Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/318918
BIZ 'peg MAY 2014 14 | cover story Adam Herstein Phone: (204) 956 - 3523 Email: herstein@pitblado.com Brian Bowman Phone: (204) 956 - 3520 Email: bowman@pitblado.com www.pitblado.com @PitbladoLaw We understand "It was extremely benefi cial to me. At the event, I met everyone who ended up having a major impact on my future entrepreneurial ventures," Danzinger says. "I had an idea before going on the bus crawl, but I don't think I would have pursued it as aggressively as if I hadn't done the event. I was very close to getting an offi ce job, but exposure to the resources available helped push me over the cliff." His company creates custom phone cases with designs etched on wood, leather or metallic materials. It also provides promotional products to businesses and other organizations. "The original idea was focused on selling electronic accessories and undercutting the big-box stores," he says. "But through utilizing the resources I discovered on the Start-Up Bus Crawl, I was able to pivot my business model into what it is today." Scott MacAulay, a Red River College entrepreneurship instructor, says the annual event is a great way to kick-start entrepreneurs. "It's one of the best things I've ever seen. The theory behind it is that it introduces you to the community," MacAulay says. "It's a really supportive community where you learn from other people. It's continual learning from each other because entrepreneurship is all about learning." He hopes to see more budding business leaders launch their own companies. "You don't need a lot of money to start, just an idea. Get it in motion and listen to the community of informed experts. Once you become part of the community and know where all the stops are on the Start- Up Bus Crawl, you realize there's a lot of people and places out there to help you. It's a team sport, not a solo deal," MacAulay says. "We want them to get into orbit, scale up and make good companies that create great jobs for us. If you want to build a strong, innovative economy, you've got to get these entrepreneurs launched." ctronic accessories and ut through utilizing the rawl, I was able ay." eurship ay to he e u ng all << continued from previous