Taking a New Spin on Business with Rock My Business Plan Workshops

Jason was always interested in starting his own business, and after dropping out of his university degree in chemistry in third year, his passion for entrepreneurship led him to building a computer controlled cutting/engraving machine.

With the making of this machine, Jason started his own business, in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. His business, Rapid Gantry Custom Signs, focuses on unique, three dimensional signage. But Jason’s vision for his business wasn’t always clear. “My business was originally based around my machine I built with no clear idea of who my main clients would be,” he explained. “In fact, I never dreamed signs would be my bread and butter.” After one year in business, he noticed a clear demand for unique signage and Rapid Gantry pivoted their focus to 100% signage.

After four years in business, Jason found the Rock My Business Plan workshops that Futurpreneur Canada runs in British Columbia. These workshops were created to help the next wave of entrepreneurs building their business plan in record time while getting the support they need from professional coaches and their peers.

When Jason had started these workshops, he was looking to expand their market beyond their local area, and he did just that. Since completing the workshops, Rapid Gantry has landed their largest contract to date in a new community and their sales overall are up. “Most excitingly, we’ve had businesses from out-of-province contact us,” he shared.

He explained that the most valuable take away from the workshops was that he was able to improve on his public speaking. “As an introvert by nature, owning a small business has always pushed my comfort zone and public speaking is an area I had a desire to improve on,” he said. “The workshops also gave me an audience of business owners to speak in front of. I made connections and had a great time.”

For other entrepreneurs, Jason leaves you with this one piece of advice: “Keep an open mind and don’t be afraid to change your business if you see an opportunity.”

We’re hosting Rock My Business Plan workshops in Nanaimo, Kelowna, and Prince George this fall. To register or learn more, click here.

Written By: Lauren Marinigh, Social Media & Content Creation Coordinator, Futurpreneur Canada