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says Rob, who stepped away from the
business in 2008 after being asked by the
National Angel Capital Organization (NACO)
to set up a local not-for-profit organization
to assist entrepreneurs in search of capital
to grow their businesses.
This resulted in the creation of the Golden
Triangle Angel Network (GTAN) a year later
where he would serve as its president until
2020. “GTAN has grown to become one
of the most successful Angel Groups in
Canada,” he says, creating a legacy Rob is
very proud of.
But several years before his departure,
Rob was serving on the NACO board when
it partnered in 2013 with IRCC (Immigration, PHOTO BY TOMASZ ADAMSKI
Refugees and Citizenship Canada) to create
the Start-up Visa Program which began as The Roseview Global Incubator team - Rob Douglas, Mike Dearden, Melissa Durrell
a five-year pilot project before becoming (centre) - are pictured here accepting their 2024 Business Excellence Award. With them
permanent in 2018. are Chamber Board Members Darren Drouillard, Sarah Hughes and Kiristen Danson.
While still heading GTAN, “I recognized He says Roseview Global Incubator also is Not all new opportunities will fit – often it’s
there was a huge appetite around the not sector specific in terms of participants what you chose not to do that will make
globe for entrepreneurs who wanted to and their ideas. you successful.”
open innovative new businesses in Canada, “We welcome all kinds of companies with Roseview is also not immune from
so that’s why in 2019, Mike, Melissa and I promising business ideas, and embrace the temptations of doing other things.
decided that this would be a major focus the opportunity to support innovation, “Although we explore other business
of our future business activities,” he says. employment growth and global opportunities, our focus remains serving
“Rather than sourcing funding for aspirations,” says Rob. the needs of international entrepreneurs,”
international entrepreneurs, at Roseview says Rob.
we deliver a suite of services to help them As a result, Roseview has worked with a Also, he says the need for immigration in
learn how to do business in Canada, and broad range of exciting entrepreneurs Canada, especially considering our falling
how to develop their business plans to with businesses that extend from medtech birth rate, is imperative to ensure the
make them executable in the Canadian to food import, to drone technology to country’s continued growth and economic
business context.” education and everything in between. success through the establishment of
Roseview Global Incubator’s approach “Entrepreneurs who apply to our program vibrant new businesses.
are screened based on the business
relies on a self-paced, custom-tailored they want to build in Canada and their “The will is there, and the necessity is
incubation and accelerator program that credentials. Do they have the right ones? there,” says Rob, who relishes the work he
focuses on meeting the specific needs of Have they ever been in business before? and his team at Roseview Global Incubator
each SUV applicant, as well as an extensive Do they have the financial resources?” he continue to accomplish.
curriculum touching on topics that are says.
important to new business operators in “I’m blessed that I get up every day and
Canada, including tutelage on legal issues, One important lesson Rob and receive a business plan or learn about a
budgeting, real estate, and government the Roseview team share with new idea from someone who wants to do
operations. the entrepreneurs they work with something that I’ve never even heard of
“We offer a comprehensive package of is the need to be focused on the before. I see that every day and feel lucky
I get to meet people who are exploring all
services,” says Rob, adding that upon long-term success of the company. these new opportunities.”
completion of the program, participants “You have to be patient and remember
are not required to remain in the region that establishing and growing a business Rob, Mike and Melissa are very proud of
for any specific length of time, unlike some will take longer than you may think,” he Roseview’s staff and mentors whose hard
other SUV initiatives in the province. “We says, advising that entrepreneurs must work and commitment to supporting the
are agnostic from the standpoint of where remain focused. needs of international entrepreneurs.
our people go.” To learn more, visit roseviewglobal.com, or
When it comes to exploring business “Businesses are constantly presented with call 519-740-7550.
new opportunities. If you choose to pursue
opportunities, Rob says Canada remains one of these opportunities, make sure that
a very attractive option for international it aligns with the core competencies of
entrepreneurs. your existing business.

www.cambridgechamber.com Fall 2024 27