The B.C. government is investing in emerging business leaders with new funding to expand a successful Futurpreneur program that offers business skills and coaching for young entrepreneurs launching new small businesses.

The Province is providing $50,000 to Futurpreneur so it can expand its reach by offering Rock My business Plan workshops in Prince George, Nanaimo and Kelowna. The curriculum of the one-day sessions will be tailored to the participants with personal coaching for business planning and marketing.

Futurpreneur, formally known as the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, is the primary, national non-profit organization providing financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring small-business owners and entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 years.

The Province provided $75,000 in funding to Futurpreneur in 2008 through the Partnership Funding Program for a pilot project aimed at expanding the organization’s rural outreach. This funding was used to develop training materials, events, workshops and marketing, resulting in 27 new business startups in rural B.C.

To date, Futurpreneur has invested in 1,066 new businesses in B.C., resulting in 5,117 new jobs and an estimated $32 million in tax revenue. Futurepreneur raises approximately $2 million to $3 million annually from public- and private-sector organizations, to leverage federal government funding.

Quotes:

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

“Young entrepreneurs are essential to B.C.’s small-business growth and prosperity. That’s why we’re investing in programs like Rock My Business Plan to spark the entrepreneurial spirit of aspiring young business owners and to give them the business skills and coaching they will need to open businesses that are designed to succeed and grow.”

Paulina Cameron, regional director, Futurpreneur –

“Futurpreneur Canada appreciates the B.C. government’s support of Rock My Business Plan. This program will help young entrepreneurs develop the confidence and skills necessary to launch and grow their businesses. Over 250 young entrepreneurs have already taken this workshop in Vancouver with great success. We look forward to expanding this successful program into other communities, such as Prince George, Nanaimo and Kelowna.”

Melissa Mills, owner, Spread’Em Kitchen –

“I had a hard time finishing my business plan on my own because I felt really overwhelmed with the amount of information I thought I needed. Rock My Business Plan helped me break my business plan down into manageable chunks so I could get clear about how I was going to grow my business. The group environment helped give me confidence and made me feel accountable.”

Quick Facts:

• Futurpreneur works with more than 64 community partners throughout B.C. to reach young entrepreneurs in sectors critical to strengthening the economy, including accommodation and food services, information, retail, health and wellness, education/child care and computer/software.
• Futurpreneur BC offered Rock My Business Plan in 2015 in Vancouver with proven success. Over 250 aspiring business owners have taken the workshop since its inception and 64% of applicants received financing and mentorship from Futurpreneur Canada.
• B.C. continues to foster an entrepreneurship culture, including the declaration of October as Small Business Month and supporting programs that expose youth to business training and prepare them for future careers in business.

Learn More:

To find out more information about Futurpreneur, please visit: http://www.futurpreneur.ca/