Why You Should Join the CBDC Blue Water Board: Insights from Current Members
Are you passionate about entrepreneurship and looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? Becoming a board member at CBDC Blue Water could be the perfect opportunity for you. We spoke with our current board members, who shared their personal experiences, motivations, and proudest moments while serving on the board. Here’s why you should consider joining us.
1. Professional Growth and Community Involvement
For many of our board members, the opportunity for personal and professional development is what first motivated them to join. Henry and Lorraine both emphasized how joining the board allowed them to contribute to the community while growing professionally. Being part of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Halifax Rural means not only helping small businesses succeed but also learning from seasoned professionals.
Mike added that his background and history with CBDCs inspired him to share his experience, further fueling his commitment to be involved in entrepreneurship in the HRM rural areas.
2. Proud Moments of Making a Difference
Board members like Darla and Marshall shared the rewarding experiences they’ve had over the years. Marshall recounted how the board's approval of loans for businesses, which did not meet conventional banking criteria, led to the growth of successful enterprises. Meanwhile, Henry expressed pride in celebrating CBDC Blue Water’s 35 years of service to the community—a testament to the board’s dedication.
For Mike, one of his proudest moments was helping clients achieve their dreams. He recalled his visit to Cartoon Conrad, an animation studio in Beaver Bank, and how impressed he was to see such innovation happening locally.
3. Commitment to Small Business Success
As Darla shared, the board and staff are deeply committed to ensuring the success of small businesses. Being on the board provides you with the opportunity to directly influence decisions that affect entrepreneurs in the community, guiding them toward long-term success.
Mike also highlighted how rewarding it has been to witness the growth of rural businesses and the positive impact on the local economy, especially when those clients are neighbors.
4. Learning and Collaboration with Experts
For new board members like Lorraine, the experience has been both rewarding and a learning journey. Working alongside professionals with deep expertise in entrepreneurship provides invaluable insights and helps develop new skills.
Mike emphasized the importance of balancing board responsibilities and other commitments, advising new members not to hesitate in asking questions and to take advantage of the educational resources available through CBDC.
Join Us!
If you’re looking for an opportunity to grow, give back to your community, and help small businesses thrive, consider joining the CBDC Blue Water Board. Our board members come from diverse backgrounds, but they share a common passion for entrepreneurship and community development. Mike advises potential board members to actively participate, voice their opinions, and seek out training opportunities to maximize their effectiveness.
Join us and be part of a legacy that supports local businesses and strengthens our economy.
Interested! Please reach out to Executive Director, Chris Atwood, chrisr.atwood@cbdc.ca or apply here