Helping young artists explore entrepreneurship

News release

Bay It Forward to deliver ARTpreneurs program in Glace Bay to creative youth aged 18 to 22

September 6, 2019 – Glace Bay, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Atlantic Canada’s vibrant startup ecosystem drives innovation, economic growth and the creation of high quality jobs. That is why the Government of Canada is enabling the #Bayitforward Community Development Society (Bay It Forward) to help young, creative arts entrepreneurs to develop the skills necessary to turn their passions into business plans, building economic, cultural and social growth in Cape Breton.

The non-profit organization, in partnership with Youth Art Connection (YAC), will deliver the ARTpreneurs program in Glace Bay to young people between the ages of 18 and 22 who are interested in the arts and culture sector. The goal is to help them develop the skills and understanding needed to succeed as entrepreneurs. The program will also help retain and attract people to Cape Breton, and contribute to the dynamic creative economy ecosystem.

Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced support for the project today.

The Government of Canada is making smart investments that will create good, middle-class jobs in our country. It is helping Atlantic Canadian communities access the tools they need to create sustainable economic growth. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is working to achieve its Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.

Quotes

“Supporting Atlantic Canada’s vibrant cultural and creative sector helps to diversify the regional economy. By providing young artists with the tools and resources they need to pursue their passions and build new careers, we are making an investment in our country’s future prosperity and driving our economy forward.”

-     The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“Atlantic Canada is home to a growing number of successful innovation-based startups, including those in the creative economy. The ARTpreneurs program will help develop the next generation of creative entrepreneurs. It will encourage people to stay or move to Cape Breton – to live, work and invest in the area, building the economy here for generations to come.”

-     Rodger Cuzner, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso

“Nova Scotia is home to a thriving creative economy including a number of aspiring artists. By supporting the delivery of the ARTpreneurs program in Glace Bay, the government is investing in our young, creative entrepreneurs, our community and the economic prosperity of the region.”

-     The Honourable Geoff MacLellan, on behalf of the Honourable Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, Province of Nova Scotia

Quick facts

  • #Bayitforward Community Development Society was founded three years ago by a group of community members and business owners who share a common interest in shaping a positive future for Glace Bay by building partnerships to promote and initiate growth.

  • Since 2014, approximately 150 young Nova Scotians have graduated from the ARTpreneurs programs offered throughout the province. The 10-week program, which enables artists to learn business principles, meet established artists, and present and sell a creative service or product at a pop-up art marketplace, was developed by YAC.

  • In Glace Bay there will be three ARTpreneurs cohorts, each with five youth. The first cohort is expected to begin in October.

  • The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) is providing a $140,714 contribution to #Bayitforward Community Development Society to help deliver the program.

  • The province of Nova Scotia, through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage, is providing a $60,000 contribution.

Contacts

Lori Selig
Acting Director
Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-266-7477 (cell)
lori.selig@canada.ca

Lynette MacLeod
Media Relations Advisor
Communities, Culture and Heritage
902-229-0785
Lynette.MacLeod@novascotia.ca

Pam Leader
Founder and Executive Member
#Bayitforward Community Development Society
902-578-7423 (cell)
pamleader@savoytheatre.com

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