October 29, 2004 Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador The College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland and Labrador has launched an on-line management training program for young people (15-29 years old). The program is tailored for young people who want to start a business, as well as for those already in business who require training for a specific aspect of business management. Entitled Entrepreneurship for You!, the program is delivered using computers and telecommunications technology in combination with other media to make learning opportunities accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week across Atlantic Canada. The Government of Canada, through the Young Entrepreneur Development Initiative, administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), invested $122,475 in the on- line management training program. "This on-line management training program will allow young Atlantic Canadian business owners to have management training where they live and work," said the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for the ACOA. "The project fits with ACOA's strategy to promote and support business and economic growth in Atlantic Canada. By investing in our region's young entrepreneurs and helping them develop the necessary skills to start or grow their businesses, we are helping to improve the economy of our communities." The on-line program was originally launched in French in September 2002 by the New Brunswick Community College in Dieppe, the Université Sainte-Anne-Collège de l'Acadie and the Dieppe Net Community Access Centre. College of the North Atlantic joined the three initial partners to develop the program for English-speaking participants and conducted a successful pilot project from January to March 2004 in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. "Our college is a leader in distance education," states Pamela Walsh, President of College of the North Atlantic. "This program will enhance economic development in our region. Participants will acquire valuable knowledge and skills in the areas of marketing, production, finance and accounting, and management ¿ essential tools in the establishment and growth of new and existing business." Young people can register for a single module or for the entire program. Interested parties can contact College of the North Atlantic for registration information at 1-877-465-2250 or visit the 'Entrepreneurship for You!' web site at http://www.efy.ca. FOR BROADCAST USE ONLY: The College of the North Atlantic in Newfoundland and Labrador has launched an on-line management training program for young people. Called "Entrepreneurship for You", the program is aimed at young entrepreneurs who want to start a business, as well as at those already in business who require specific business management training. The program is accessible on-line across Atlantic Canada, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is funded by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). The Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister for ACOA, said the on-line management training program will ensure that young Atlantic Canadians can access small business management training no matter where they live. Young people can register for a single module or for the entire program. Interested parties can contact College of the North Atlantic for registration information at 1-877-465-2250 or visit the 'Entrepreneurship for You!' web site at www.efy.ca. - 30 - For more information, contact: Ron Crozier Office of the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (902) 888-4150 Marisa Piccini Communications Officer Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (506) 851-6403 John King, Chair, Distributed Learning Services College of the North Atlantic (709) 466-6944
