breton Island, NS – The Cape Breton Partnership and Sydney Credit Union are excited to announce the renewal of the Micro-Loan Program for Female Entrepreneurs in Unama’ki – Cape Breton. The program places a focus on empowering local female entrepreneurs as well as creating new businesses and employment opportunities.

All financial aspects of the loan will be managed by Sydney Credit Union and each application will be evaluated and considered on a case-by-case basis, following Sydney Credit Union’s adjudication and due diligence process in making decisions to grant loans. The loans will be offered at a rate of four percent, with zero percent interest for the first six months.

“We are pleased to be working with the team at the Cape Breton Partnership once again and look forward to assisting local female entrepreneurs with financial assistance and advice,” said Carol Ripley, CEO of Sydney Credit Union. “Last year’s Micro-Loan program was a great success, and our commercial lending team is enthusiastic about welcoming new applicants into the program.” 

In addition to coordinating and navigating the micro-loan program, the Cape Breton Partnership will provide access to mentors, programming, and additional resources that participating entrepreneurs might require such as business planning, support for export, immigration, economic research, and more.

“We are very excited to partner with Sydney Credit Union again, and to help bring this important initiative to our Island’s female entrepreneurs,” said Jenna Lahey, Workplace Inclusion Manager at the Cape Breton Partnership. “Additionally, this year we are proud to announce that we have revamped the program, setting aside 50 per cent of the loan funds available specifically for Indigenous female entrepreneurs across Cape Breton – Unama’ki.”

For many female entrepreneurs, access to financing to build or grow a successful business is a barrier that the program hopes to help remove. The program has the support of female Indigenous entrepreneurs like Mariah Battiste, owner & founder of Sundaylace Creations in Eskasoni First Nation. “When times get tough, a small injection of cash, like a micro-loan, can help you survive the unexpected in business. It can provide just what you need to help move your business forward,” said Battiste, who values the support the program is offering to Indigenous female entrepreneurs.

And moving forward is what the program is all about as the second round officially launches today, December 7, 2021. The program will run for three months, or until the program funds are allocated. For more information about the program and how to apply, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com/initiatives/micro-lending-program/.

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Media Contacts:
Jeremy Martell
Cape Breton Partnership
902-631-5442
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com

Pam Ellsworth, Community Relations & Marketing Manager
Sydney Credit Union
902-322-0030
pellsworth@sydneycreditunion.com

About the Cape Breton Partnership:

The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com.

About Sydney Credit Union

Sydney Credit Union is a progressive, full-service, cooperative financial institution with more than 11,000 members and over $275 million in assets. When you open an account at Sydney Credit Union, you uniquely become both a member and an owner. As such, our relationship with all of our member/owners is based on our commitment to empower you to make the best decisions for your financial well-being. For more information, visit https://www.sydneycreditunion.com/Home/.

Cape Breton Island, NS – A new campaign focused on supporting welcoming and inclusive communities across Cape Breton – Unama’ki was launched today by the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP), an initiative of the Cape Breton Partnership. Belonging is for Everyone explores the roles that everyone can play to help newcomers feel that they belong and are part of the fabric of our communities.

“Immigration is vital to our economic future, and it is dependent on fostering welcoming communities to ensure that newcomers can feel that they belong—that this is home. A sense of belonging means connecting with the community and that is a vital part of what inspires newcomers to remain in Cape Breton – Unama’ki.”

Carla Arsenault, President and CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership

According to Engage Nova Scotia’s Quality of Life Index, Nova Scotians are caring, trusting and have a strong sense of belonging to their communities. These strong social connections provide valuable benefits for physical and mental health and have positive impacts across many sectors. Ensuring that long-term Nova Scotians and newcomers feel welcomed and valued, regardless of their background and birthplace, helps to create strong, cohesive communities.  

The campaign will feature the faces of some of Cape Breton’s newest citizens, including Amrinder Singh, a former Cape Breton University international student from India who has chosen to remain in Cape Breton.

“The main challenge for an immigrant is homesickness. It’s not easy to leave everything and start a new life. That’s why connecting, networking and meeting people is so important.” 

Amrinder Singh

Working closely alongside the Cape Breton Welcome Network, the campaign will also offer practical ways that longtime Cape Bretoners can help newcomers build that sense of belonging.

“We want to encourage everyone to get involved, to be part of helping newcomers in their community to feel at home. It can be as simple as exploring the neighbourhood together or hosting a meal for a new family. Every act matters, just as immigration matters.” 

Kailea Pedley, CBLIP Program Manager

Details on the Belonging is for Everyone campaign are available at: https://welcometocapebreton.ca/belonging.

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Media Contact:
Jeremy Martell
Cape Breton Partnership
902-631-5442
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com

About the Cape Breton Partnership:

The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed. For more information, visit https://capebretonpartnership.com.

About the Cape Breton Local Immigration Partnership (CBLIP):

The CBLIP is a collaborative initiative designed to foster welcoming communities that support the full participation of newcomers in the social, economic, political and cultural life of Unama’ki – Cape Breton.  One of more than eighty Local Immigration Partnerships across the country, the CBLIP is sponsored by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and administered by the Cape Breton Partnership. The initiative addresses the growing need for systematic community planning around immigration, settlement and retention. For more information, visit https://newtocapebreton.com/.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cape Breton Island, NS – NextGen Unama’ki – Cape Breton and the Cape Breton Partnership are pleased to announce the 2021 Vital Cape Breton – Unama’ki Excellence Awards recipients to be presented on December 3 at the Port of Sydney’s Royal Cape Breton Room.

The Vital Awards annually recognize youth and young professionals across Cape Breton – Unama’ki who have made significant contributions to their community, school or workplace, and the employers who support them. This year’s celebration will mark the ninth annual Vital Awards, with last year’s celebration being held virtually due to public health measures that were in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re so excited to be hosting the 2021 Vital Awards in-person this year, after nearly two years of our community being apart due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Natasha Kochhar, Chair of the NextGen Unama’ki – Cape Breton Board. “I’m very proud of the work NextGen has done over the years. It has been a catalyst for engagement and empowering young leaders to be the change in their communities. Our board cannot wait to celebrate the excellence of youth and young professionals across our incredible Island.”

The 2021 Vital Award Winners are:

Vital Excellence Award – Recognizes individuals who have played a vital role in their community through volunteerism, culture, leadership, innovation, etc.

Vital Employee Excellence Award – Recognizes employees who have played a vital role in their workplace in Cape Breton.

Vital Employer Excellence Award – Recognizes employers who have played a vital role in creating rewarding employment opportunities for youth in Cape Breton – Unama’ki.

Vital Newcomer Excellence Award– Recognizes newcomers who have made significant contributions to a community or communities in Unama’ki – Cape Breton through leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, etc.

Vital Young Leader Award – Recognizes individuals under the age of 18 who have made contributions to their community through volunteerism, innovation, or leadership.

Vital Pandemic Leadership Award – Recognizes businesses, organizations, or individuals who have gone above and beyond to support Unama’ki – Cape Breton through safety, advocacy, or relief measures during COVID-19.

“This annual celebration of the youth, employers and leaders of our Island continues to be an important way to recognize the outstanding value of youth to Cape Breton – Unama’ki,” said Carla Arsenault, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “We are truly honoured to regularly partner with NextGen Cape Breton – Unama’ki on this event and help share the important message that our Island’s youth are vital.”

Tickets to attend the 2021 Vital Cape Breton – Unama’ki Excellence Awards are on sale now and until November 24. This event will be following all current public health restrictions and requirements, and pre-registration is required. Tickets can be purchased by visiting https://2021-vital-awards.eventbrite.ca.

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Media Contacts:

Natasha Kochhar
Chair, NextGen Unama’ki – Cape Breton
nextgencb@gmail.com
902.217.7645

Jeremy Martell
Cape Breton Partnership
902.562.0122
Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com

About NextGen
NextGen Unama’ki – Cape Breton envisions a network of young, community-minded professionals that contribute to socio-economic prosperity, fair equality of opportunity and community development through leadership and innovation.  To realize this vision, we engage young professionals in dialogue and inspire them to become more active in all aspects of the future of their communities. With our partners, we identify and promote advancement opportunities for young people. 

About the Cape Breton Partnership
The Cape Breton Partnership is Unama’ki – Cape Breton’s private sector-led economic development organization that supports companies and entrepreneurs by promoting our Island as a great place to live and invest; growing a culture that values and celebrates creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship; and connecting entrepreneurs and companies to the resources they need to succeed.