Young Entrepreneurs Info-Guide

The Info-Guide is a document designed to help you navigate through the different government programs, services and regulations and identify those of interest. Although most of the questions will be answered in the Info-Guide, the list is by no means exhaustive. The selected items provide a helpful overview of programs, services and regulations in a related area. This blended product of both federal and provincial information is developed to answer a growing demand for strategic information by business people. Municipal and other non-government information could be included, depending on the content and region.

Young Entrepreneurs Business Programs and Services

Young Entrepreneur Awards

Every year since 1988, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has honoured the achievements of dynamic young Canadian business people under the age of 30 through the BDC Young Entrepreneur Awards. Outstanding entrepreneurs representing thirteen businesses -- one from each province and territory -- are selected by independent committees comprised of business professionals, entrepreneurs, educators and representatives of the business media and Export Development Corporation (EDC).

For further information, see Info-FAX document No. 1946, contact the Business Development Bank of Canada at 1-888-463-6232 or visit BDC's Web site at: http://www.bdc.ca

Young Entrepreneurs Mentor Program

The Young Entrepreneur Awards have a tradition of recognizing the brightest young business people from across Canada. (Note: see document No. 1946 - Young Entrepreneur Awards). In 1994, to complement these awards, the Business Development Bank of Canada created a mentorship program. Each winner of an award is matched with a prominent business person from his or her province or territory, giving them access to the experience, knowledge and insight that comes from years of successful business endeavours.

For further information, see Info-FAX document No. 2016, contact the Business Development Bank of Canada at 1-888-463-6232 or visit BDC's Web site at: http://www.bdc.ca

Financial Assistance for Young Entrepreneurs

Aboriginal Business Canada

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) provides support to Aboriginal entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand their own businesses or to improve existing ones by giving them access to financing and information that will help them enhance their management skills. Primarily targeting small businesses, Aboriginal Business Canada is increasing its emphasis on supporting proposals involving expansion of domestic and export markets, tourism, technology adoption and enhancement, and youth entrepreneurship.

For further information, see Info-FAX document No. 1398, contact the Aboriginal Business Canada at (514) 283-1828 or visit ABC's Web site at: http://abc-eac.ic.gc.ca

Aboriginal Business Canada - Youth Entrepreneurship

Aboriginal Business Canada (ABC) is placing priority on supporting initiatives that encourage Aboriginal youth to get into business. This includes supporting entrepreneurship development and the application of information technology skills to business. The maximum contribution is $75,000. Contributions are tailored to the requirements of the business. This initiative also provides assistance with business plan preparation, marketing and financing for business startup, expansion, modernization, or acquisition of a commercially viable business and other services.

For further information, see Info-FAX document No. 2022, contact  Aboriginal Business Canada at (514) 283-1828 or visit ABC's Web site at: http://abc-eac.ic.gc.ca

Student Business Loans Program

The Student Business Loans Program offers loans up to $3000 for student entrepreneurs to operate their own businesses during the summer months. The financing can be used for start-up and operating costs. BDC Connex will review and approve applications. Financing for approved applications is provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

For further information, see Info-FAX document No. 1085, contact the Business Development Bank of Canada at (867) 873-3565 or visit  BDC's Web site at: http://bdc.ca

Young Entrepreneurs Financing Program

The Young Entrepreneurs Financing Program is aimed at giving start-up entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 34 a solid foundation to build a new business. Term financing between $5 000 and $25 000 and 50 hours of tailor-made business management support help to ensure that entrepreneurs with commercially-viable business proposals and excellent potential get their businesses off the ground.

For further information, see Info-FAX document No. 2003, contact the Business Development Bank of Canada at 1-800-463-6232 or visit the BDC's Web site at: http://www.bdc.ca

Youth Strategy Program CED-CFDC

This initiative provides capital to young entrepreneurs in Quebec for the purposes of business acquisition, start-up, modernization, expansion and offers them personalized follow-up of the development of the business.

For further information, see Info-FAX document No. 2794, or contact your local Community Futures Development Corporation.

DISCLAIMER
Information contained in this document is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific fact situation. Users concerned about the reliability of the information should consult directly with the source, or seek legal counsel.

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