What Our SE Participants Say

Starting your own business is an exciting and life-changing decision. We're proud of our self-employment participants who are reaching for their dreams!

Watch this video to hear what Sarah Campbell, Owner of Studio 3 Creative has to say about the program from a participant's perspective. 👇

To learn more about Studio 3 Creative, visit www.studio3creative.ca.
linkedin.com/in/sarahjfcampbell | Instagram @studio3creativecontent 
 

If you're thinking about your future as an entrepreneur and how it can begin, below is what our clients say about the Douglas College Training Group Self-Employment Program.

"I attended the SEP from December 2022 to November 2023, and it was a life-changing experience. I have always wanted to start a business and the program gave me the space and knowledge to start my own ad agency effectively. I came with the industry knowledge and drive - and my amazing coach Paula was there to help me navigate pitfalls, grow my ops and sales knowledge, and keep me accountable.

During this program, I got funding and licenses, grew my business to hit my year one goals, brought on 9 contractors, and 15 clients, and hosted both a successful soft and grand opening. My business, Studio3, even won the Platinum Award for Home-Based Business of the Year! In my first year of business! Now, after the end of the program, I am paying myself, making a profit, and feel comfortable guiding the company and heading for my 3 and 5-year goals. 

If you’re considering starting your own business, if you’re self-driven and serious about making it work, I can’t recommend this program highly enough." ~  Sarah Campbell | Studio 3 Creative 
 

"I attended the SE program at Douglas College from August 2022 to July 2023, which was an amazing and extremely beneficial experience. First of all, the atmosphere of the classes was conducive to learning and sharing our experiences with other students. I have learned about the most important aspects of running a business, and, therefore, feel better equipped and more skilled to run and develop my business. Also, I was inspired by knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and experienced instructors who taught us not only how to start our businesses but also how to make them sustainable and competitive. I definitely recommend this program, providing invaluable experience and help to other budding entrepreneurs." ~ Irina Samarukava | Irist Art Studio

"Groove Cat Books and Records began as a dream over coffee one Saturday morning. Both of us thought that we had what it took to run a community hub style book and music shop, but we needed help with the business plan and with marketing ideas. The Self-Employment Program at Douglas College and Work BC helped us realize our dream and we couldn’t be happier with the results. It helped us adjust the rudder so that the ship sailed straight - a financial tweak here, an advertising idea there. Most of all, the Douglas team encouraged us to stay the course with the majority of the enterprise and we're sailing toward the seas of prosperity! If you are thinking about opening your own business, go for it - but do your homework first. Douglas College and Work BC can help you with that. Thanks very much to Douglas College and Work BC for all the guidance and assistance. It’s been a fantastic journey so far and we are excited about what the future holds for us and for Groove Cat Books & Records." ~ Catherine Hughes | Groove Cat Books & Records


“Trim Test & Press has had the distinct pleasure of working with Paula during the business plan and action phase. She very clearly paints the picture of where your strengths and weaknesses are and how to address them, where blind spots may be, and how to make marginal improvements; Paula genuinely cares, and it showed with how she applied herself to learn about my industry and my business model. As the first cannabis business approved by WorkBC and supported by Douglas College Entrepreneurship Program, I could not be more appreciative and grateful to the open-minded team and the framework assistance provided!” ~ David Roberts | Trim Test & Press
 

"I would absolutely recommend the program to other entrepreneurs, with the caveat that you will only get out of it what you put into it. Going through the program helps keep you organized and gives you tools that present you with opportunities, but you have to be willing to do the work and keep pushing yourself in order to take advantage of those opportunities." ~ Craig McDowell | Zoomies
 

"Here are a couple of press releases about my new Company and the people I’m working with and our first film (The Drummond Will) that we will be releasing for Canadian distribution.   I don’t think I could have done this without the help and leg up from the SEP program." ~ Michael Price | Blackrock Films
 

"I knew I had the skills to develop a salon, but I needed the skills to develop a business, and so my search landed me to the Douglas College SE Program. There are many schools that offer similar programs, but Douglas College had more intakes and has led more programs than the others. To me this translated to more experience, and I wanted the best, always! The program helped me develop a comprehensive business plan that I still reference to this day." ~ Amber George | Verve Hair Lounge Inc.
 

"The Douglas College Self-Employment Program, in my eyes, is a wonderful program that brings out the best in people who really want to make a difference and have their dreams become reality. I am one of those people. I made the right choice by joining the SE program, and yes, I have reached the pinnacle of my career - I am in my sixth year of business, thoroughly enjoying it and to date we have up to 86 children in our facility." ~ Jas Mahal | Tiny Bubbles Preschool
 

"I don't have the words to really express my thanks to the Douglas College Self-Employment Program, to the exceptional staff and especially to Ray Peterson, who was the first one to believe in my dream. The program changed my life and has brought my family life to a new level. This program helps people who are the way I was, willing to do their best to achieve their goals." ~ Duglas Cruz | Greenland Landscaping
 

"Without the assistance of the Douglas College Self-Employment Program, and their business advisors I would not be in the process of making my dreams come true. The development of a business plan and the encouraged discipline to follow it has resulted in my company being profitable in its first full year of business. Knowing someone was always there to give advice, along with the financial support has started Kitty Kompany well on its way to a successful future." ~ Kristin Schumacher | Kitty Kompany Pet Sitting Services
 

"I am where I am today because of the incredible job that the Douglas College Self-Employment Program consistently performs for each intake. The most important value you contribute is the way you deliver a deeper entrepreneurial message that is focused on humanity, caring and an understanding that cannot come from books or printed curriculum. It's as if you breathe real life and true experience into every page that we cover in your course. Thank you because I am so completely fearless for the first time in many years! I so love what I do." ~ Stuart Ellis-Myers | Uniquely Speaking
 

"The SE program was amazing! I believe I would not still be in business, nor experienced year after year success without it. My training and speaking business have tripled in just a few short years. The support, know-how and guidance offered by the SE instructors was exactly what every entrepreneur should have. If you are ready to take the leap into running your own business contact the SE Program today." ~ Elaine Allison | Positive Presentations Plus Inc.
 

"The advisors and staff responsible for my training exceeded my expectations at every level. They inspired and motivated me to succeed. This program is essential for anyone wanting to be a successful entrepreneur." ~ Annika Polegato | Creative Corporate Events
 

"The program was indispensable to me as I began my small business. In particular, the business plan development classes, the personal assistance, the emotional support inherent in the program by participating with other entrepreneurs, and the financial support from Human Resources Development Canada were all vital to the success of my business venture." ~ Sarah Spafford Ricci Fraser | Spafford Ricci Art & Archival Conservation Inc.
 

"Taking the Self-Employment Program has changed the course of my life for the better and I am very happy and excited with the way it is all going. Thank you so much for your inspiring words, encouragement, and ongoing support. You are all great!!" ~ Gill McCulloch | Safe & Sound First Aid Training
 

"I just wanted to tell you what a great program you have. I have learned so much in these past few months. My confidence in our business and in myself has soared." ~ Laura Gullickson | SLG Consulting
 

"I knew for a long time that I wanted my own retail magazine store, but I didn't know how to get started. Becoming involved in the Self-Employment Program was the catalyst I needed to begin my journey on the road to Self-Employment. Thanks, so much!" ~ Lynn Chickloski | Word Up News
 

"I knew my dream, but I didn't know how to get there. The Self-Employment Program provided the resources, support, and clear instruction to make success possible. It was truly the toolbox I needed to construct my dreams into reality. Thanks again!" ~ Sabrina Hartmann | Just Ducky! The real cool kid's store.
 

"The Self-Employment Program gave me the blueprint for success as an entrepreneur. I personally recommend it to everyone who wants to work for themselves - I've even convinced my husband to enroll!" ~ Barb Harris B.H. | Boots'N'Stuff
 

"We had a dream: our own business! The Self-Employment Program helped us create our business plan, marketing strategy and long-term goals. With their assistance and encouragement, we forged ahead and are looking forward to a bright future." ~ Kay & Andrea Doerksen | Con$ign-It
 

"The Self-Employment Program provided me with the information and guidance needed to create a solid business plan. I am truly grateful to have participated in this course." ~ Rolf Schwuchow | The Deli Station