1 June 2007
Newfoundland and Labrador
Over 100 high school students from across the province are
putting their business skills to the test during the annual
Enterprise Olympics in Gander from May 31 June 3, 2007,
thanks in part to an investment of almost $160,000 provided
through Canada's New Government's Youth Entrepreneurship
Development Initiative (YEDI) and the Youth Awareness
Program. "Through this investment of almost $160,000, Canada's New
Government is showing support for initiatives that
emphasize the importance of entrepreneurship to our
nation's youth," said the Honourable Loyola Hearn, Minister
of Fisheries and Oceans and Regional Minister for
Newfoundland and Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable
Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of
the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); and the
Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and
Social Development. "The Enterprise Olympics highlights the
spirit of competition in Newfoundland and Labrador and
helps our young people gain the skills and experience they
will need to succeed in a strong, competitive Atlantic
Canada."This investment of almost $160,000 from Canada's New
Government helps support the YMCA-YWCA's year-long
entrepreneurial initiative that culminates with the
Enterprise Olympics, a conference where students
participate in a business showcase and business plan
competition. Programs throughout the year are aimed at
different age groups and include the Create a Logo program
for students in Grades four to six; Market Your Thoughts
for Grades seven to nine, and the Newfoundland and Labrador
Credit Union Business Plan and Showcase Competition for
high school students."We are delighted to receive this funding. We have a long
history of leading this project in Newfoundland and
Labrador and the continuing support from ACOA and Service
Canada is very much appreciated. The Y helps build strong
kids, strong families, and strong communities, and this
project helps us reach thousands of youth across the
province," says Y CEO Jason Brown.ACOA's investment of $115, 086 is through the Young
Entrepreneur Development Initiative (YEDI), a $15.6 million
initiative targeting the development of entrepreneurship
and business skills among Atlantic Canada's youth. It is
one of three components of the Entrepreneurship and
Business Skills Development program, and enables ACOA to
invest in various youth entrepreneurship projects. Human
Resources and Social Development's investment of $42,826 is
through the Youth Awareness Program.The YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon is a leading charity that
fosters self confidence and a sense of community that
empowers young people to be the best they can be. FOR BROADCAST USE:More than 100 high school students from across Newfoundland
and Labrador will put their business and entrepreneurial
skills to the test at the Enterprise Olympics, being held
in Gander. Canada's New Government is investing almost
$160,000 in the Enterprise Olympics program, with $115,086
from ACOA and $42,826 from Service Canada. The Enterprise
Olympics is a year-end conference where students showcase
their business ideas and compete in a business planning
competition. Hosted by the YMCA-YWCA of Northeast Avalon,
the event is the highlight in a year-long entrepreneurial
initiative. The Enterprise Olympics are taking place from
May 31 to June 3.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Summers
Director, Y Enterprise Centre
709-739-9933
Julie Afonso
A/Director, Public Affairs
ACOA
709-772-2984
Lorne Lambert
Service Canada
709-772-5346
