.png)
Rick Van Staveren
Director of Economic Development
Rick Van Staveren is the Director of Economic Development with the City of Sault Ste Marie. He has worked with Fortune 500 companies across Canada, the U.S. and South America, and has also been an entrepreneur for many years. Our team is here to support local businesses of all sizes, local entrepreneurs, and companies looking to locate and invest in Sault Ste. Marie. For questions on growing, investing or locating in Sault Ste. Marie, contact us!
Carson Beauregard
Manager of Enterprise Services & Millworks
Carson is the Manager of Enterprise Services & Millworks. He has a background in economic development, social service provision and agriculture, and have operated various successful businesses including my own, The Plant Farm Co. Carson oversees the management and delivery of all programs and services offered through our small business centre. So, if you have a side hustle, a new business idea, or own a small business and are looking to be connected to resources, training, and funding opportunities, explore our website or get in touch with our team!
.png)
Brent Rouble
Coordinator of Small Business Advisory Services
Brent's goal is to turn wantrepreneurs into entrepreneurs, and to make your business a success. He is the Coordinator of Small Business Advisory Services at Millworks, and would like to get to know you and your business idea and figure out what assistance you might need to turn it into reality. Brent was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, is a professional geoscientist, is on the Board of Directors of StartUP Sault Ste. Marie, and has founded several companies and side hustles including his newest venture, ListenerU. He is passionate about Sault Ste. Marie, and is hoping to help as many new entrepreneurs as possible so that our community can grow and thrive.
.jpg)
Jessica Maione
Economic Development Officer
Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Guelph with a specialization in Marketing Management. She joined the SSMEDC as the Finance & Administration Coordinator in February of 2019, and is now working as the Economic Development Officer with the Millworks and Economic Development teams. Jessica works with young entrepreneurs in the Algoma District to launch successful businesses under the Summer Company Program. She also promotes the Centre's programs and services through marketing and outreach; coordinates workshops and events; and facilitates start-up and coworking space.
Harleen Puaar Shukla (on leave)
Manager of Enterprise Services & Millworks
Harleen is responsible for the overall management and coordination of programs, services, staff and partnerships at the Millworks – Centre for Entrepreneurship; and represents economic and business interests for the City of Sault Ste. Marie. She leads strategic planning, financial management, community partnerships and program delivery for the Small Business Enterprise Services department. Harleen holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from University of Delhi, India. Passionate about exploring and finding new opportunities, she moved to Canada in 2014. She then completed the Public Relations & Event Management Post Graduate program at Sault College. Harleen has been a part of the Millworks team since 2016 and also has experience working in International Student Services as well as the Local Immigration Partnership.