La Shoppe Verte is a combined café and convenience store located in Concession. They prepare daily breakfast and lunch specials and keep the store stocked with beyond-the-basics. Business is going so well that Daniel has left his job as a draftsman to join the shop fulltime.

During her transition, it was her doctor that steered her to CBDC Digby-Clare. Lisette was accepted into the Self Employment Benefits program. “It was very helpful to have the income support while we were getting started,” says Lisette. “In a small area like ours it’s difficult, you have to work a lot to be successful. That took the pressure off not having to worry about how to pay the bills. It was one less stress on our shoulders.”

Lisette was also grateful for the training and support they received. “We got really good training and CBDC connected us with an excellent business coach.”

One year later, business is going great and they’ve hired a fulltime and a part-time employee. They’re applying to add an agency store and want to eventually expand their kitchen, and add more local and gluten-free items to their menu.

One ingredient to their success? “We serve our meals with friendly conversation and a smile on our face.”