Innisfil entrepreneur nominated for Woman of Influence award

Innisfil resident Joy Adams has just been announced as a nominee for the Women of Influence category in this year’s RBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Awards. 

Having started her career as a life insurance agent, and struggling to make ends meet as a single mom, Adams feels grateful as she looks back on her journey through difficult times. 

“It wasn’t easy. I struggled during those lean years, but I stayed the course because I wanted to build a business, and I wanted ownership so I could leave a legacy for my children," she said. 

Adams said she thinks that her belief in the combination of purpose and passion is what made things happen in her life, and is behind her nomination for the Women of Influence award.

“Purpose and passion are bound to leave an impact and influence on everyone and everything nearby. Everything that I do in my business and my relationships is the manifestation of this belief," said Adams. 

Adams is a financial advisor and director of South Simcoe Community Startup. 

The Start-Up serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurs, town councils, and stakeholders that come together to develop a business community, that supports and enriches the success of small businesses and startups.

She developed the Start-Up when she moved to Innisfil in 2012, after noticing many local businesses closing up shop. She knew they were failing because they did not know where to go for support, or how to access resources.

Prior to moving to Innisfil, she worked with many startup communities in Toronto and thought to apply the same practices in her new town. 

“I saw the impact these startup communities had in helping entrepreneurs connect to resources such as mentorship, workshops, and networking. I simply applied those same principles and adapted it to a rural community, and this was how the South Simcoe Community Startup came into existence," she said. “We were able to create this environment through our strategic relationship with the Innisfil EcoDev Office, Bradford East Gwillimbury EcoDev Office, and Nottawasaga Futures.”

Through this ecosystem of partners, South Simcoe Community Startup has been connecting entrepreneurs to resources, as well as creating networking opportunities by bringing stakeholders together at several events. 

“The creation of this ecosystem was the turning point for us as an organization, and our startup community grew exponentially during those early years," said Adams. 

When asked what inspires her to keep helping entrepreneurs succeed in their ventures, she highlighted the potential to impact beyond their entrepreneurial success.

“When businesses are thriving, they impact and enrich the lives of families in their communities," she said. 

Adams noted that funding issues were amplified during COVID, as many entrepreneurs didn’t qualify for the government small business relief programs. 

“We have seen some business closures, but I have also seen entrepreneurs who pivoted and digitalized their businesses," she noted. 

Passionate about entrepreneurship and serving other entrepreneurs, Adams remains an optimist about the potential to accelerate startup growth in the region.

“Simcoe County is a great place to start and grow a business.  I can honestly say that there is capacity here. We’ve seen a concerted collaborative effort by all stakeholders to support entrepreneurs. This is a great time to be an entrepreneur, especially a woman entrepreneur," she said. 

As for women struggling for recognition in their careers, her words are pure encouragement.

“Be confident in your abilities and what you bring to the table. Continue to invest in yourself. Take time to build your skills and your network, and be intentional about your career path.”