Community Builders Awards: Economic Development winner is a transformative force in the local business sector

Nevin Buconjic has been interested in entrepreneurship since the young age of 12 years old and has been working in the field of economic development for over two decades. 

An advocate for youth entrepreneurship, he began his career at the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (SSMEDC) as a Youth Entrepreneurship coordinator. He quickly moved up the ladder, becoming a small business advisor and then the general manager of the Enterprise Centre at the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation.

Buconjic then spent over 10 years as a Strategic Business Advisor in the Forest Business and Economics Section at the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, providing financial and economic analysis. 

In 2016, he returned to SSMEDC as the Manager of Trade, Investment and Community Marketing. Launching and managing the Invest Sault Ste. Marie program, he developed a number of award-winning marketing campaigns and materials promoting Sault Ste. Marie.

Despite his busy career, Buconjic decided to kick-start StartUp Sault to support local entrepreneurs in the community. 

His mission for the non-profit, volunteer-driven organization was to connect Sault Ste. Marie’s entrepreneurs with the tools, community and support needed to achieve their dreams. 

To date, the organization has dedicated hundreds of volunteer hours, hosting more than 100 events to educate and connect local entrepreneurs. 

Most recently, Buconjic has continued growing his career, joining the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) in 2020.

“Being recognized for the work that you do outside of your job feels great,” Buconjic said when he was told the news about his Community Builders Award win for Economic Development. 

“When I started StartUp Sault over 10 years ago, my goal was to create a support system for local entrepreneurs and create a network to help point them towards the resources that were available. This was something that was missing in the community,” shared Buconjic.

“We’ve accomplished a lot. It was all grassroots and based on the time and effort we put in. Thank you to the organizations that partnered with us and believed in us,” he added. 

“Nevin embodies the qualities of a true community builder. His passion for entrepreneurship and commitment to supporting others have made a lasting impact on Sault Ste. Marie,” said Brent Rouble, vice president of StartUP Sault.

On top of his other achievements, Buconjic has also written three books. He is the author of 25 Money-Making Business Ideas You Can Start in Your Spare Time, Starting Your Own Business: An Entrepreneurs Guide, and most recently a book written with his 10-year-old daughter, Hannah, called 25 Money-Making Business Ideas for Kids & Teens. 

“I’m a huge advocate for youth entrepreneurship. I think that getting out there and helping kids get started is really important for our community,” he said. “I’m excited to continue to support entrepreneurs and businesses in the North.”

The Economic Development award goes to an individual or group that has had an important impact on the economic well-being of the community. They have chaired or led a committee, they have helped bring new business to town, or they are responsible for putting in place infrastructure.

Congratulations, Nevin!

This award is proudly sponsored by LBMX.