Zensurance Business Grant Winner 2024: Down East Dance Academy

Zensurance is pleased to announce that the Down East Dance Academy in Montague, Prince Edward Island, is the winner of the $10,000 Small Business Grant 2024.

We announced on November 15 that Down East Dance Academy was one of 10 finalists for this year’s Zensurance Small Business Grant.

Founded by Marie Lavergne in 2009, Down East Dance offers a range of dance classes for kids and young adults of all skill levels. Its certified instructors provide world-class dance lessons and training while retaining a small-town vibe.

The $10,000 Zensurance Small Business Grant her studio received will help pay for necessary repairs to its main dancefloor.

“We need to renovate the subfloor. The dancers have to contend with a bump in the middle of the floor, and it’s really problematic,” she explained. “Last summer, I spent $2,000 to try to repair it, but it did not fix the problem. We need to rip up the floor, replace it, and then put the Marley (a performance vinyl dance flooring surface) back down over top.”

Lavergne said there have been other challenges along the way as she grew her business.

“When we opened our studio 15 years ago here in Montague, there wasn’t a dance program. Most people didn’t know anything about the styles of dance,” she said. “We had a lot of education to do, and we started with kids who had never danced before. 

“Now, we are building up a great program with kids who can move on and dance professionally if they choose to; it’s an awesome accomplishment to build up a program from nothing in a community where there wasn’t any knowledge about how dance works. Now we have over 250 students in this small town.”

When asked for her views on protecting her studio with business insurance, Lavergne said unexpected incidents can happen to any business owner. “We follow all kinds of safety practices, but kids can still get hurt sometimes when they try challenging things,” she explained. “It’s great to have liability insurance, so you know you’re covered, and that gives me peace of mind.”

We also asked her what advice she has for other small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. She said building an inclusive environment is critical.

“In your business, whatever you do with your customers and employees, build a culture that appreciates everyone’s different strengths and what they bring to the table,” she said. “It encourages teamwork, and it makes everyone feel valued and gives them a safe place to belong.”

Words of Wisdom From Our 2024 $1,000 Grant Winners

Of the thousands of inspiring grant applications Zensurance received this year, we also awarded five of our top 10 finalists $1,000 each. 

These hard-working business owners continue to grow and support their communities, and Zensurance is privileged to support them. We asked each of our $1,000 grant winners two questions:

1. What is one piece of advice you have for other Canadian small business owners or self-employed professionals?

2. Why is it important to have business insurance to protect your company?

Here’s what they had to say:

Nasim Naderi, Owner, IntoCharge, said business owners and entrepreneurs need to stay adaptable and always embrace continuous learning. 

“The business landscape is constantly evolving, and being open to new technologies, market trends, and customer needs will keep your business competitive,” she said. “Build a strong network, seek mentorship, and never hesitate to ask for help when needed. Collaboration can often lead to unexpected opportunities for growth.”

Regarding the value of liability insurance, it allows her company to remain focused and build trust with its customers.

“Liability insurance is vital to IntoCharge’s success because it protects us from unexpected claims, like property damage or injuries during projects,” she said. “It ensures we can focus on delivering quality services without the risk of financial setbacks and building trust with clients and partners.”

Alana Tollenaar, Owner, Backyard Birds Nature Shop, said business owners should build strong relationships – with their teams, communities, and customers. 

“Success in business is rooted in the connections you create and nurture. Surround yourself with a talented, dedicated team who share your vision, and you’ll find that even the biggest challenges become more manageable,” she said. “Engage with your community authentically, and you’ll build trust and loyalty that strengthens your business. Building a business is about building relationships at its core, and when the people around you are amazing, everything else becomes easier.”

Commenting on the value of business insurance, she said it’s essential because it provides a safety net, protecting the company you’ve worked tirelessly to build. 

“For small businesses like ours, where every resource matters, it safeguards not only physical assets like inventory and equipment but also intangible ones such as reputation and trust,” she added. “It provides peace of mind to employees, customers, and vendors, strengthening their confidence in the business. Ultimately, insurance is about fostering resilience and stability, enabling you to focus on growth and achieving your goals.”

Business owners need to learn patience and not give up, said Shannon Dykens, Owner, Partridge Island Publishing. “It’s so difficult for small businesses to compete with large businesses because we have fewer resources, but it’s worth it when your dreams are realized.”

Concerning the value of having liability insurance, she said, “There are so many things that can happen in business. Fire and water damage or accidents involving customers and staff. Protection is an important part of being in business.”

“Owning a business is hard work, but you get to pursue your passion while impacting your community,” said Kally Keough, Owner of Seaside Takeout & Catering. “It’s very important to have business insurance to protect yourself against the risks your business may face.”

“Be intentional about valuing your business and stakeholders and adding value to yourself,” is Tiffany Young’s advice to business owners.

As for getting business insurance, the CEO of Natural Butter Bar Cosmetics said, “Having business insurance gives you the comfort of navigating growth.”

We’re sending our other four fantastic finalists a $100 gift card each as a thank-you for sharing their incredible stories with us. 

Congratulations to all of the Zensurance Small Business Grant 2024 winners!

In 2023, Hugo Latrielle of Ottawa-based Malarctic Design + Builds won the $10,000 Zensurance Small Business Grant.

The Zensurance Small Business Grant will be back in 2025.

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