News release

Students Encouraged to Start 100 Businesses in 100 Days

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (Jan. 2011 - April 2015)

A café with fresh baked goods, gourmet coffee and plenty of comfy couches is just the kind of place Rachael Plamondon thinks Pictou needs, and she wants to be the one to start that business.

"I see people coming there to meet up with friends, or maybe see a local artist perform on a Sunday afternoon," says Ms. Plamondon. "It's a business I've been thinking about starting for a while now, and I really think it could be successful."

Ms. Plamondon is taking the next step toward realizing her vision by participating in The Startup 100. The project's goal is to help 100 students create 100 new businesses in 100 days. It is being led by the Sobey School Business Development Centre at Saint Mary's University in Halifax and officially starts today, Feb. 20.

"The Startup 100 is launching at the right time because we're having more discussions than ever before about how to increase entrepreneurship and encourage our youth to remain here and build local economies," said Sobey School Business Development Centre manager Michael Sanderson. "We're thrilled to be able to support programming that addresses some of the most critical issues faced by Nova Scotia communities."

The Startup 100 provides youth throughout the province with skills to build businesses, mentorship, networking and funding opportunities.

Government is providing $22,520 in support for the project, and students may be eligible for a $5,000 interest-free loan through the Students in Business program. Nova Scotia is also providing $25,000 for the Starting Point Student Entrepreneurship Conference at Saint Mary's University.

"Rachael's café sounds like a place I'd want to visit on my way to and from Cape Breton," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson. "I hope many more of our young entrepreneurs will pursue their ideas by taking on this challenge, and when they do we'll be ready to do our part by offering support and creating the right conditions for success."

If everything goes according to plan, Ms. Plamondon could start her business this summer, after she graduates from the business administration program at the Stellarton Nova Scotia Community College in June.

"With a little mentorship and advice, I really think this could be the push I need to get my business plan together and get started," said Ms. Plamondon.

For more information on The Startup 100, visit www.smu.ca/startup100 .