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.

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“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

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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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Cape Breton Island, NS – Navigate Startup House is collaborating with the Cape Breton Partnership to present the Employment Innovation Symposium For Employers & Managers, to take place November 25 at the Holiday Inn Sydney from 9 am – 12:30 pm.

The Symposium will feature presentations and discussion on a number of topics focused on approaches to finding, inspiring, and keeping the employees that workplaces need to be successful in a post COVID-19 economy. The event will be highlighted with a keynote presentation by author, speaker, seminar leader and corporate trainer Eddie LeMoine. Through this keynote presentation and more, event attendees will learn how to apply innovation to their human resource practices as they navigate labour shortages and other challenges.

“Unemployment has been the traditional problem that Cape Breton Island used to face. That’s all in the past,” says Todd Graham, Operations Manager at Navigate Startup House. “Today, employers are now wondering where the next generation of workers is coming from and they need to learn how to find and keep the employees their companies need. The aim of this Symposium is to explore these very ideas.”

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in interactive breakout sessions with industry professionals who will lead discussions on navigating the immigration process for employers, human resources best practices (attraction, retention, remote working), cultural context and considerations for diverse employees, and more.

“Of the challenges facing our local business community, labour and workforce challenges have been especially recognized, worsened by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Carla Arsenault, President & CEO of the Cape Breton Partnership. “We are proud to be partnering with Navigate Startup House on this event and look forward to engaging with Cape Bretoner – Unama’ki employers and our Symposium facilitators.”

Pre-registration is required for this event and, in accordance with public health requirements, proof of vaccination must be provided upon entry. Registration and agenda information can be accessed by visiting https://employment-innovation-symposium.eventbrite.ca.

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Media Contacts:

Todd Graham
Navigate Startup House
902.565.9004
tgraham@navigatestartup.com

Jeremy Martell
Cape Breton Partnership
902.562.0122

Jeremy@capebretonpartnership.com

About Navigate Startup House
Navigate is more than a workspace — our events and programming foster meaningful relationships that are supportive and inspiring, building an impactful entrepreneur-led community that celebrates creativity, risk-taking, and collaboration. Startup life can be lonely and challenging, but it can also be a lot of fun and immensely rewarding — and at Navigate, our founders have plenty of peers to share the ups and downs up. Our job is to help make the lows the exception and the highs the rule.

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.