As the owner and chief executive officer of one of the country's top marketing firms, Arlene Dickinson has learned a thing or two about business investments. She is also a judge on the reality television show "Dragons' Den," where budding businesspeople have three minutes to pitch their ideas to investors willing to finance worthy projects. She has a history of aligning herself with innovative startups and business plans, so when she launched a new company with the goal of helping aspiring entrepreneurs, many people took notice.
The new company, called Arlene Dickinson Enterprises (ADE), was created to encourage entrepreneurs through investments and various technological developments, including connecting them with media platforms and social networking. Whether professionals want to spread the world about their great idea or just want to search for the next investment opportunity, ADE will be able to put them on the path to success.
ADE also entered into a partnership with Kirchner Private Capital Group, which provides operational and transactional support for young companies. Their joint venture will be known as Metroland Media Group Ltd, aiming to support innovation and commercialize products. In the past, Dickinson has advised and assisted hundreds of companies as they make the journey from idea to billion-dollar international businesses, bringing her to the forefront of the startup world.
"I've had a front row seat to the rise of the entrepreneurial movement in the world, which is why I created this online community for entrepreneurs to come together, collaborate, and embrace the entrepreneurial lifestyle," Dickinson wrote on the website, as quoted by The Globe and Mail.
Dickinson knows the risks of starting a new business, which is why ADE will provide support and guidance for entrepreneurs as they maneuver through work and home life while launching a startup. She believes that Canadian entrepreneurs are currently being "underserved" and the arrival of a partner business to help with some of the aspects of company-building will help more startups survive in the long-run.
In order to find success as an entrepreneur, aspiring business owners should take the time to learn the basics of management. Acquiring these skills early on can be extremely helpful when it comes to running a company, especially during the beginning stages of launch when an owner is required to fill many roles, including human resources manager, payroll organizer and marketer.
To find out more information on taking business courses at Reeves College in Alberta, fill out the form on the right.