Helping unemployed young people create new businesses and new jobs. That's the focus of an innovative, new government program being administered in the Vancouver area by the YMCA of Greater Vancouver.

Under the program, the YMCA of Greater Vancouver has been awarded $849,579 to help 100 local youth develop their business ideas and entrepreneurial skills. The project is part of a new $1.65-million pilot program introduced by the B.C. government and funded through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Agreement.

The Youth Skills BC - Entrepreneurship Pilot Program is designed to assist unemployed youth (ages 15 to 29) who are non-Employment Insurance clients. It will support young people by enhancing their entrepreneurial, employability and occupational skills through the development of a formal business plan, mentorship and training.

This new program provides the opportunity for youth to participate in business training, work with local business owners and access one-on-one business coaching and development programs. Through the program, youth with a sound business concept can apply directly to the YMCA for assistance in developing their concept into a formal business plan.

Up to $5,000 per participant will be available to support pilot program activities and may include personal support during the development of the business plan, business seed funding, an education grant or the purchase of training.

Pilot project funding is also going to groups in Prince George, Victoria and Kelowna.

Quotes:

Steve Butz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Vancouver -

"Our youth have so much talent and so many brave ideas to offer-for the health of the community and for British Columbia. The YMCA is committed to nurturing the potential of children and youth, and we are thrilled that the government of B.C. is helping us to give young people the skills they need to succeed-both professionally and personally."

Learn More:

YMCA of Greater Vancouver: www.vanymca.org/cs/youthmeanbusiness.html

Contacts:

Gordon Keast
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation
250 356-7104

Robert Lee
YMCA - Community Programs
YMCA of Greater Vancouver
604 685-8066
1 888 298-3947 (Toll-Free in B.C.)