News Release Archive
EDUCATION/CULTURE--FUTURE QUEST PROGRAM ----------------------------------------------------------------- Aspiring, young entrepreneurs can now receive assistance in starting their own business under a new program called Future Quest - The Business Creation Program being offered by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED) in conjunction with Human Resources Development Canada's Youth Employment Strategy. The program has been designed to take the participants on a "quest" to the entrepreneur within themselves. Successful applicants are required to go through an intensive, one-week assessment program which includes self-assessment and peer-assessment. Activities include workshops led by successful entrepreneurs and business simulations. Participants are also required to run a business-for-a-day in which they actually start and finish a business in one day. To be accepted into the full entrepreneurial program, candidates must receive a recommendation based on the assessment week. The second stage provides individualized programs, activities and mentoring that build on the strengths and weaknesses identified in the assessment week. Participants are expected to launch their businesses within 8 to 12 weeks of starting the program but will continue to receive guidance and support for a period of time. Incubation facilities for business start-ups will be provided as necessary. The support provided includes income assistance on an "as-needed-basis". The program is activity based, emphasizing hands-on activities and entrepreneurial tours. "Future Quest is a new, innovative program for youth that goes beyond the off-the-shelf, cookie-cutter approach to providing training." said Chris Curtis, chief executive officer, Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development. Assessment weeks are now being scheduled for April and May. The program will run continuously for the next 18 months. Applications are available at Open for Business, 1521 Grafton Street, Halifax or by calling Ms. Sunday Miller at 902-424-7609. "We are looking for applicants between the ages of 16 and 30 interested in starting their own business, who are highly motivated, creative, action-oriented and determined to succeed," said Ms. Miller, project coordinator for Future Quest. CEED is dedicated to the creation of a vibrant, dynamic, self-reliant, entrepreneurial culture. CEED nurtures entrepreneurship in young people by undertaking, creating, coordinating, and acting as a catalyst in the areas of: Entrepreneurship Education, Research and Program Design, Professional Development and Community Entrepreneurship. -30- Contact: Colin Craig 902-424-7246 trp Apr. 3, 1997 - 1 p.m.