Patricia Dent
My vision is to establish a community of entrepreneurs growing successful businesses which fulfill their purpose, fund each phase of their lives and create a legacy that positively influences the future of others.
I am on a mission to reduce entrepreneurial failures, and welcome business owners into a community where we can abolish the fear and embarrassment that prevents us from seeking the support we need to navigate issues throughout our growth.
The core values that I try my best to live and stand by
Listen for what is behind the words of others
Take a strategic approach to business [also tariffs]
Live truthfully and with integrity
Learn every day
Do the right thing
Do the work
Stand up for those who cannot – and intervene when needed
Strive for empathy and understanding of others
Follow through and finish what I start (even if it changes in the middle)
Retain my sense of humour
Be reliable: know you can depend on me
Before 2009
In my previous corporate life (from start-up to stodgy… and in between) marketing, communications and events were much of my focus. My favourite corporate gig was running the TSX (Toronto Stock Exchange) Broadcast & Conference Centre…. to redesign, rebuild and almost triple revenue. That said I was happy to leave corporate culture behind.
I thought my corporate background had taught me everything I needed to know about start-ups … that is until I found the Grow Vantage program. The “Survive an Audit” training showed me, I had to reset my financial record keeping to be compliant. Humbled that I had gaps in my knowledge, I put my head down to learn more (and made it a rule to keep up my research).
2009
I moved to a smaller city north of Toronto, Canada in 2009. I ran across the Grow Vantage business course, which I didn’t think I needed (I did) as I started my new local coaching business.
2010
The Grow Vantage program started when the rate of business failures was as high as 80% in the first 2 years. Now we work at reducing failure rates with solid business information and just in time support. We have a tradition of teaching and supporting people for success. I loved learning alongside a community of other business owners. I especially loved giving a helping hand to would-be entrepreneurs who were starting and growing their business.
2011
I loved it so much, that in 2011 I asked the Grow Vantage program founder if she were planning to exit any time soon… (I know, it was a bit bad-mannered – especially for a Canadian).
2012
2012 Co-Founder Small Business Connect Networking Group
2013
I took over the program in 2013.
2013, Co-Founder Xcelerate Summit
2014
It wasn’t always easy – 5 months after taking over, I developed two different kinds of breast cancer. Another hurdle to overcome. The good news is I did – and it strengthened my resolve to direct my own future. Grow Vantage has now become my umbrella company, under which my start-up training program “Ask For Directions Training” is held.
2015
Mentor, Starter Company Plus, Small Business Centre, City of Barrie 2015 – 2024
Board Member, Barrie Chamber of Commerce 2015 – 2019
2017
President, Barrie Chamber of Commerce 2017-2018
2019
Ambassador, Barrie Chamber of Commerce 2019 – 2024
2020
Launching Ask For Directions Training was a labour of love to adjust to the pandemic – and one in which I hope you’ll join us as you start your own adventure into start-up. “Ask” has redesigned the original Grow Vantage program, to provide more accessible training on our learning platform, in addition to coaching and community.
Ask for Directions Business Training is a two-part program that helps entrepreneurs learn and implement the steps they need to take, to create a business. The first part puts in place initial training modules that guide you in creating a structure, market concept, messaging, and establishing a financial framework. The growth-focused program (part 2) takes a different form, as a monthly membership, teaching strategy, and dripping out content to hone tools and techniques that will grow a successful business.
This is practical and proven advice that helps you grapple with the current business environment. We’re excited to have you embrace a business and strengthen it in time for the uncertainty of the last few years begin to fade. It may not be well known but learning and growing a business in a time of disruption helps new business owners to be more resilient.
Since the establishment of Grow Vantage over 11 years ago, my love of coaching and teaching start-up entrepreneurs has only grown, especially in the company of over 15 entrepreneurial trainers, who teach best practices in their subject expertise to create a successful business, and when start-up clients want to do the work they love and have a positive impact on their communities and the world. To date I’ve led over 7,500 training and coaching sessions.
My goal is to help strengthen the strategic mindset of entrepreneurs as they build a strong path forward.
2021
1st runner up, 2021 Mayor’s Innovation Award, Pivot Point
Finalist, Pay It Forward Award 2021
2022
In 2022, I found a way to create a membership under the Grow Vantage banner. Called “ACCESS”, this program offers strategy, information on tools and some training that is dripped out on a monthly basis.
Arch Brown Entrepreneur Award of Excellence 2022
2023
Heart & Soul Award, 2023
2024
In 2024 I began to build yet another passion, helping small business to successfully exit their businesses whether they want to change directions or retire.
Finalist, Women In Business Community Impact Award, 2024
Board Member, Barrie Chamber of Commerce 2024-2026
2025
The Exit program is being launched in January 2025, to provide early education, and support over time to entrepreneurs so they can be prepared (in case of an accident or an unexpected health crisis (like the one I experienced), and can create more financial value for their business, for whenever they exit in the future.
Starting the Exit program to help entrepreneurs improve their business, and grow their future value so when they are ready to leave they can fund the next phase of their lives
Board Member, Barrie Chamber of Commerce 2024-2026
Volunteering
Volunteering has always been important in my life: whether it was as a business mentor for start-ups at the City, serving with the local Chamber of Commerce, or co-founding both a regional business training summit and a local grass-roots networking group, I’ve been a long-time member of the local and expanding entrepreneurial eco-system, in which serving entrepreneurs has been my passion.