(Originally published by the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce)

Earlier this year, Paul Harrington had set his sights on retirement, planning to spend most of his time growing vegetables, completing home projects, and socializing. However, when the role of Managing Director with Cape Breton Capital Group (Capital Group) became available, Paul’s wife encouraged him to apply as she believed it was an excellent fit for his skills, character, and interest in being part of the Island’s community. After a few discussions and meeting with some of the Capital Group’s Partners, Paul too became excited. “I was inspired by the opportunity to be part of a vision to create economic and social growth on the Island, and to meet, guide, and help business innovators and entrepreneurs,” he recalls.

The Cape Breton Capital Group was formed in 2021 by a collective of 26 Angel investors who share a vision for growing the economic and social wealth of Cape Breton. Each Partner brings their own experience of creating, growing, or running businesses, or reaching the peak of their professions. Through contributions of personal funds, the investors have created a central fund to be used to invest in start-up companies or business succession in Cape Breton. In addition to funding, they also use their expertise to offer mentorship to those accessing funds from the Capital Group.

After joining the Capital Group as the Managing Director in September 2023, Paul hasn’t looked back since. “My role with the Capital Group has proved to be the happiest employment I have had since the day I left the military,” he says. Paul, who has dual British and Canadian nationality, served in the HM Forces – Army before leaving to work in investment banking, and later consulting. Paul made the move to Canada in 2017 and later established a home on Cape Breton in St. Peter’s with his now wife.

Paul feels his role with the Capital Group perfectly merges the Island’s beauty, character, and the people with a vital cog in the strategic growth of businesses on Cape Breton. “I thoroughly enjoy meeting people and trying to guide them in developing their business dreams into reality,” he says. Paul also understands the importance of offering honest advice even if it is not always easy for people to hear because he knows it is the reality of creating, growing, or running a business.

The Capital Group looks to strategically invest in two categories of business on the Island and actively encourages submissions for investment from start-up businesses and existing businesses considering succession planning. The start-up category is for innovators and entrepreneurs who have a business concept they are looking to either create or develop. The business succession category is for established businesses where the owner(s) are ready to step back or out of the business but do not want it to close when they do so. In relation to business succession planning, the Capital Group is a participant in a recently launched initiative within Nova Scotia named the ‘SME Succession Hub’ (carrefourrelevepme.ca) which is an Atlantic Canada initiative deriving from New Brunswick. The site offers the central point to effectively bring business buyers and sellers together and offer institutions such as the Cape Breton Capital Group, to assist in their business succession efforts.

Paul’s advice to those who aspire to develop their inspiration, concept or product into a business is, “Spend time researching and speaking to organizations in the innovation ecosystem such as the Cape Breton Capital Group or even other start-up companies. People on the Island are extremely helpful and the time learning/researching will very rarely be time wasted”. The Cape Breton Capital Group website contains useful high-level guidance to those looking for financing, including links to an application form and references to other helpful organizations.” 

He also suggests listening to and learning from as many people as possible when considering starting or going into business, “I never believe anyone can be the font of all knowledge in business and in particular, myself. I spend a lot of time researching materials that improve my knowledge and then discussing with individuals who have experience in the subject matter. There is a wealth of experience in a multitude of organizations in the innovation/entrepreneurship ecosystem and all are extremely helpful. Search out vital snippets of information/suggestions that can make a difference in your decision making and business planning as it will pay dividends in the long run.”

To learn more about the Cape Breton Capital Group, please visit https://www.capebretoncapital.com/

Meet Martin Kejval and discover his perspective on life. Originally from the Czech Republic, Martin now calls Ingonish home. As Chief Executive Officer of Cape Smokey Holdings, Martin’s philosophical, yet grounded approach to achieving goals is rippling through Victoria County.

Welcome to Cape Breton is an evocative podcast of change, arrival, discovery and home. It examines the timeless notion – what is home? How do we define the oftentimes moving target known as home?

Your host Norma Jean MacPhee Zinck guides you on these adventures and discoveries. With 20 years as a journalist, her passion for Cape Breton – Unama’ki fuels this captivating podcast series.

Listen & Subscribe Today:

Episode Five is part two of a Welcoming Road trip. Join host Norma Jean MacPhee Zinck as she continues her adventure with the coordinator of the Cape Breton Welcome Network, Jessica Fogarty. Jessica and Norma Jean travel around meeting people involved with the Welcome Network and also with some new people now calling Unama’ki home. In this episode they head to the vibrant community of St. Ann’s Bay.

Welcome to Cape Breton is an evocative podcast of change, arrival, discovery and home. It examines the timeless notion – what is home? How do we define the oftentimes moving target known as home?

Your host Norma Jean MacPhee Zinck guides you on these adventures and discoveries. With 20 years as a journalist, her passion for Cape Breton – Unama’ki fuels this captivating podcast series.

Listen & Subscribe Today:

(Originally published in The Participaper)

The holiday season got underway in fine style this past weekend as Christmas markets across Inverness County drew crowds eager to browse and buy a huge range of crafts, art, fresh produce and delicious treats.

Now in its 16th year, Cranton Cross Road Community Centre’s annual Christmas Bazaar in Margaree Centre was packed on Friday evening and Saturday day. 35+ vendors had set out their stalls and the local talent and creativity was on display in spades.

Miranda Crabtree is a local artist who has recently relocated to Margaree Forks with her dog Jess, from Toronto, ON. This was her first time working at the bazaar. “The Cranton Cross Road market is so bustling and festive. I’m really happy to add my paintings and prints to the mix this year. It’s such a great way to catch up with neighbours, connect with customers, and support other local artisans,” she says.

Photo: Adele LeBlanc

The community centre occupies the building of the former North East Margaree Consolidated School which was constructed in 1958, and the building has a lot of mid-century charm both inside and out. Several years after the school closed in 2000, a group of community-minded volunteers convened a steering committee to transform it into a multipurpose space to enrich the life of the community.

Arlene Ingraham, a member of the community centre board, explained that the Christmas Bazaar has been a fixture in the local calendar since the early days of that transformation and emphasizes that it’s a volunteer-run organization which wouldn’t be possible without dedication and support of community members.

“The Bazaar is certainly growing year on year,” says Arlene. “Its such a fun and friendly event, that people who discover it tend to come back year after year.”

And many who attended said what a joy it is to see big crowds of happy faces at the market, after the tough years of Covid restrictions. “It’s getting back to normal now, I’m pleased to see,” Arlene smiles.

Over in Mabou on Sunday, people came in droves to Dalbrae Academy where the Mabou Farmers’ Market had taken over the gymnasium and cafeteria. Cars were parked down both sides of Route 19 as the parking lot was full to capacity.

Fortunately the school has ample space to accommodate just shy of 70 vendors as well as hundreds of market-goers who stopped in between 11am-3pm

The holiday edition of the Farmers’ Market moves to the school since the ice is down in the market’s summer home in the arena. A lot of holiday cheer was provided in the form of the Inverness County Singers who delighted the crowds with a smorgasbord of Christmas tunes from the traditional to the modern.

“I come to Mabou Christmas Market every year,” said one young woman listening to the carolling of the choir. “It’s wonderful to see how talented people are, from the singers to the amazing crafts that people are producing locally. And there’s just so much! The keyword is ‘abundance’. That’s why I never miss it.”

At both Cranton Cross and Mabou, you can indeed find an abundance of local talent, from homemade preserves and pickles – with ingredients grown right in the maker’s own garden, to fine sculptures made of local woods, clothes and decorations of all kinds crocheted or knit from local wool, and even artistic representations of local scenes expertly composed in colourful felts.

And vendors and market-goers also come from further afield as well. Bart Pennewaert is a baker based in Sydney but originally from Dilbeek, Belgium. He offers delicious, authentic European-style pastries, including vegan options. He says he regularly sells out of the most popular treats, so its worth heading down early! The international vibe continues with artisans offering delicious home-made authentic Indian cuisine from Western and Southern India, either to enjoy while taking a break from shopping, or to take home.

“What I love is the atmosphere,” says Adam MacNeil of Margaree Forks. “You see all sorts of people from the community here, socializing and having a good time. It’s a chance to see people in a more social setting that you might know from work or from seeing them around, and you have the chance to chat and catch up.”

A young father of 3 agreed, saying, “its such a fun and family-friendly event, the kids are having a ball, and everyone is so kind and welcoming. That’s my favourite thing.”

His little daughter chimed in to say, “MY favourite thing is Michelle’s cookies!”

So get ’em while they last!

And the wee’uns were also keeping busy on both sides of the vendors’ tables. The young gentlemen of the Posh Lemonade stand are stalwarts of the Mabou market. At Cranton Cross Road, the Dangerously Good Cotton Candy Co. is the brainchild of sisters Avery, 11 and Audrey, 8, who are already demonstrating a lot of entrepreneurial skill at such a tender age.

“They do get a little help from their parents,” chuckles Barbara Nielson as she spins clouds of colourful sugar strands in flavours like blue raspberry, pink vanilla and chocolate orange.

Barbara goes on to say what she loves about the Cranton Cross Road Christmas Bazaar is that its such a boost to see all the creativity and talent of the artisans.

“Its really inspiring,” she says, “and then you can get all your Christmas shopping done well in advance while catching up with friends and neighbours. Who could ask for more?”

Happy holidays to all, and remember to support local businesses and artisans whenever you can!

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Unama’ki-Cape Breton has always been windy, but something has shifted in the last couple years. Now the same wind that blows our patio furniture away is being called ‘world class’ and ‘a nation-building opportunity’. 

In the third episode of the Invest in Cape Breton podcast, sponsored by Bear Head Energy, we hear from four government and corporate leaders who are optimistic that the offshore wind and green energy projects already underway in the Strait of Canso are going to be transformative not just for the Strait Area, not just for Unama’ki-Cape Breton, and not just the province of Nova Scotia. This is going to be as big as the railway.

Our guests are:

Listen now, or read on for a few highlights.

The Strait of Canso Has Impressive Industrial Assets and Welcomes Growth

For those unfamiliar with the Strait of Canso, it’s the waterbody that divides the island of Unama’ki-Cape Breton from mainland Nova Scotia. The two sides are connected not by a bridge but by the Canso Causeway, the construction of which unintentionally created the world’s deepest ice-free port. The Strait Area ran with this opportunity and now boasts a multimodal hub that can accommodate the world’s largest vessels plus transloading to rail, trucking, and air carriers.

The port has drawn large companies including, but not limited to, long-time corporate residents Port Hawkesbury Paper, Martin Marietta and Nova Scotia Power as well as newer players in offshore wind and green energy like EverWind Fuels and Bear Head Energy. However, there room to grow with more serviced industrial land available and a pro-growth culture among the local governments and residents. 

Nova Scotia Has World-Class Winds

Nova Scotia has one of the best offshore wind regimes in the world. Six to seven meters per second is considered good, but Nova Scotia offers ten to eleven meters per second. The additional speed means more power, which means the companies building offshore wind infrastructure get more return on their investment. There’s enough energy in this resource to power Nova Scotia and still have enough to export.

Once they were made aware of the facts, local governments quickly recognized the opportunity to develop a new industry that is green, clean, and sustainable. Since developing a new industry is a major undertaking, the Strait of Canso Offshore Wind Task Force was formed to bring together all the stakeholders and rights holders. It has 30 signatories including all levels of government, First Nations communities, fishers, and other industry supply chain businesses. They’re also working to engage and educate residents.

Private Sector Companies Are Putting Their Money Where Their Mouths Are

Millions of dollars have already been invested in the Strait Area to develop this local offshore wind and green energy industry. 

EverWind and Bear Head are far enough along that they’ve received their environmental assessment approvals from the province and are signing contracts with supply chain businesses like Svitzer Canada. 

BlueFloat Energy, a developer that specializes entirely in offshore wind, is here with the intention to set up the offshore wind industry in Canada and complete its first project by 2030. The company has boots on the ground and is deep into their engagement efforts. Listen to the episode to hear CEO Carlos Martin summarize what they’ve heard so far and what they plan to do with the feedback.

Subscribe to the Invest in Cape Breton podcast

In Episode 4 we’re tackling a very hot topic: housing and development. To make sure you don’t miss it, subscribe or follow now on your favourite podcast platform.