[Barrie, ON, June 11, 2020] – Sandbox Centre is proud to support entrepreneurs and businesses
around the region, who are having to endure the shortfalls of COVID-19, by extending their network
of resources through the launch of the Experts in Residence Program.
Since COVID-19 hit, many entrepreneurs and small-to-medium sized business owners have been
faced with unforeseeable hurdles resulting in detrimental outcomes. Now more than ever,
businesses deserve and require support in all areas relevant to strengthening their framework.
Because of this necessary requirement, Sandbox Centre feels that it is of the utmost importance to
step up and do its part in supporting the business community at this pivotal time by launching the
Experts in Residence Program.
The Experts in Residence Program (EIR) offers a powerful virtual resource for businesses at any stage.
With access to their network of top-notch perspectives in business law, finance, marketing,
accounting, e-commerce, communications and so much more, Sandbox is offering the program free
to all businesses across the region. The wide variety of ever-developing topics can be accessible
through scheduled interactive sessions followed by an “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) format so that
entrepreneurs, businesses owners, and intrapreneurs can have their burning questions, challenges,
and strategic guidance addressed right away.
“The economic impact that COVID-19 has created not only on a national scale, but more importantly
on a local level is very evident when we talk to our business community members,” says Danielle
Lazarevska, Managing Director of the Sandbox Centre. “The basic premise of the Sandbox was built
on the fact that together a rising tide can float all boats. That’s exactly why we want to support all
businesses in the surrounding region recover and prosper in any way possible during this
unprecedented time.”
With the launch of the Experts in Residence program, Sandbox is excited to partner with Shopify to
bring a highly valued e-commerce perspective to businesses in need through the Experts in
Residence Program. Because of the many restrictions and barriers COVID-19 has presented,
building a digital presence is an inevitably positive opportunity for local businesses to harness
which will allow growth in a vastly different and innovative way.
“Our mission at Shopify is to make commerce better for everyone, and that starts with reducing
barriers for businesses,” says Cynthia Loiselle-Séguin, SMB Specialist at Shopify. “As one of the
Sandbox Experts in Residence, we can provide local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to start,
manage and grow their business. We look forward to connecting with local entrepreneurs as they
bring their business online.”
In addition to Shopify, existing partners of the Sandbox are eager to support businesses navigate
through the challenges that COVID-19 has presented. To name a few, Barriston Law will be
providing legal advice through monthly sessions that surround topics correlating with all aspects of
operating your business. CFO Centre will be supporting with financial growth sessions like July’s
upcoming session on learning the importance of having a solid financial forecast. Partners such as
NetGain SEO, Central Ontario Broadcasting, and Thinkfuel Marketing are coming together for a
panel session to provide exponential value on a timely topic – marketing effectively during a
downturn. You will also find Sandbox partner, the Small Business Centre of Barrie, Orillia and
Simcoe County, listed under the Experts in Residence program to further assist local businesses by
connecting them to their partnership with Digital Main Street’s newly announced ShopHERE
program powered by Google.
From month to month, Sandbox is committed to providing new topics where businesses can share
and receive expert feedback to enhance their path forward. More information on how to participate
in this program can be found on the Sandbox Centre website.
About Sandbox Centre
Sandbox Centre opened its doors in April of 2019 with the mission of connecting people and their
ideas to business resources; where guided collaboration and sharing of collective knowledge
support their journey to success. As the pre-eminent connector of people and their ideas to
business resources within Central Ontario, we take pride in uniting people and companies to grow
though a culture of sharing. From start-ups, scale-ups, and large enterprises to idea generators,
leaders and change makers – SBX supports all stages of business.
For more information:
The Sandbox Centre is located on the second floor of 24 Maple Avenue in Barrie, Ontario. For more
information visit sandboxcentre.com, join the Sandbox community on Facebook, LinkedIn and
Instagram.