Chesterfield Inlet (Feb 25/04) - Three Chesterfield Inlet residents had their eyes opened to the complexity of running their own businesses this past month.

Johnny Issaluk, Emile Poiron and Roy Kriterdluk all passed a three-week outfitter program facilitated by Wes Werbowy of Wilderness Consultants.

The course was funded by Kivalliq Partners in Development.

Werbowy said more than 90 per cent of all outfitter start-ups fail due to a lack of training.

He said many would-be outfitters assume they're ready to start their own businesses because they have knowledge of an area and a guide's skill.

"The crash rate takes a huge toll in wasted funds, efforts and dreams," said Werbowy. "Being involved with guide training in Nunavut, I saw the need to create a course to help those who want the best chance at success."

The course provides intensive training to help students avoid scams and unscrupulous promoters; the most common reasons why outfitters fail in Nunavut.

In addition, the program offers practical business fundamentals, including accounting, letter writing, electronic communication and promotion.

Each student also receives one-on-one consultation to outline their business plan.

On average, the program has a 50 per cent drop-out rate, said Werbowy.

"Some participants find their business dreams are only castles built on air and cannot exist in the world of business.

"But those who persevere come through the course with a realistic view of what is possible and how it will best work," he said.

Poiron said the course provided him with valuable insight into starting up his own business.

"If anyone is going to start a business in the tourism field, they should take this course," said Poiron.

Kriterdluk was also impressed with the course, admitting surprise at how much of its content he didn't know.

"This was the most difficult course I've ever taken, but now I know how to make my business plan," said Kriterdluk.

Issaluk agreed, saying he couldn't believe how fast the three weeks went by.

"The time we had to learn seemed a lot shorter than it actually was because the course was always interesting and new," said Issaluk.