News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--'OPEN FOR BUSINESS' OPENS FOR BUSINESS ----------------------------------------------------------------- Open for Business is a radically different approach to an employment centre. It's aimed at young people, 30 and under, and it promotes an entrepreneurial culture. Instead of simply looking for a job, visitors to Open for Business can create their own. It's a place for people to discover and develop their entrepreneurial skills and to turn their good ideas into businesses. At Thursday's official opening, visitors to the storefront on the corner of Spring Garden Road and Grafton Street, in Halifax, could observe youth learning about entrepreneurship. They could also see products and services of other entrepreneurs, showcased in the Youth Market, and real success stories featuring local entrepreneurs on the Wall of Fame. The Open for Business operation is made possible by partnerships between the Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Agency, Human Resources Development Canada, the Centre for Entrepreneurship, Education and Development, and MT&T. It is staffed by two coordinators and five peer mentors trained as counsellors and information officers. "This storefront will lead to more people becoming entrepreneurs and creating jobs for themselves and other young Nova Scotians. Goals have been set and the centre expects to help over 1,000 young people before the end of September," said Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison. Harry Vaughan, associate director general, Human Resources Development Canada, said: "Only the strength of partnerships can mobilize governments, the private sector and other agencies to effectively help youth to create their own opportunities in the current and future labor markets." In addition to business advice, Open for Business provides a public access computer, and nine additional classroom computers for individual training. Users can "surf the Net" for business ideas or learn to use small business software. Regular workshops and seminars will target business start-ups, with expert input from many other sources, such as other young entrepreneurs, bankers, and lawyers. "The storefront is for youth looking to take control of their own future. We want to show them that starting a business is possible and that they can do it. We offer them the opportunity to generate ideas, explore opportunities and actually start a business," said Chris Curtis, manager of the project and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development. Open for Business is open between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. -30- Contact: Colin Craig 902-424-7246 trp August 08, 1996 - 1:00 p.m.