Jasper's Marc LeBlanc is in the running for a $100,000 prize to put toward improving the Liquor Lodge, but to get that money, he needs the community's help.
After two years in Jasper, LeBlanc knew—if he was going to stay in the town he loved—he needed to secure a sustainable future for himself.
So he dreamed up an idea for a liquor store, went to Community Futures West Yellowhead for advice and a loan, found a space, designed it with a contractor and, in 2007, he opened the Liquor Lodge. Since then, he’s paid off his loan and created a sustainable business that will soon employ his wife, Megan, as well.
But that’s not where the story ends for LeBlanc or his business. Last week, it was announced that he was selected to represent Alberta in the Business Development Bank of Canada’s 2013 Young Entrepreneur competition—a competition that awards the winner $100,000 toward improving their business.
LeBlanc, who is competing against eight other entrepreneurs from across the country, was selected after submitting a project proposal, titled “A Space With Taste.” The proposal is to turn the empty space beneath the Liquor Lodge into a state-of-the-art tasting room.
“If I win the $100,000, I would take my business into the basement, while raising the profits through the roof,” said LeBlanc with a laugh and slight cringe. “But, seriously, we feel like the unused space underneath the store is an opportunity that’s just waiting for us.
“The plan is to create an environment where we can hold special events, such as wine clubs and tastings.”
The Liquor Lodge has held successful tastings before, including one with Mill Street Brewery during Jasper in January, but they’ve been upstairs, where there isn’t a lot of room for mixing and mingling.
“We’ve had pretty good reception to tastings, so if we had a specific tasting space it would add a bit more to the customer’s experience,” said Megan, who will begin working in the store in June.
LeBlanc said, whatever happens, whether he wins or loses, the tasting room will be built. If it’s with his own money, it’ll just take a bit longer to come to fruition.
For LeBlanc to take home the prize, he needs to garner more online votes than the other eight entrepreneurs vying for the cash. Voting is open from now until June 11, and each person can vote once a day. To vote for LeBlanc, visit voteformarc.ca.
