Dr. Leslie Roberts - GoForth Institute

“I decided in that moment to be the one to start Canada's first national entrepreneurship training program,” says Dr. Roberts. “I had the right background and lots of support from family, friends and a network of successful entrepreneurs. Starting a national company from scratch isn’t a journey you can take on your own.”

Her idea was sustained by her years of experience fostering new businesses as president of Mercatus Research Ltd., a market research consulting firm dedicated to serving the needs of small and emerging businesses, and as a lecturer at both Mount Royal University's Bissett School of Business and the University of Calgary's Haskayne School of Business.  In May, 2009, Dr. Roberts' vision came to fruition and GoForth Institute was launched. 

 

“GoForth offers Canada's leading entrepreneurship training program for small business owners delivered online in ten hours of video education accompanied by an optional 500-page Curriculum Book of materials, exercises, resources and tips for entrepreneurs,” says Dr. Roberts. “Research has told us two factors contribute more to a small business owner's success than any others – education in business and previous experience in a similar business.  You wouldn't train for a marathon in the middle of the race, would you?  Same goes for running a business.  Train first, run second, and improve your odds of making it to the finish line.”

Only two years after opening the Institute to the public, GoForth has become a leader in entrepreneurial education. Understanding firsthand that starting a business isn’t easy, Dr. Roberts can really relate the emotional and educational journey her students are undergoing. 

 

“It takes hard work, determination, tenacity and luck; GoForth is a success today because I did my homework – eight months and tens of thousands of dollars were spent on research so I knew exactly what my target market wanted before I built my product,” acknowledges Dr. Roberts. “We were successful out of the gate because we'd created the type of entrepreneurship training program small business owners wanted, at a price they could afford and delivered conveniently to them over the internet.”

Two years after emptying out her RRSP funds, Dr. Roberts is now running a multi-million dollar company, delivering education to thousands of entrepreneurs. She is very much looking forward to growing GoForth to a level where she can help educate entrepreneurs globally.

 

“My big hairy audacious goal is to deliver our education in every corner of the world; the need for affordable, accessible and comprehensive entrepreneurship education is global, not just national, and with technology we can deliver our education any place, anytime, anywhere.  We can help a farmer in Thailand, a weaver in Peru, or a home-based business owner in Canada,” acknowledges Dr. Roberts. 

 

Her own personal philanthropic goals are also in line with her vision for the business; she hopes to one day establish a foundation to deliver education and micro-credit to entrepreneurs in developing countries.

Coming from a place of experience and success, Dr. Roberts sets the standard for her students. She is not just a figurehead, but also a mentor and advisor for those who come to GoForth for support. The number one piece of advice she offers to future entrepreneurs is to avoid challenges and disappointment by planning for the business. 

 

“Figure it all out before you start,” recommends Dr. Roberts. “Do a core values excavation so you know who you are and what your company should be about.  Stick to your plan.  Reevaluate every year, write a new plan, and then focus on what is it you want to achieve and how are you going to achieve it.”

 

 

Webiste: www.goforthinstitute.com

 

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Twitter: @GoForthEd