Provincial partnership aims to inspire next generation of Aboriginal entrepreneurs

Press Release

Aboriginal high school students will benefit from new business and skills training opportunities, thanks to a partnership between the Province, JA British Columbia (JABC), Community Futures Development Corporation of the Central Interior First Nations and the Aboriginal Business Services Network.

The B.C. Small Business Roundtable is providing $34,300 to JABC for a pilot project to introduce its Youth Aboriginal Business Circles program in eight selected communities: Prince George, Kamloops, Kelowna, Neskonlith, Fort St. John, Moberly Lake, Cranbrook, Tsilhqot’in – Williams Lake. The Aboriginal Business Services Network has provided $12,000 and Community Futures has contributed $5,000 toward the project.

Modelled on JABC’s “Be Entrepreneurial” program, this new project will inspire and prepare Aboriginal youth to start a business of their own by giving students access to the relevant skills, knowledge and confidence necessary to create a business plan. When finished, the students will be empowered to achieve their goals, actively participate in B.C.’s workforce and contribute to the economy.

The Youth Aboriginal Business Circles pilot project will be delivered in four structured lessons, developed by volunteer trainers and facilitated by local business leaders in each of the eight communities.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Minister Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch, MLA for Cariboo North –

“Young entrepreneurs are essential to B.C.’s small business growth and prosperity. That’s why we’re partnering with JA British Columbia and Community Futures to invest in programs like the Youth Aboriginal Business Circles initiative, which helps give high school students the business skills and coaching they need to turn their dreams into a reality.”

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Minister Responsible for Labour, MLA for Prince George-Valemount –

“The Youth Aboriginal Business Circles pilot project supports a critical goal of the BC Jobs Plan to increase the participation of First Nation people in the economy. By supporting our young entrepreneurs and championing small business, we continue to help build a diverse, strong and growing economy for British Columbia.”

Mike Morris, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie –

“This project is about the future of this region and the young people who will become tomorrow’s leaders. Learning the skills it takes to run a business is an invaluable education, regardless of what professional path these students choose later in life. This program goes one step further, encouraging students to identify business opportunities in their own backyard. When young people are proud of where they live and work, they continue to build stronger, safer communities. Congratulations to JABC and the students who will take part in the Youth Aboriginal Business Circle.”

Jan Bell-Irving, JA British Columbia –

“This partnership will help us reach more Aboriginal youth in these eight communities in B.C. By leveraging our strengths with those of Community Futures Development Corporation of the Central Interior First Nations’, we can provide more Aboriginal youth access to the skills and coaching they need to become successful in business.”

Chief Judy Wilson, Chief of Neskonlith Indian Band and member of the B.C. Small Business Roundtable –

“Aboriginal youth entrepreneurs are incredibly important to building strong communities throughout British Columbia, to strengthen these linkages the Roundtable is excited to provide funding to expand business expertise for young people in eight communities. I look forward to seeing what the students of the program do in the future!”

Geri Collins, Community Futures Development Corporation of Central First Nations –

“The opportunity to provide the JA British Columbia program to our Aboriginal Youth in an Aboriginal context is exciting. Our people are underrepresented in business ownership and this initiative provides hope and opportunity for our youth to actively participate and change this in the future.”

Jordan Low, Aboriginal youth entrepreneur in Prince George –

“As a business owner, having a local mentor, and learning to develop a business plan, are two important elements to success in business that this program will provide. Having these supports available to young entrepreneurs will help more youth become inspired to create their own businesses.”

Quick Facts:

• The Youth Aboriginal Business Circles Pilot Program will inspire and prepare Aboriginal youth with business skills through the “Be Entrepreneurial” program that will give students an understanding of the important role that planning plays in starting a small business.
• Aboriginal people are the fastest-growing young demographic in British Columbia. Nearly half of all Aboriginal people in B.C. are younger than 25 years of age, a key target of the Skills for Jobs Blueprint is to increase Aboriginal workforce participation by 15,000 new Aboriginal workers by 2024.
• Government created a permanent B.C. Small Business Roundtable in 2005, giving small businesses a voice in government.
• The Roundtable brings together small business owners and industry association leaders to provide advice and recommendations to government and to improve the small-business environment in British Columbia.
• JABC matches students to trusted and relevant business leaders from their own community who share their real-life experiences. JABC has been teaching young people work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills in B.C. for over 60 years.
• Community Futures Development Corporation of Central First Nations was created in 1990. It is one of 25 Aboriginal Community Futures designations countrywide. Each is governed by a volunteer board of directors representing the Aboriginal communities it serves.
• The B.C. chapter of JABC is part of an international non-profit organization delivering business training programs through partnerships with local schools, together with individual volunteers from local business communities.

Learn More:

JA British Columbia: www.jabc.ca (british-columbia.jacan.org)

B.C. Small Business Roundtable: http://www.smallbusinessroundtable.ca/

Community Futures Development Corporation of Central Interior First Nations:http://www.cfdcofcifn.com/

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