Community Futures Central Kootenay would like to thank and extend best wishes to long time Self Employment Counsellor Kay Ryan who recently retired from the organization after 26 years of helping Kootenay entrepreneurs start businesses.
Ryan worked as the Self Employment Program Coordinator when the program was first launched at the Community Futures Central Kootenay office in Nelson in 1989. She mentored the entrepreneurs behind successful local businesses like Meritxell Books, Jennifer Chocolates and hundreds of others.
In 2010, Ryan moved to New Denver where she took on the part-time role as Self Employment Program Counsellor for Community Futures in the Arrow and Slocan Lake satellite office. She remained in this role until her retirement earlier this summer.
“Kay has had a tremendous impact on the lives of SE program clients who she guided through the planning and launch phases of their businesses,” said Self Employment Program Manager Wade Sather. “We’re grateful for her contribution to Community Futures and the local business community.”
Ryan has passed the reigns for the Arrow and Slocan Lakes Self Employment Program to Marilyn Rivers, who assisted Ryan in offering the program for the past three years. Though retired, Ryan will remain involved with Community Futures Arrow and Slocan Lakes by continuing to offer free business counselling to individuals not eligible for the Self Employment program who require guidance on starting up a new business.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with entrepreneurs in the community and see their businesses grow and thrive,” Ryan said. “I’m happy to be retiring and staying in the community where I can continue to visit past clients who are now successfully running their businesses and contributing to the rural economy.”
Community Futures Central Kootenay staff can be contacted through Arrow and Slocan Lakes Community Service office which is located within the Community Services building at 205 6th Ave NW in Nakusp, across from the Service BC building. To make an appointment for free business counselling or to learn more about Community Futures services, call 250-265-3674 ext. 201.