September 30, 2004 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the School of Business Administration at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) are pleased to announce the establishment of the Right on Island program. In recent years, Prince Edward Island's economy has evolved into a more innovative and diverse economy involving industries such as biotechnology, aerospace, information technology, tourism and manufacturing leading to many more business opportunities than existed in previous generations. "Through our entrepreneurship and business skills development strategy, ACOA is seeking to create an environment where starting your own business is seen as a valid career choice," said Joe McGuire, Minister for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "With small and medium-sized businesses creating 60 percent of the new jobs in our region, the growth of entrepreneurial attitudes among our young people represents a tremendous opportunity for our region's economy." Right on Island is a versatile peer-to-peer presentation directed at young people to help them recognize the many opportunities that are available in PEI's rapidly evolving economy. The multimedia presentation, which features business profiles and video testimonials, is designed to instil the idea of "making a job" rather than "taking a job" into the mindset of PEI's youth. "Right on Island is committed to working with the Department of Education, Holland College and industry leaders to ensure we are providing up-to-date information. Young people are the Island's future and it is important that they be given a clear understanding of the many opportunities available to them right here on PEI," said Joan Fleming, Director of the Right on Island program. ACOA is providing funding for this initiative through the Young Entrepreneur Development Initiative (YEDI), a $15.6 million initiative targeting the development of entrepreneurship and business skills among 15-29 year olds in Atlantic Canada. It is one of three components of the Entrepreneurship and Business Skills Development announced in October 2002, and will enable ACOA to invest in various youth entrepreneurship projects over the next couple of years. To find out more information, check-out our website at rightonisland.upei.ca. - 30 - Ron Crozier Office of the Minister for ACOA (902) 888-4150 Joan Fleming UPEI School of Business Administration (902) 566-0975 jofleming@upei.ca Wes Harrison ACOA PEI & Tourism (902) 368-0842 wes.harrison@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
