Welcome to the twenty second instalment of Monday #MusicMatters as part of the JAMS Canada PRO Series – “Here’s What I Know”.

We caught up with Luc Fournier of the Small Business Centre in Quinte

What does the Small Business Centre do and how much does it cost?

Our services are 100% free and available to the general public. We work with business owners who are either just starting out, or who run an existing business. In short, we are problem solvers. Existing business owners often come to us with a problem they need help to solve. Anything from hiring new staff, or scaling up their business, how to better understand their financials, or get more out of their marketing efforts. We help them with strategic development opportunities to reach their next goal. New business owner often see us for many of the same reasons, as well as to help them answer lots of questions they have before making the critical decision to jump in as a new entrepreneur. In either case, we are here to support and solve, and occasionally act as a therapist to help make sense of the decisions before making them.

How would your workshops be beneficial to musicians?

Our workshops are often specific in content. As an entrepreneur, it often falls on you as one person to do everything in your business. Or at least understand what’s going on. We bring to you the experts and expertise to help you learn what you don’t know. As a musician, you are an expert in creativity. What about making sure the rest of your business is running just as smooth? Our workshops bring the knowledge you need, right to you with plenty of learning opportunities. Many of them are technical such as learning how to track earnings and expenses, and some are creative like the workshops that help you explore how to better market yourself in 2020. If we don’t offer what you need, just let us know and we will get you what you need.

What are some of the key business elements that musicians should consider in their career?

Musicians as business owners deal with many of the same details any business owner would. As a creative type, being able to do everything to run your business might not be possible. So, do what you do best, and hire out the rest (when possible). Although, it is still very important for you as a business owner to understand the components of running your business successfully so we encourage you to join us for our workshops to at least understand what you have hired out.

What are some other resources that musicians can tap in to?

The Small Business Centre has a vast and strong network. Locally, Provincially, and Federally. What does all that mean? We know who you need to know. This isn’t just about contacts, but we can certainly point you in the right direction and get you where you need to be.

What is your advice to musicians to help them navigate the COVID-19 pandemic?

There is no questions that COVID 19 has had a huge impact on everyone, and has impacted many. Since the start of this shift in our world, the Small Business Centre has worked with many clients to make the most of the situation. We ask our clients, “How can we still survive in this situation? What pivot do we need to make in order to make the most of what we are dealing with?”. When you consider what it means to run a business, the basics have never changed. What pivots do we need to make in order to deal with this situation, or to take advantage of that opportunity. The Small Business Centre, my role, has shifted into helping more business owners deal specifically with COVID 19 outcomes versus dealing with new growth opportunities, or expansions.

BIO

Luc Fournier is the Program Director of the Small Business Centre where staff are dedicated to helping businesses start or grow their business, identify/access loans or grants, brush up on some skills and learn at workshops/events.  All services are free and all programs are available to any business size, type, and from any industry, for businesses located in the areas of Belleville, Quinte West, Hastings County, Prince Edward County, and Lennox & Addington County.

The Small Business Centre works in partnership with the City of Quinte West, the City of Belleville, and the Quinte Economic Development Commission.

Find out more about Quinte Small Business Centre https://www.smallbusinessctr.com/ and on their Facebook page @smallbusinesscentre, Linked In @smallbusinesscentre

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Look for more JAMS Canada PRO Series “Here’s What I Know” Monday #MusicMatters here on our website and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linked In.

Some contributors also responded with videos – please subscribe to our JAMS Canada YouTube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-CmaB7MV0r1ehhveBPmBEg