Introducing Kim and Werner Venter: two entrepreneurs who took their wealth of travel experience and turned it into a local business. Kim and Werner were eager to lay down roots in a rural setting, and discovered that beauty and business opportunity abound on the Eastern Shore. Norse Cove Camping and Recreation opened in May 2016, and offers oceanfront, wilderness campsites; sailing tours; stand-up-paddleboard and kayak rentals; a café; and a boat launch and moorings. Kim and Werner shared their thoughts with us on owning a small tourism business in Nova Scotia—from the challenges to the opportunities.
What inspired you to create Norse Cove Camping and Recreation?
In 2009, we decided that we wanted to start a destination business once we finished our United Nations contracts overseas. We were travelling quite a bit for work and for fun, gaining some insight on what could make a tourism business work. We worked on our vision for years and spent our earned vacations looking for a location that would complement it. We found that the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia was a perfect fit for us.
What makes Norse Cove Camping and Recreation unique?
We wanted to attract low-impact, small foot-print campers and provide them campsites with amazing views, so we built tent platforms with unobstructed views of the open ocean. Though this is a wilderness-style campground, all sites are within easy walking distance to bathrooms with flush toilets and showers, and a communal cooking shelter complete with a large BBQ, charge station, and individual lock boxes. We also have Wi-Fi!
What do you enjoy most about being a small business operator in Nova Scotia?
We enjoy having the opportunity to explore different ideas and grow our business according to guest feedback and changing scenarios. It’s an adventure!
What are your greatest challenges as a small business operator in the province?
Since we’re in the first year of our business, our greatest challenge is financial return. We have invested everything—borrowed money, built this amazing campground, and reinvented a historic general store—, but the return is low and slow for now. Marketing and exposure is another challenge; it can be difficult to inform people that we’re here! But as a licensed accommodation we are listed on novascotia.com and will be listed in the 2018 Doers and Dreamers Guide. We’re also working to improve our Google search ranking. We’re developing experience tours and packages with Windandsea—the company through which we offer sailing tours—to help increase both our business profiles.
How do you see your industry evolving over the next few years?
The next few years on the Eastern Shore will be very exciting. The 100 Wild Islands Legacy Campaign has brought awareness to the area and encourages future visits to this beautiful, natural and protected part of Canada. We think we will see tourism here, particularly the camping industry, embracing a small-footprint style of travel.
Another positive thing about the Eastern Shore is that more businesses are opening and staying open during the winter season. We have campers booked throughout the winter this coming season, and we’re looking forward to the challenges and successes that winter camping will bring us.
What advice would you give someone considering starting a small business?
Do your research! Prepare to work hard and live small for a few years. Learn from others in the industry, as they can likely lighten your load a bit with advice and contacts.
What is your experience of working with partners in the tourism sector?
When we arrived in Canada to start developing Norse Cove, Tourism Nova Scotia’s office was our very first stop. The advice and information given to us that day has been—and still is—the foundation of our camping business. Though dealing with any oversight agency—government or otherwise—can be daunting and may seem impossible, every individual we’ve dealt with has been enthusiastic and helpful.
If you weren’t running Norse Cove camping, what would you be doing?
We can’t imagine doing anything else. We build, we photograph, we market, we bake, we host and we enjoy the amazing ocean view. There is an undeniable feeling of satisfaction to know that we’re sharing our vision and people are loving it.
Small Business Week runs from October 15-21. Check out bdc.ca for small business events in your area.
For more information on Norse Cove Camping and Recreation, visit norse-cove.com.