TRENTON, ON – Friday, March 6, 2015 – The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), in partnership with Enactus Loyalist College, has launched a pilot training program today titled “Helping Entrepreneurs Reach Complete Success” or HERCS.
Over the last four years, the Trenton MFRC has worked in partnership with Loyalist College’s student Enactus team to develop and deliver a two-day workshop entitled HERCs that is offered to the local military community. To date, 98 individuals have completed the workshops with approximately 25 businesses established.
Military families experience a complex career path made more challenging with frequent relocation and unpredictable spousal absences. In efforts to overcome the many careers challenges associated with military family life, military spouses seek entrepreneurial opportunities that may allow them to work from home and maintain a flexible schedule.
Building on its success, the HERCS program has recently expanded to include a provincial pilot program. During the pilot phase, HERCS will be available via webinar to MFRCs in Kingston, Ottawa, London, Toronto, Petawawa and Trenton.
“The HERCS program has been life changing for many of my clients,” says Elizabeth Nicholas, Employment and Education Coordinator with the Trenton MFRC. “Those who may never have considered entrepreneurship as an option feel comfortable in attending this session to ‘test the waters.’ Quite often this program is the gateway to starting their own business. I am thrilled to have this chance to share it with other MFRC’s in Ontario.”
Elizabeth Nicholas’ goal is to have the HERCS training program offered at Canadian MFRCs everywhere.
“The extension of the HERCS initiative as a provincial pilot program is a wonderful testament to the success of the workshops, which Enactus Loyalist College students have helped to develop and deliver,” said Loyalist College President & CEO Maureen Piercy. “Working closely with the MFRC, they have created a powerful framework for guiding members of military families through entrepreneurial endeavours.
This excellent opportunity has allowed our Enactus students to put to work the skills they have learned in various diploma programs, while enhancing quality of life for many military families. We look forward to continuing to support the HERCS program in the Quinte region and beyond. I am very proud that we continue to build strong partnerships like this one, between Loyalist and our communities.”
For more information on the HERCS program please contact Elizabeth Nicholas at the Trenton MFRC: (613) 965-3575.
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Trenton Military Family Resource Centre
The Trenton Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) provides and promotes community-based services and resources that enrich, strengthen and enhance the quality of life for military families serving at 8 Wing/CFB Trenton. By military families, the Trenton MFRC includes all military, regular force or reservist, and their parents and close relatives.
Enactus Loyalist College
Since Enactus Loyalist College was established in 2009 by Business students and faculty, the Enactus Loyalist College organization has grown to encompass more than 50 students from a wide breadth of academic programs, and has received tremendous support from community and local business leaders. Part of the larger Enactus Canada community, Enactus Loyalist College is committed to shaping generations of entrepreneurial leaders who are passionate about advancing the economic, social and environmental health of Canada. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of Enactus Canada create and implement community empowerment projects and business ventures in communities coast to coast. In 2011, Enactus Loyalist College was recognized as being one of the top five Enactus organizations in Canada. Enactus Loyalist College has made a positive difference within the community by assisting military spouses, Aboriginal youth, local entrepreneurs and local farmers, while supporting many charitable organizations.
Trenton MFRC Media Contact:
Devon Taylor
Communications & Development Coordinator
Trenton MFRC
Dtaylor.trentonmfrc@gmail.com