Our Team

Bilingual services

Business Centre Coordinator
Telephone: (705) 688-7582
Direct: (705) 674-4455 ext. 2482
[email protected]

Josée Pharand is the Coordinator of the Regional Business Centre, where she leads a team dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and small businesses succeed in Greater Sudbury. She manages programs, services, and partnerships that support local business development, and proudly represents the city’s economic and business interests. Josée is passionate about small business and recognizes the vital role they play in building a vibrant and resilient community. She’s happy to play even a small part in their journey to success.

Josée holds a diploma in Computer Engineering Technology from Collège Boréal and an Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University. She has been part of the Regional Business Centre and the City of Greater Sudbury’s Economic Development team since 2009, and has also previously shared her knowledge as a part-time instructor at Collège Boréal, teaching both computer and business courses.

Small Business Specialist
Telephone: (705) 688-7582
Direct: (705) 674-4455 ext. 4636
[email protected]

In 2019, Caitlin graduated from Cambrian College’s Business Administration Program specializing in Marketing and went on to earn her Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing from Laurentian University in 2021. As a Small Business Specialist with the Regional Business Centre, Caitlin supports aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with business training and coaching as they launch and expand their businesses. She also works with various clients, providing guidance and advice on business start-up procedures, directing clients towards public and private sector resources, as well as conducting market research. Caitlin loves supporting local entrepreneurs with their ongoing needs and celebrating their successes.

Youth Programs Officer
Telephone: (705) 688-7582
Direct: (705) 674-4455 ext. 4488
[email protected]

Jennifer Van Der Giessen is a Youth Programs Officer with the Regional Business Centre. She has an Honour’s BA in Economics from McMaster University and a Master of Education from Grand Canyon University. She is also a certified teacher in Arizona, Washington State, and Ontario, with experience teaching English Language Arts and Leadership.

She began her career working in financial services and bookkeeping, supporting small businesses in both Canada and the US, before moving into education. Now, she combines her business experience with her passion for mentoring youth to help students develop business skills and run their own company with the Summer Company program.

Bilingual services

Business Incubator Program Coordinator
Telephone: (705) 688-7582
Direct: (705) 674-4455 ext. 2486
[email protected]

Melissa is the Incubator Program Coordinator and provides leadership and support to early-stage innovative business start-ups through mentorship and workshops. Melissa is a former entrepreneur with 14 years of experience leading an award-winning design and web studio servicing clients internationally. She graduated from Cambrian College with an advanced diploma in graphic design and possesses accessibility certificates from Deque University. She has had the opportunity to judge several worldwide advertising competitions and speak at many events on topics ranging from inclusive design practices to women in entrepreneurship. As a sports coach and past college educator, her mentorship background, paired with her entrepreneurial experience, helps foster and develop business start-ups. Proud of her francophone roots, Melissa is happy to provide support in both French and English.

Bilingual services

Business Information and Marketing Officer
Telephone: (705) 688-7582
Direct: (705) 674-4455 ext. 4431
[email protected]

Raised in a French Canadian and Swiss household, Raphy Falardeau has lived in Gatineau, Temiskaming Shores, Sault Ste. Marie, and even France. Having completed her Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design from Cambrian College, she deeply understands the importance of social media content and engagement strategies.

One of her notable accomplishments includes co-creating a large-scale event in 2023 designed to inspire youth and young adults in pursuing their unique educational and career paths. The event featured 15 local entrepreneurs and successfully secured over $10,000 in sponsorship funding.

With six-years of non-profit marketing, fundraising and youth engagement experience, she now works as the Business Information and Marketing Officer at the Regional Business Centre.

Bilingual services

Small Business Specialist
Telephone: (705) 688-7582
Direct: (705) 674-4455 ext. 1176
[email protected]

Louis-Philippe is the Small Business Specialist overseeing the Starter Company Plus program, where he provides vital support to emerging entrepreneurs. He studied arts and science in college before moving to Ontario to complete a degree in Political Science at Laurentian University.

With over 20 years of combined professional experience in education and marketing—plus more than a decade as an entrepreneur—Louis-Philippe brings a wealth of expertise to new business ventures. His background spans project management, marketing, manufacturing, agri-food production, and media and communication, giving him a well-rounded understanding of diverse industries.

Passionate about helping start-ups succeed, Louis-Philippe offers guidance tailored to the unique challenges of entrepreneurship. Proud of his bilingual heritage, Louis-Philippe is pleased to support entrepreneurs in both French and English.