$75,000 EMPOWERS RURAL YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS

KAMLOOPS – The provincial government is providing $75,000 for a pilot project designed to encourage young people from rural areas of British Columbia to start small businesses, announced Kevin Krueger, Minister of Small Business and Revenue.

“Empowering Rural Youth to Start Successful Businesses” will be delivered by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) in partnership with Small Business BC (SBBC) until March 31, 2009.

“This innovative project takes the guesswork out of the start-up process by providing young entrepreneurs with the necessary tools for creating a small business,” said Krueger. “By teaching young people in even the most rural parts of the province how to build and sustain a successful small business, we are fostering the next generation of business leaders in British Columbia.”

The project includes a variety of interactive workshops offered via video conferencing link, key information about CYBF financing options, follow-up contact with participants, and assistance with the business application process.

“Our biggest challenge has been getting key information to young entrepreneurs on how to access start-up financing,” said Cathy Delaney, B.C. director for CYBF. “Thanks to the generous support of the provincial government, we can now leverage Small Business BC’s video conferencing network and deliver our program cost-effectively to an interested, motivated audience across British Columbia.”

The Small Business BC video conferencing network, established in June, offers greater access to business workshops and seminars in 15 B.C. communities, and connects users to a larger network of video conferencing sites through Community Futures offices.

“Small Business BC is delighted to assist the CYBF in delivering this exciting new project,” said Rod Young, acting general manager, Small Business BC. “We share the Province’s and CYBF’s vision for young entrepreneurs to build sustainable businesses within their local communities. Providing access to our video conferencing network will help make this vision a reality in British Columbia.”

CYBF is a national charity that has helped young people start more than 2,700 new businesses across Canada since 1996. The organization, which delivers business start-up programs to over 1,600 Canadian communities, provides start-up financing, mentoring and business resources for young entrepreneurs aged 18-34.

Small Business BC is a not-for-profit agency funded by the provincial and federal governments, and is a key resource centre for business information and services.

October is Small Business Month in British Columbia. Proclaimed by Premier Gordon Campbell for the first time in 2007, Small Business Month recognizes and celebrates the valuable contribution small businesses in all regions make to British Columbia’s economy.

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Media contact:	Christine Wood Communications Director Ministry of Small Business and Revenue 250 387-4193

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