Turning dreams into reality through Self Employ PEI
Creating jobs for Islanders
Corporate restructuring pushed Roy Abraham toward entrepreneurship, but he credits the Self Employ PEI program – and a conversation with his priest – for helping get his business off the ground.
The Indian-born and educated program manager and database expert found himself facing a tough decision after his company restructured and his position was eliminated.
“After some time, I found that I was having to think about looking for work in another place," Abraham said. “I did not want to leave PEI so I decided that what I should do is open my own business here.”
Abraham now operates EZEE Contacts Management a multi-featured contact management system. EZEE has been designed to give small to medium sized organizations a robust, yet completely uncomplicated, contacts management system that meets their needs while remaining very user friendly. The company has landed a number of clients on Prince Edward Island for the web-based service and is looking at prospects in other countries and throughout Canada.
Abraham says he has benefited from training available through Self Employ PEI and through the Propel ICT incubator program.
The support he has received both from government and the community is making it possible for Abraham to live out his dream of raising a family and building a business on Prince Edward Island.
“Prince Edward Island is a mighty Island because Islanders by nature are entrepreneurs, and we know how to dream big, innovate, and work together to make things happen,” Workforce and Advanced Learning Minister Sonny Gallant said. “Through programs like Self Employ PEI, our government stands ready to help any entrepreneur like Abraham who wants to stay in the province and turn their big dreams into reality.”
“The Island has done so much for me. I want to stay here and I want to give something back to this amazing Island,” Abraham said.
Self Employ PEI assists clients through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement during their first year of operation, offering up to $1,000 for a business planning consultant to assist with financing or marketing plans. Through Self-Employ, the province has helped over 300 Islanders set up businesses in the last two years.
Abraham also credits Rory Francis, executive director of the PEI BioAlliance, with guiding him in his development from tech expert to entrepreneur. Today he considers Rory more than a friend and a mentor.
“I mentioned my work to my priest and he advised me to talk to Rory Francis. He saw the merit in my business and he’s been a great source of advice.”
Abraham also credits Gerry Lanigan, Senior Manager, mergers and acquisitions from BDO Canada, Charlottetown for his mentoring support through Propel ICT, as well as Keith Maclean, Councillor, with the town of Stratford (and new owner of Snapd in PEI.)