In October, 2001, the Guysborough County Business Development Centre embarked on a project to e-commerce enable 12 county businesses. Businesses selected to participate have had a full featured web site developed for them and had a full online e-commerce solution implemented for their business allowing them to accept credit card purchase through their web site. The participants are now prepared to market their products online for the next 12 months. During this time they will participate in weekly tutorials and training in a wide range of topics relating to e-commerce. From learning to get good placement in search engines to building effective email lists, the businesses will greatly enhance their skills. E-commerce applications and training is being provided by Strategic Profits Inc. of Vancouver, one of the country's leading e-commerce providers.

Shaunna Scott, Executive Director of the GCBDC, says "This is a great project for us to be involved in. Everyone is talking about e-commerce, we are actually digging in and bringing this opportunity to businesses in the county. For a very modest investment they are getting an amazing opportunity to try internet business on for size. While it may not be a long-term solution for everyone, we are confident it will be very successful for many of our participants. We've already had sales occurring in our participant storefronts, and we're hardly even launched. That's quite amazing. A limiting factor for Guysborough County businesses has always been the size of our local market. E-commerce allows the participants to market their products to consumers anywhere. One participant has sold goods to a customer in Wisconsin. Furthermore we are hoping that this pilot project will lead to a larger project that will be implemented in CBDCs throughout the Atlantic Provinces."

The Made In Guysborough County Project was the brainchild of county technology entrepreneur Troy Greencorn of TGIS Consulting. Through a strategic partnership with Strategic Profits in Vancouver and the GCBDC, the project has become a reality. Over the next several weeks we will be featuring specific participants in this project. We ask you to take the time to visit the project site (http://www.madeinguysboroughcounty.com) as well as those of the featured businesses. The participants have worked very hard, and would love to have the support of Journal readers. View the sites, give them your feedback, purchase some great products while you are there.

Boiled Owl Folk Art and Fine Crafts (http://www.boiledowl.com)

The Boiled Owl Uncommon Collection features work by talented craftspeople in Northeastern Nova Scotia. Many of the products featured on this site are one-of-a-kind creations and are great gift ideas and unique finds for collectors. The site features works by Derek Hendesbee, Rita Hendsbee and Carol Rhynold. Derek is a well known photographer and craftsperson who lives just outside of Guysborough. Initially he has featured a number of his photographs of scenes from throughout the County. Watch in the future for other fine craft creations by Derek. Also contributing to the Boiled Owl Collection is Rita Hendesbee (Derek's Mom). Rita is a retired elementary school teacher living in Horton's Cove. Her passion is making folk santas. Over the years she has used all sorts of materials but now works primarily in clay. Each folk Santa has a personality and each design has its own unique qualities. Also adding to the eclectic mix of products is Carol Rhynold. Carol produces stained glass creations. Stained glass has evolved from being a hobby to a point where she is confident enough to offer my work for sale. Drop by the Boiled Owl Collection at http://www.boiledowl.com to view their products.

Pawprint Photos (http://www.pawprintgallery.com)

Pawprint Photos is a business owned and operated by Tom Kavanaugh a local self-taught Canso photographer. Tom is an avid photographer who started about 16 years ago with the purchase of his first 35mm camera. Through dedication and determination, Tom was able to first teach himself through magazine articles and then later he took a course offered by "The New York Institute of Photography" to satisfy his artistic appetite. As his photographic knowledge and artistic ability grew, so did the local interest in his work. Through the years his equipment has changed, but his passion for photography has always remained the same. As a result of the continuing interest in his work Pawprint Photos was started in June 1997 and has been growing steadily since.

Pawprint Photos is now equipped with up to date studio cameras, lights, backgrounds, etc. for portrait, wedding, group, family and formal shots. Tom also offers his services in a commercial capacity and has done shots for the Canso Trawlermen's Co-op, the Town of Canso, Canso Volunteer Fire Department, and the Canso Historical Society. He has been the official photographer for the Stan Rogers Folk Festival for the past 2 years. Tom's ability to artistically capture local scenes has resulted in a strong interest in his work from not only locals and past residents but also visitors to our area. Tom is expanding his business to include graduate, special event, sporting, reunion and special request shots. View Pawprint's online gallery at http://www.pawprint.com.