P.E.I. is a culture of inconsistencies. We oppose change, but celebrate progress (consider Confederation, Roundabouts, or even Mixed Member Proportional representation). While an inherent grounding of creativity and self-initiative is embedded in our culture, there remains a ceiling of success through which Islanders do not want to see ascension. This culture is uniquely destructive to P.E.I., but the influence of new Islanders may be breaking this barrier down.
However, if success celebration creates inspiration, then government is perhaps providing ingredients to inspire. Correctly. The depth and breadth of success remains under represented but efforts continue to inspire present business aspirants and our nurturing prospects.
Presently priming the entrepreneurial ecosystem is the Island Advance event on November 24 at the Delta Prince Edward, “Advancing Island Connections". The intended purpose of this event is to establish connections, engagement and enterprise between Islanders and newest Islanders.
Herein lies one of the Islands greatest untapped resources.
Our small province has been successful attracting extensive skills and experiences from all over the globe. Regrettably these skills have remained largely locked, the consequence of a closed community and cultural barriers restricting P.E.I. from fully achieving maximum entrepreneurial efficiency.
Private and public sector initiatives to create connections, relationships and business investment should be celebrated. Business should force government out of the way once connections are made and let the natural laws governing enterprise take over.
Connecting the world to P.E.I. has never been easier as we have unlimited conduits through our newcomers. A few enterprising Island businesses have increased local commerce by serving this emerging market, but very few have evolved their thinking to opening the world to PEI products and services.
Government as the catalyst nudges along at a pace ensured to secure modest results. Entrepreneurs cannot move at governments’ glacial pace, and international connectivity must accelerate at the pace of business. Bilateral business opportunities are abound for balanced partnerships – simply awaiting exploration.
We have been taken to the well, and credit can be extended to Connectors and other supporting organizations; but if local business cannot realize the opportunity plated before them then we are resigned to trade local services isolated from the greater global economy.
I would encourage any Islanders interested in progress, expanding possibilities and international growth to attend the Advancing Island Connections forum this coming week. Make connections, establish relationships and test how you can help bring P.E.I. to the world.
Blake Doyle is The Guardian’s small business columnist. He can be reached at [email protected]
