News Release Archive
NEWS RELEASE (CNS689) -->> ECONOMIC RENEWAL--MANN MEETS GENERATION X AT AUBURN HIGH ECONOMIC RENEWAL--MANN MEETS GENERATION X AT AUBURN HIGH ----------------------------------------------------------------- Economic Renewal Minister Richard Mann congratulated some of Nova Scotia's best young entrepreneurs today, as they launched a booklet, YES! Discover Nova Scotia's Bright New Business Stars, at Dartmouth's Auburn Drive High School. As a kick-off to Small Business Week, Mr. Mann listened with students at Auburn, as some of the entrepreneurs featured in the booklet told of their first experiences in business for themselves. "You've heard media stories about Generation X not getting their fair share of opportunities. These business people are proof that young Nova Scotians can make their own jobs," said Mr. Mann. The booklet highlights students who have used the Economic Renewal Agency's Youth Entrepreneurial Skills Program (YES) to kick-start their own businesses. Dan Ross, 21, of Antigonish used the loan to open Ross Screenprint, a silk screen business. His t-shirt printing shop soon expanded to include uniforms, ball caps and even the official ties for the G7 Halifax Summit. Mr. Ross told 350 Grade 12 students to be aggressive and optimistic in chasing their dreams. "It's people who run businesses, not statistics. If you really want to succeed, you will." Scott Richards, an entrepreneur highlighted in the book, began by selling mini donuts at Halifax's Metro Centre in 1988. He ended up running three downtown Subway franchises. Richards is now part owner of Concentrics Communications, an Internet conferencing company, and is challenging corporate giants like IBM in a growing marketplace. "You never know where it will lead," said Mr. Richards. "Do something you already like doing, or something you're good at, or both." Mr. Mann said the entrepreneurs set a fine example for other students to follow, and represented the economy of the future. "Of all the students who have started a business through YES, more than one third are currently running their own businesses. It's great to see young people taking control of their lives, making money, and making jobs for themselves and for others." The YES booklet is available from the Royal Bank, libraries, Business Service Centres and the Nova Scotia Government Book Store. -30- Contact: Steve Fairbairn 902-424-5836 trp Oct. 21, 1996 - 10 a.m.