Doug Ashbury
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Dec 08/99) - Over the last year, the Akaitcho Business Development Corp. has played a significant role in the city's small business sector, says the corporation's general manager.

The corporation has "been instrumental in creating and maintaining up to 12 full-time and 56 part-time jobs," Cathy MacDonald said.

The corporation has also assisted up to 19 people in starting their own businesses, she adds.

Students from Kaw Tay Whee school in Dettah have also completed two courses in basic business for the Junior Achievement certificate through the corporation.

Shirley Stapleton, owner of E-Zee Brew wine and beer supplies, said the seminar proved "quite informative." Stapleton acquired the business last May.

She said the corporation has been helpful with marketing strategy.

"They're there to offer advice (and they) worked with us on a business plan."

Because E-Zee Brew does not have a store front, Stapleton said she has to be "more active" on marketing.

And the corporation can assist with determining things like how much money should be directed at marketing, she said.

Ndilo-based Akaitcho Business Development Corp. works with the Department of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and the Department Education, Culture and Employment and the Yellowknife Chamber of Commerce to provide programs and services like Community Futures, and Self-Employment Option, as well as Junior Achievement.

Community Futures offers repayable loans, business counselling and strategic planning to entrepreneurs who wish to start a business or expand an existing one.

The self-employment program is available to people collecting, or eligible to collect, employment insurance, who wish to start a business.

"Akaitcho BDC provides client orientation, assessment, recommendation, business planning, monitoring, coaching and training business services," Raymond St. Arnaud, the corporation's business analyst, said.