July 24, 2007
The Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, started in 2006, will see the enhancement of capacity building throughout the region by creating a regional team, a regional Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator and six local Youth Coordinators. The Regional Coordinator provides continued product/service development to the entire region, as well as ongoing training to the local Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinators. These Coordinators are based out of the Nord-Aski - Hearst, North Claybelt CFDC - Kapuskasing, The Venture Centre - Timmins, the Kirkland & District Community Development Corporation, the South Temiskaming CFDC - Haileybury, the NECO CFDC - North Bay and Economic Partners - Sturgeon Falls. By basing these coordinators in the location above, the CFDCs create a region-wide scope for the Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative, and foster a cohesive and consistent Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative. (RYEI)
Through the Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator, information on successful Youth Entrepreneurship projects, initiated by North Claybelt CFDC and others, have been and will continue to be disseminated across the region. These programs include the:
1. Youth Entrepreneurship Training Program (40-48 week training program)
2. Youth Enterprise Camp Enterprise Jeunesse
3. FedNor Secondary School Business Plan Challenge
4. Elementary school programs such as "Create a logo" and "Market your thoughts"
5. "Youth Ink"
6. Youth Cartoon Animated Business Plan
Other programs or initiatives are also being explored and possibly added to the roster of activities. Furthermore, with the assistance and support of the RYE Coordinators, the local Entrepreneurship Coordinators will be able to introduce any of these programs to their catchments areas.
This initiative benefits youth ages 8-30 from the seven participating CFDCs. This concept is offering a medium for entrepreneurship growth and sustainability. They expect to impact the current trend in youth out migration as they promote self-employment as a viable option for job creation. Perhaps even more important, they will influence the business environment in NE Ontario by developing and promoting an entrepreneurial culture in their youth, our future leaders.
They hope these initiatives will expand to our other northeastern CFDC partners and help build long-term benefits for their rural communities as well.