Nic Beique, the founder of Helcim, a payment processing company used by tens of thousands of merchants, started his entrepreneurial journey with a side hustle at the young age of 15. With a knack for coding and design, Nic approached local small business owners to offer them website services. To his surprise, many of them agreed, giving him a sense of camaraderie and loyalty towards small business owners. This experience laid the foundation for his future endeavors in the business world.
As Nic’s side hustle evolved into building ecommerce websites for his clients, he encountered challenges with payment processing solutions. The existing options like PayPal and traditional bank processors were riddled with high fees, poor service, and hidden costs, especially for small businesses. This realization sparked the idea for Helcim, a company dedicated to providing transparent and affordable payment solutions for small businesses.
The inspiration behind Helcim was to champion small businesses and offer them a better alternative to the existing payment processors in the market. Nic wanted to create a company that not only provided payment processing services but also offered easy-to-use software and financial products to give small businesses an edge in the competitive market.
Despite facing challenges in convincing banks to allow him to sell their merchant services, Nic persevered and eventually became a reseller for a bank, signing up small business owners as merchants. Over time, Helcim grew its reputation for honesty and trustworthiness in an industry known for its lack of transparency.
After years of being a reseller, Helcim became its own payment processor in 2020, serving tens of thousands of businesses in the U.S. and Canada. The company processed nearly $4 billion in payment volume in 2023 and continues to grow rapidly, attracting investors and closing a Series B round earlier in the year.
One of the most rewarding aspects of running Helcim for Nic is being at the center of commerce and interacting with a diverse range of businesses. From dentists to bakers to global wheat distribution centers, Nic and his team have developed meaningful relationships with a wide array of entrepreneurs. The opportunity to help businesses thrive and succeed is a privilege that Nic cherishes every day.
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own successful side hustles or full-time businesses, Nic emphasizes the importance of hard work and perseverance. Success doesn’t come overnight, and it requires dedication, resilience, and a belief in your vision. By staying focused on your goals and pushing through obstacles, you can achieve your entrepreneurial dreams.
In conclusion, Nic Beique’s journey from a teenage side hustler to the founder of Helcim is a testament to the power of determination and a passion for supporting small businesses. Through his innovative approach to payment processing and unwavering commitment to customer service, Nic has built a company that is making a positive impact on the business community.
