When Barrie author and entrepreneur Carleigh Bodrug was looking for ways to expand her plant-based digital meal plan business last fall, she signed up for the eCommerce Rockstar Accelerator program offered through the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre (HBEC) at Georgian College.
Bodrug was inspired after hearing Alex Brown, founder of the Rockstar program and Georgian alumnus, speak at an HBEC event about his entrepreneurial journey. She saw the program as an incredible opportunity for her business. Now, the self-taught content creator has more than 2.5 million followers on her social channels and is a New York Times best-selling cookbook author.
“With Alex’s advice, I was able to focus on building my email list to upward of 30,000 before my book launched, which helped me convert more sales and ultimately land on the New York Times list,” said Bodrug. “He has been an amazing mentor to me and has drilled down the importance of investing in building my list and diversifying my income as a business owner.”
PlantYou is a cookbook with over 140+ low-waste and vegan recipes to outfit anyone with ideas for every meal of the day. The book is the newest addition to Bodrug’s plant-based business. She is a digital meal planner, produces weekly cooking videos and recipes, and hosts a podcast called the PlantPod, all with the goal of helping people eat more plants in an easy and approachable way.
Bodrug said she would definitely recommend the program.
“The eCommerce Rockstar program through Georgian College is an incredible opportunity for any business owner who wants to level-up, network and start looking at their business from an outside perspective rather than always being on the inside of things,” said Bodrug. “While I’m not sure I’d consider myself a rockstar as I feel like I’m still very green in my entrepreneurial journey, I’ve gained an openness and willingness to always learn new things and work as hard as possible. Those are rockstar qualities.”
The 12-week online program can accommodate 20 businesses and costs $99 (plus HST). The application deadline is March 22 and the program begins April 5. Apply online now.
Through the program, you’ll master the 15 pillars of running a structured and scalable ecommerce business either as a solopreneur, or as part of a team. You’ll also receive over 60 hours of complete video training from 25 industry experts, including Brown.
Participants will also collaborate with other growth-focused entrepreneurs, share experiences, and create power partnerships and alliances.
The program is presented in partnership with the Henry Bernick Entrepreneurship Centre at Georgian College, Small Business Centre, the Town of Innisfil and the South Georgian Bay Small Business Enterprise Centre.