Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency invests in young entrepreneurs
News release
Minister Mélanie Joly announces more than $5.2 million to expand entrepreneurial opportunities, create more jobs for Atlantic Canadian youth and strengthen the economy
Moncton, New Brunswick, July 15, 2020 – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
The future of Atlantic Canada’s economy relies on the talent and skills of our young people. From high school students starting small summer enterprises to college and university graduates leading promising start-ups, Atlantic Canadian youth are critical to continued growth and success, and the Government of Canada is there to support them.
Federal government support for young entrepreneurs in Atlantic Canada
As nations around the world celebrate World Youth Skills Day, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced more than $5.2 million in federal investments to support young entrepreneurs across Atlantic Canada.
Delivered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), this funding will support 21 initiatives with numerous organizations that promote youth entrepreneurship. This includes programs such as Youth Ventures, an initiative of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Business Development Corporations, designed to empower students aged 12-29 to turn their hobbies, interests and passions into money-making, profitable ventures, which help grow the entrepreneurial spirit among talented young entrepreneurs.
Today’s announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada’s commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs through this difficult time. Helping young people navigate their way through a career in entrepreneurship will help set Atlantic Canada on a course for future prosperity and initiatives to help do this will only become more important as our economy rebuilds and evolves in the years to come.
Quotes
“The energy and ingenuity of young Canadians are critical to the success of our economy. We know that young entrepreneurs have been hit hard by COVID-19, and we stand with them. Our message to them is clear: we’ve been here for you with immediate measures, we’re here for you now as our economy reopens and we’ll work with you to create more jobs.”
-The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA“ACOA has long invested in young entrepreneurs by providing access to funding, education and training, and fostering a supportive ecosystem. I’m pleased that the Agency’s investments in our region’s young people at this critical time will help increase awareness of entrepreneurship opportunities and enable them to play an active part in rebuilding our economy.”
- René Arseneault, Member of Parliament for Madawaska-Restigouche and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (ACOA and Official Languages)
Quick facts
-
The funding announced today is provided through the Regional Innovation Ecosystems stream of ACOA’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program and the Business Development Program, which support projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance the development and growth of businesses and facilitate innovation.
-
ACOA is providing more than $5.2 million in non-repayable contributions to support 21 initiatives led by 15 organizations that focus on increasing entrepreneurship skills, awareness and opportunities for youth in Atlantic Canada.
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Jeremy Ghio
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages
jeremy.ghio@canada.ca
Cathy Thériault
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
cathy.theriault@canada.ca
506-377-4964
Page details
- Date modified: