Three local entrepreneurs will go on stage tonight and tell everyone their most embarrassing business moments. They "effed up" and they're willing to talk about it, so other business people and aspiring startups can learn from their mistakes.
"Three courageous local entrepreneurs will be sharing stories of times when things didn't quite go according to plan in their businesses," said Matt Hutcheon, executive director of Innovation Central, the organizers of Friday's Eff-Up Friday event.
"Being entrepreneurial and being innovative, by their nature, means you are going to get
things wrong, and perhaps a lot of things wrong, and often. What's important is what you learn, and how you use it to be more successful down the road," said Hutcheon, who may even have a story or two of his own to share.
"We want to break down the negative stigma associated with what some might perceive as failure" he said. "History is filled with people who achieved great success and who endured incredible 'failures' first. We're hoping these events help local entrepreneurs feel like they are not alone in their pursuits, and that others have faced similar challenges, made similar mistakes, and not only survived but continued on to business success."
The speakers at this event will be local entrepreneur John Kason, Caroline Longhurst (owner of Ohh Chocolat and a former RCMP officer), and Norm Coyne of UNLTD Media & Events.
This is the second time Innovation Central has hosted an Eff-Up Friday. The first was only this past September but it was so popular Hutcheon knew there was a hunger for more so he called in Kason, Longhurst and Coyne for round two.
"We make sure the atmosphere is fun and lighthearted, rather than being sombre or sad," he said.
There is a cash bar, a supportive environment and a lot of topical storytelling. Tickets are $20 (including one drink ticket) and are available through the www.eventbrite.ca website. The event starts at 6 p.m. at Hubspace (1299 3rd Ave.). For more information, contact Hutcheon at 778-349-3967 or [email protected].
