News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--DIVERSITY KEY TO HEALTHY GROWTH FOR FLORIST ----------------------------------------------------------------- When the local florist closed shop in Sherbrooke, Guysborough County Sylvia Ralph refused to let the business go to seed. She had wanted to own a small business for many years, so the closure of the Halifax florist business where she worked gave her the incentive to take advantage of a golden opportunity. Ms. Ralph and husband Kevin McAllister heard about government agencies supporting small businesses and decided to take advantage of what was offered. With help from the Guysborough Development Board and a first step loan from the Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Agency's community business loans program, Ms. Ralph designed a dual-pronged business plan aimed at succeeding in a rural community. Ms. Ralph based her plans for Petals & Pins on her two areas of expertise; her knowledge of the flower shop business and her ability as a seamstress. The two complement each other perfectly, sewing manufacturing planned to take over at times of the year when business at the flower shop is slow. The first step loan bought flower shop equipment such as a walk- in cooler and helped with necessary renovations. "Fred Tibbett [from the Economic Renewal Agency] was good to deal with - very supportive," said Mr. McAllister. "Things went smoothly with Economic Renewal; they were very professional," he added. The flower shop side of Petals & Pins opened in early November and sales are going well. "Everything is going according to plan," said Ms. Ralph. The next stage in that plan is pending a manufacturing application to the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. She hopes to make outerwear, jackets, coats and maybe a specialty line of clothing. This is just the initial phase, Mr. McAllister said. The flower shop alone provides employment for Sylvia and with the addition of the sewing side of the business, she will probably need at least part time help. "If the sewing side gets into a line of manufacturing, it will probably need more," he said. "Ms. Ralph developed a business plan to keep her Sherbrooke store busy year round. With help from a first step loan, she could achieve that and create local employment into the bargain," Economic Renewal Minister Ross Bragg said. By "tacking" two types of business together, Petals and Pins features the diversity and creativity necessary for a small business to blossom in rural Nova Scotia. -30- Contact: Joe Cottreau, 902-424-3970 lm January 19, 1995