Testimonials & Successes
Here are what a few of past Aboriginal participants have had to say about the program:
S.G.Rodgers - Hagwilget - “Regards to Best of the Best training. Overall this course was great, the step by step training sessions has given me a better understanding about what I need to do to start up a business. Very glad to be a part of this training. I hope it will continue to be available in the future. ”
Robert Austin - Hagwilget - “Enjoyed the informative workshop. Should be offered as a regular course to Aboriginals to teach budgeting and business skills. ”
Mike Watson - Kitsum-Kalum - “This program has enthused me and given me the tools and info I need to start my business plan and business in the future”
Tara Dailey - Native Education College - “Evening Being at BEST really put my dreams and passions into reality. I’m heading towards them more each day by setting goals that I though were a little unrealistic; but by using the book, identifying next steps, getting the coaching and just doing the work, I’m making it all come to life – thanks Kristin and Flavio. ”
Heather Callaghan - NEC Jewellery Arts Program - “The training was much appreciated and relevant. I really liked their attitude and friendly nature. They were great instructors and the info was great. ”
Chris Kewistep - NEC Jewellery Arts Program - “I am completely amazed by the program and how there is also that one-on-one coaching to help better your understanding and approach to achieving your goals to build your business. ”
Sylvia Louis - Enderby - “ This was awesome and would recommend it to people interested and would like to thank Sharon and Jackie for their help and confidence in myself to continue to fulfil my dream”
Tara Daley - Gypsee Designs and Apparel - “"I loved the session on Guerilla marketing! Seriously LOVED that! There was always lots of fun and laughter which really helped and made being there so great. Being at BEST really put my dreams and passions into reality. I’m heading towards them more each day by setting goals that I thought were a little unrealistic; but by using the book, identifying next steps, getting the coaching and t just doing the work, it’s not so unrealistic. I’m making it all come to life – thanks Kristin and Flavio! “ ”
Elizabeth Alexander, - St’at’imc, Sto:lo, and Shuswap Nations - ““Without taking BEST, I would never have thought that I could be paid to Facebook or Twitter. I had so much help and encouragement from the Aboriginal BEST instructors (Kristin, Flavio, and Bruce)…. without them I never would have been able to start this business. They coached me about how to create a proposal for companies and organizations to develop and improve their social networking strategy. I learned how important it is to provide samples of my work and some industry stats, but also to do some research so I can outline specific features and benefits that I think they want - and need. I already earned two contracts and got the confidence to apply for my current part-time job as a Communication and Social Networker at the Knowledgeable Aboriginal Youth Association (KAYA). I never would have guessed that this idea was going to work so well! “ ”
Tania Jack - Campbell River - “I was so nervous and worried about what I was getting into. I had no idea what to expect. So far through the first 2 weeks its not only been fun, but I feel I’ve already accomplished so much. I feel greatly confident that I will be able to succeed with what motivation I’ve gained and what I’ve learned, Shaun and Terry are awesome! For a program like this to be offered, it is such an opportunity to open doors. I would definitely recommend this program.”
Anonymous - Nelson - “The program has changed my life. I am now self-employed, doing work that I love and contributing to the world and my community in a way that continues to inspire and motivate me. I am (financially) being paid well and my mind, heart and spirit are being nourished and flourishing. ”
Denver Barrass - Vernon - “The instructors and guest speakers were fantastic, always upbeat and knowledgeable. This program was a huge help in creating my business plan to help start my entrepreneur career and receive funding. Can’t wait till opening day”
Nancy Luis - North Fraser Metis, Burnaby - “Susan was a good instructor. She seemed knowledgeable about the subjects she taught. She taught the class with ease and confidence. There were good discussions in which participants felt comfortable in asking questions”
Helen O'Neil - Kitimat - “Great course – learned lots. Would highly recommend to anyone who is thinking of starting a business”
Lillian Jack - Campbell River - “Awesome training program. Gave extremely useful tools for starting business. Highly recommend this program to others”
Cheryl Bennett - Haida Gwaii - “Great job, Bruce. Loved the manual, loved Patricia teaching us and the time you gave us by coming here and speaking. That was awesome. Thanks for offering BEST. Much appreciated. Cheryl”
Jeannine Legare - Cranbrook - “Thank you for a wonderful opportunity. Amazing insightful teachers. Greg, Janis and Marilyn! Forever grateful for this experience. Feel educated, supported and empowered by the BEST program. A very good experience. I am inspired to succeed. Thank You”
Lori Pocha - Cranbrook - “I found this program was critical to preparing my business plan. It made me aware of areas (funding, etc) that are available to small business. I also enjoy networking with other small businesses and look forward to see these people, while I’m out and about doing business. ”
Marilyn Moulton - Cranbrook - “This course provides information for all entrepreneurs about any type of business. The instructors and guest speakers are extremely knowledgeable and willing to share ideas and information to assist you in establishing your business. I highly recommend this course to those who wish to start working towards their dream of success. ”
Patricia Prince - Burns Lake - “This program provided me with the confidence and knowledge to succeed as an entrepreneur. The instructors are well prepared and are really awesome. I would definitely recommend this program”
Tammy Florence - “I really enjoyed myself during the BEST program, and I decided to further my education by taking a horticulture operations and management program and continue to pursue my goals as a herb and vegetable farmer and hopefully expand in my business and promote good health and longevity.”
Charlene Dunstan - “Perfect timing for this course as I just returned from travelling. This course allowed me to re-focus on my future career path. Jackie is a great facilitator, great to have a local from this area relate to the community and the participants. I look forward to utilizing further resources and finding my career path to entrepreneurship. Knowledge is empowerment.”
Rochelle Cure - “I am very happy I participated in this course. It has helped me realize how much I need to know and do in order to start my business. I am definitely recommending this class to others.”
Dwayne - “As I said, a top-notch program – probably one of the most useful, interesting and well-run I have ever experienced. Trainers were superb – and the speakers great.”
Tetku Parker - “I really enjoyed Aboriginal BEST. I feel very confident in making a full business plan now. (Even the financial side of it). I really felt encouraged all the way through. L & J were always willing to listen to what everyone had to say. Oh, and their humour was the best… I’m going to miss coming 3 times a week.”
Dwayne Lawerence - “The instructors…were superb. They made us feel welcomed and encouraged us in our business endeavours and offered the support for the future. And as long as we want. They have really opened my eyes to where I can get funding, and the resources that I can tap into. I will never forget them or my new found classmates who we all bonded together.”
Ryan Lawrence - “…this training session was perfect. I learned more about business than ever before. Thank you instructors for a job well done.”
Emily Florian - “I enjoyed the course…I definitely have a better understanding of what it takes to run a business. The most encouraging aspect was hearing from people who had actually started a business and gone through the process of writing a business plan. I appreciate you taking the time to break down the process of starting a business. To us non-business minded people, the thought of starting your own business is daunting. Thanks again for the encouragement.”
Jacquie Bamforth - “I enjoyed the course and found it informative. I thought Shauna did a great job of facilitating the course.”
Ron Telek - “Everything was awesome. My business is gonna be a success. I have already plugged Aboriginal youth / and older dudes BEST program to over 2 dozen people that have always said to me “gee I should sell these” and I say “Go to (BEST) business program. It’s awesome. I thank all of you / my kids too. I am going to be a success business.”
Brenda Munroe - “I really enjoyed this entrepreneur workshop! Thank you Jackie, Lundie, Julie and all the guest speakers throughout. Job well done! I have so much papers to read now. Can’t wait to start to write my business plan for Brenda’s Bun’s Bakery for the near future.”
Lorne Hazinisque - “I really enjoyed the company and team work of the facilitators. I feel the barriers that prevent may have been disengaged. I value the course outlines and information from specific guest speakers. Well done.”
Gary Angus - “I real(ly) feel this organization has helped me a great deal on organizing and fortifying my idea into my business plan. Cheers. I hope you use any of my ideas or jokes in the future. Look for me out of your windows.”
Beverly Tamma - “I’m glad I had the chance to attend this workshop. It was very informative and made me realize there is a lot to think about but easier to understand.”
June Manuel - “I appreciated the effort and sincere interest that the instructors displayed throughout the program. I am glad to see an …organization that truly understands the barriers faced by Aboriginal entrepreneurs and have a support system to combat them.”
Jody Anne - “This workshop was really good. I learned a lot from it and it was fun. And I got to meet new people.”
Karla Wright - “I absolutely value the information shared in this program! The facilitators & guest speakers were engaging and extremely knowledgeable. I have learned so much & will most definitely recommend the program to anyone thinking about starting their own business.”
Rhonda Sutherland - “greatly appreciate the accommodating atmosphere. The amount of guest speakers was wonderful to get so many different perspectives from Aboriginal / non-Aboriginal, younger and older entrepreneurs. They made the learning process fun and entertaining which made it easier to come back on the next day. Thank you for the thoughtfulness, time and vast knowledge given from the entire team.”
Lorna Burnett - “Thank you all so much for all the information and fun atmosphere at the “BEST” program. I really enjoyed myself.”