Youth Can Do It! entrepreneurship event wraps up in Ottawa

Minister Chagger congratulates 25 young entrepreneurs from across Canada after three days of networking and mentorship

OTTAWA, June 12, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to supporting youth on their entrepreneurial journeys and to encouraging small business development in a new generation of young entrepreneurs.

From June 10 to 12, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism, along with Futurpreneur Canada, BDC and Startup Canada, hosted 25 young entrepreneurs in Ottawa. These participants, aged 18 to 24, liaised with business experts, engaged in panel discussions and refined their business skills through hands-on activities. They also had the opportunity to discuss the challenges facing young entrepreneurs and the support needed for their endeavours.

Through Youth Can Do It! (YCDI), these passionate entrepreneurs received advice from experienced business leaders, built relationships with mentors and met with senior government officials. They leave Ottawa with new knowledge and contacts to help them grow their businesses and prepare them for the next stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

The complete list of the 25 selected young entrepreneurs is available on the Youth Can Do It! website.

Quotes

"I'm inspired by this group of passionate, creative and driven young entrepreneurs. I have full confidence that the resources and skills they have acquired during Youth Can Do It! will help them contribute to the great community of Canadian SMEs and flourish in their drive to grow their own businesses. I encourage all Canadian youth with similar ambitions to go and achieve their entrepreneurial dreams. Remember, better is always possible!"
? The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Small Business and Tourism

"The Canadian entrepreneurial ecosystem is built on collaboration, and Futurpreneur Canada is proud to support programs like Youth Can Do It! that play a vital role in the development of young entrepreneurs. We believe that youth entrepreneurship is an effective response to the constant evolution of work. We pride ourselves in maintaining and encouraging a nimble entrepreneurial mindset that will ultimately play a vital role in Canada's economic growth and prosperity."
? Dan Ouimet, Senior Vice-President, External Engagement, Futurpreneur Canada

"Canadian entrepreneurs, both young and old, have what it takes to make it in business: passion, drive and energy. BDC understands the challenges that they face, which is why we are happy to share insights and best practices with tomorrow's entrepreneurs. We want to help them succeed in their entrepreneurial ventures. YCDI is an inspiring initiative, for youth and BDC alike!"
? Michel Bergeron, Senior Vice-President, Marketing and Public Affairs, BDC

"Supporting young Canadians to take action on their ideas and make an impact through entrepreneurship is imperative to building a better future. Startup Canada is proud to support the Youth Can Do It! initiative as part of our commitment to working with the Government of Canada to advance the culture and conditions for entrepreneurial success across Canada."
? Victoria Lennox, CEO, Startup Canada

Quick facts

• Partners in Youth Can Do it! included Futurpreneur Canada, the Business Development Bank of Canada, Startup Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada's Office of Small and Medium Enterprises, Innovative Solutions Canada, the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, and CanExport.
• Business experts included Corey Ellis, Devon Brooks, Melinda Jacobs, Raphael Morneau-Bérubé, Suzanne Grant, Dave Hale, Patrick White, Michael-Anthony Clement, Katherine Roos, Karla Briones, Stephen Daze, Aleatha Bedard-Poole, Nick Quain, Jason Daley, Swish Goswami, Keriann Johnson, Peter Wilenius, Shawna Tregunna, Jarrod Goldsmith, Elise Racicot, Sunshine Tenasco and Katie Boothby.
• Candidates were selected from an open application process based on a specific set of criteria to ensure regional representation, diversity and inclusiveness.

Associated links

• Youth Can Do It!
• Futurpreneur Canada
• BDC
• Startup Canada

Follow Minister Chagger on social media.
Twitter: @MinofSBT 
Instagram: minofsbt

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada