Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

IQALUIT (Jul 13/98) - Business possibilities in the Baffin region are popping up everywhere and because of a series of workshops, the new team of community economic development officers knows exactly how to handle them.

Andrew Keim, Cape Dorset's economic development worker, said that after attending last month's Spring Community Economic Development Conference in Iqaluit, he believes a supportive connection exists between the communities.

"It was a really good time to get in touch with the people and network ... everybody walked away from the conference with a little bit more confidence," said Keim, who doubles as Cape Dorset's renewable resources officer.

Because the CEDO positions were newly created, Keim said it was the first time the officers attended a conference together and realized they could learn from each other's past experiences.

He added that while he was familiar with some of the skills being taught, he would be able to use the lessons he learned in cash-flow projection to help Cape Dorset with its plan for a new cottage industry.

About to conduct a feasibility study on collecting eider down from the Great Plains of the Koukdjuak, Keim said if the project proves viable, he'll know how to calculate the exact cash flow needed to run the business which will in turn, assist the hamlet in securing funding.

The highlight of the week-long conference for Keim came when he felt "that spark of interest to go out and pick up on somebody's idea and say I think we can do something with that."

Jimmy Qappik said that when Grise Fiord community members begin to approach him for help with their business ideas, he'll know where to begin to help them.

"Some of the local people have small business ideas they've started on their own and they'll ask for help later on. It shows the potential that they can do it," said Qappik, referring to plans to start a snowmobile shop and a traditional clothing store. With the recent naming of Coburg Island as a new national wildlife park, Qappik said tourism is offering plenty of room for tourism operators, outfitters and artists to supply the island with products.

"I'm expecting to see a bit of a small business increase here ... there are good ideas in the town and the potential for business is here."

Conference organizer Matthew Spence of the Baffin Business Development Centre said the conference was designed to review last year's economic development pilot projects in Pond Inlet and Clyde River and to develop the business skills of the newly hired community economic development officers in the Baffin.