Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Liard (Apr 05/02) - Starting a business is a huge decision for someone to make.

For those who decide to venture forth, Michael Pealow is there to help guide them through the process.

Michael Pealow, economic development officer for Fort Liard, Trout Lake and Nahanni Butte, is drawing up a new map of Fort Liard for tourists. - Derek Neary/NNSL photo

"It's a big commitment (to go into business). There's a lot of work to be put into it and a lot of people need help doing it. I'm lucky in the sense that I'm one of those people that can help. I really enjoy that," said Pealow, who has served as economic development officer for Fort Liard, Nahanni Butte and Trout Lake for the past three months.

He is employed by the hamlet of Fort Liard, but his position is funded by the Department of Economic Development.

He assists individuals with business plans and proposals, even during evenings and weekends if that's preferred. The initiative must come from the client, however.

"A person's attitude for starting up a small business is very important," Pealow said. "I could put out business ideas, but really it wouldn't work as well. (Local people) need that sense of ownership."

Through a program called Student Venture, he's getting youth thinking about enterprise too. After basic business concepts are introduced in the classroom, students are split into groups and literally start up their own ventures using whatever financing they can solicit. The best part is that they get to keep any profits. Some examples would be a barbecue business or a theatre group, he said.

"There are actually stories of some Junior Achievement programs that turned into full-fledged successful businesses," he said.

Pealow, who has a bachelor of commerce degree from Carleton University, also assists people with resume-writing, interview techniques and computer skills.

A former consulting company and bank employee, he has conducted a personal financial management workshop in Fort Liard as well, and plans to hold another one later this month.

His work is complementary to that of the Department of Economic Development and tourism groups, as he analyzes tourism data in the area. To that end, he's working on a new community map that will highlight services and sights of interest. Signage in the community will also be improved, he said.