NOHFC - Success Stories
NOHFC Funding Left This Chiropractor in Fine Form
"NOHFC funding really helped me move forward in how I wanted to take care of people and keep my focus on the patients, as opposed to having to worry about the bills...."
At the age of 13, Thunder Bay native Steven Fonso suffered a traumatic injury which left him with headaches, vision problems, and difficulty concentrating. After visiting a number of medical doctors and specialists, he turned to a chiropractor. Within three weeks of treatment, his vision was restored, the headaches were gone, and he was able to concentrate at school again.
The experience became his passion. Having studied anatomy and biology in school, it seemed a natural progression for Steven to pursue a career in chiropractic medicine. In 2002, he completed his Doctor of Chiropractic degree and Bachelor of Sciences at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Minnesota. Now an officially accredited chiropractor, Dr. Fonso returned to his Northern Ontario roots and opened a practice in his hometown of Thunder Bay.
“I wanted to be able to practice where I grew up, and to have my children raised in this environment…if people invest in the community, there’s nowhere to go but up.”
At a Glance:
WHERE
Thunder Bay, Ontario
WHO
Dr. Steven Fonso, owner-operator of Lifetime Wellness and Chiropractic Centre
HOW NOHFC HELPED
Funding through the Northern Ontario Young Entrepreneur Program supported startup costs associated with the business, including the purchase of specialized equipment and office furnishings.
Getting Started, With a Little Help
Thanks to $25,000 in start-up funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation’s (NOHFC) Young Entrepreneur Program, Dr. Fonso had the capital he needed to start the Lifetime Wellness Chiropractic Centre. The funding enabled him to buy chiropractic equipment, office equipment and furnishings.
“It really helped me move forward in how I wanted to take care of people and keep my focus on the patients, as opposed to having to worry about the bills…I was able to get creative and really mold it to what we wanted to do.”
NOHFC funding helped purchase specialized equipment, and this provided Dr. Fonso with an ideal opportunity to position his new business for success in the community.
“Right off the start we were able to bring in state-of-the-art equipment. That was a great starting point for us because once we had that, we were able to bring it to the community and educate them about what I do. That allows me to see more patients, and generate more business. It was win-win for everyone.”
Bringing New Solutions to the North
The Lifetime Wellness and Chiropractic is a full-range practice promoting nutrition, fitness, health, and well-being. Dr. Fonso believes these services will always be in demand in the community.
“I wanted to be able to practice where I grew up …if people invest in the community, there’s nowhere to go but up.”
“People want strategies on how to live a better, pain-free quality of life. There are always consumers for that. I’m very optimistic for this profession for the community at large in the North.”
The NOHFC has helped Dr. Steven Fonso start his business on his own terms. He was able to be creative with his vision, and is now free to bring the best of himself to his clients. With his business thriving, he reflects on his entrepreneurial journey and offers the following advice:
“Get into something you’re passionate about. If you’re not passionate, it won’t sell. Then, once you find out what you’re passionate about, find out how that can solve problems for people. Everyone wants solutions to their problems.”
- Learn how the NOHFC can help you: Young Entrepreneur Program
