“It takes a network of people to support Alex’s business but the benefits for him are numerous.” – Rory, Alex’s father
For Alex Summers, the self-employment adventure started over two years ago when a Prince George service provider, AiMHi, helped Alex and his family to brainstorm a job that would fit both his personality and interests.
Alex is now the owner of Candy Adventures Ltd. His company provides candy dispensers at six locations across Prince George, with a variety of candy like M&Ms and jelly bellies, for people to buy for a quarter.
Two to three times a month, Alex, with his support worker, visits these locations, and refills the dispensers and collects the money. His mother, Beth, rolls the coins and records the amounts; His father, Rory, makes the deposits and he and Beth purchase the stock for refilling the dispensers.
Alex needs to make at least $100 per month to meet financial commitments for insurance, permits, stock and incorporation fees.
Alex had a lot of support from his family to find ways to make his business work for Alex’s unique needs.
He also had help from the Ready, Willing & Able national employment initiative which helped Alex and his family do things like incorporate the business before it got underway.
“It takes a network of people to support Alex’s business but the benefits for him are numerous,” says Rory.
For Alex, the best part about having his own business is getting to talk with lots of different people.
He says he also really likes “opening the machines with the key and putting quarters in the bags.”
Look for Alex’s candy machines all around the community of Prince George.
