Startup Zone’s incoming CEO talks about her past experience, her new job and how she plans to leverage both to boost P.E.I. Businesses

Fresh off maternity leave, Sheryl MacAulay took the helm November 1 at the Startup Zone, P.E.I.’s incubator that accelerates new startups or existing businesses. MacAulay comes to the Startup Zone from the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce where she served as the director of policy and communications. The new mother of twins grew up in Souris, P.E.I., on a potato farm. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to outwork my father,” she said. Growing up on a farm meant learning about business, teamwork and working until the job was done. “It’s pretty special to have grown up that way,” she said.

MacAulay spoke with Atlantic Business Magazine about her new role, how the Startup Zone can help new and established businesses on the Island, and what role she sees for the incubator as the province emerges from the pandemic.

 

Atlantic Business Magazine: Why did this position appeal to you?

Sheryl MacAulay: My role before this was at the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce and the chamber really helped me understand P.E.I.’s business community and what their challenges and opportunities are.

It allowed me to work alongside entrepreneurs. I love working with entrepreneurs. The conversations with them are so exciting, so energizing. Entrepreneurs and businesspeople see the opportunities around them. When you talk about an idea or the possibilities, you can hear the excitement in their voices and then they talk about those possibilities and turn them into reality.

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