Young Entrepreneurs and Supporters to Come to Halifax
Halifax is the host city for what promises to be one of the largest entrepreneurship information and networking events in North America.
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship 2000 conference will be held May 2-6, at the World Trade and Convention Centre. The five day series of workshops, forums and round table discussions is expected to draw 1,000 delegates.
Spirit of Entrepreneurship 2000 is bringing together three previously separate conferences including Enterprise Edge, New Ventures and Young Entrepreneurs Going Places. The overlapping schedule of sessions for each group encourages networking and learning among all participants.
"The conference offers a unique opportunity to bring all elements of entrepreneurship together under one roof," said Chris Curtis, Chief Entrepreneurship Officer for the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development. "The energy and enthusiasm from youth; the insight and knowledge from entrepreneurs; the dedication and information from economic development professionals and educators will create synergy, enthusiasm, and motivation for all involved."
Keynote speakers during the conference include: Michael Donovan, Salter Street Films; Ellie Rubin, no. 1 national best-selling author of Bulldog - Spirit of the New Entrepreneur; Lesley Southwick Trask, Alchemy Business Services; Chris and Nancy Mathis, Mathis Instruments; Andrew Mercer, Full Tilt Music; Louis Jacques Filion, Montreal School of Business; and a motivational address by Major Deanna Braasseur, one of the first CF-18 female fighter pilots.
The conference kicks off with Enterprise Edge, May 2-5. This is the third such national conference for more than 300 educators and economic development professionals. The focus is on innovative programs that keep entrepreneurship thriving in communities across Canada.
Experts will share their experiences in entrepreneurship development and show how organizations and educational programs encourage and guide those who are starting a small business. Topics include entrepreneurship education, access to capital, venture creation, public awareness/access, entrepreneurship organizations, and specific programs.
New Ventures, May 4-5, is packed with practical information that will help 200 new entrepreneurs meet the challenges and opportunities posed by owning a business. Sessions range from attracting investors and e-commerce, to export and import substitution.
The sixth annual Young Entrepreneurs Going Places, May 4 6, closes the conference with a focus on youth. More than 500 young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship students from Atlantic Canada will network and attend sessions on marketing and developing time management skills.
On Friday night, May 5, Nikki Barnett of CBC's Street Cents will emcee the Planet Entrepreneur Awards banquet where the success of Atlantic Canada's new generation of entrepreneurs will be celebrated.
Delegates will shine again on Saturday, May 6, when they participate in the Entrepreneurial Olympics or sell their products to the public at a trade show at MicMac Mall in Dartmouth.
The Spirit of Entrepreneurship 2000 is funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Human Resources Development Canada and the Nova Scotia Departments of Economic Development and Education. Sponsors include Atlantic Progress, CBC-TV, Royal Bank Financial Group, Certified General Accountants' Association of Canada and Sable Offshore Energy Incorporated.
The conference website will be updated frequently, up to and during the conference. For profiles of speakers, more detailed descriptions of sessions, accommodations and travel information, or to register online, visit www.planetentrepreneur.com .
AUX RÉDACTEURS EN CHEF: Ce communiqué est également disponible en français; c. élec. Release@gov.ns.ca .