Starting a business in northern B.C. is challenging, but for Nigel Rimmer and Darren Hanson, co-owners of Inspire Productions, seizing an opportunity turned into a thriving venture.
With a shared background as mobile DJs, Nigel and Darren frequently collaborated while running separate businesses. The turning point came when they recognized how well they worked together. When the region’s leading audio-visual company announced its retirement, the duo saw a chance to fill the gap.
“We thought, ‘How can we do this better?’” said Rimmer, co-owner of Inspire Productions. “We already had experience renting from the retiring company, and when they stepped back, we jumped at the opportunity.”
The pair turned to Community Futures, Fraser Fort George, an organization dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs across the Fraser Fort George region. They received essential business planning guidance and financing, allowing them to secure equipment and establish their company. By May 2023, just months after starting, Inspire Productions hosted its first large-scale event at Prince George’s CN Centre.
“Community Futures gave us the business plan framework we needed. They helped us figure out how to start and
run a sustainable business. Their support made all the difference,” said Hanson.
Since then, Inspire Productions has grown into a full-service audio-visual and event production company, specializing in concerts, special events, and equipment rentals. Their client-focused approach has fuelled their success.
“Inspire Productions is event-driven and people-focused. We want to see others succeed—wherever our clients’ needs go, that’s the direction our company follows,” said Rimmer.
Nigel and Darren credit Community Futures with being approachable and supportive from the start.
“You don’t have to have everything figured out,” said Rimmer. “Even if you just have an idea, reach out—they’ll help. When we signed our loan agreement with Community Futures, we had a five-year term. They said a
business goal for us should be to become bankable.”
As of December, the duo reached that coveted milestone.
“We commend Inspire Productions on their success, and for becoming ‘bankable’ so quickly. We pride our programming for filling a gap in meeting new business needs; when there are already so many challenges in place for start-ups, we can reduce some of their worries,” said Anna Duff, General Manager, Community Futures Fraser Fort George. “To see Nigel and Darren book their first event at the largest venue in our region was phenomenal – our entire team joyously celebrates their success.”
Businesses that have received support from a Community Futures office have a proven head start in achieving higher business longevity, sales and employment rates than businesses that were not assisted by Community Futures. In turn, those businesses pave the way for regional growth, diversified economies, and job creation.
In 2022-2023 alone, the nine Community Futures offices in northern B.C. loaned $7.4 million, provided close to 4,500 business advisory services and supported more than 120 community projects in their respective regions.
For more information about the Invested in BC’s North campaign and the stories of northern BC entrepreneurs, please visit: www.InvestedInBCsNorth.ca