After running a handmade sign business from her home for 10 years, Nichla Pinsent decided she wanted to launch her own creative home decor storefront – The DIY Mercantile – in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. However, she could not allow her desire to start a new business override her family’s need for financial stability. The Impact Atlantic start up loan from CEED (Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development) gave Nichla the safety net she needed to move forward with her business dream.