The Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre in partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment has announced the launch of a new program to help rural youth explore and experience self-employment.
Known as V Y B E (Viable Youth Business Enterprise), the program will provide youth, aged 15-29, with an experiential learning opportunity in which they:
– create a business idea;
– research the market;
– develop marketing and operational plan;
– launch and run the business for one day;
– analyze the results of their business performance;
– build a plan for next steps.
This will be accomplished through three half-day workshops and one operational (sales) day.
The first V Y B E session is scheduled for Fergus during the week of July 23. Working in partnership with both Northern Lights and 2nd Chance Employment the workshops will be facilitated in the Northern Lights facility in Fergus. Sessions are also being planned for Aug. 13 in Mount Forest and Aug. 23 (tentatively) in Minto.
Organizers are looking for local business support in the areas of marketing and recruitment for the VYBE program, and sales venues for the sale day event, as well as support and encouragement from the business community.
Further, the final day of workshops will be dedicated to participants presenting the stories of their success, learning and next steps, with the public welcome to take part.
For more information or to get involved contact Harold DeVries program lead/small business advisor with Guelph-Wellington Business Enterprise Centre at 519-826-4701 or harold@guelphbusiness.com.
