News Release

For immediate release
November 1, 2002

Eskasoni is Open for Business with Government
of Canada Assistance

Eskasoni, N.S. – November 1, 2002 – The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) announced today, Government of Canada funding, under the Business Development Program (BDP), to the Eskasoni Band Council as part of their Youth Development Strategy.

To help nurture the creation of an entrepreneurial culture, in particular among the youth of the largest First Nations community in Atlantic Canada, an “Open for Business” site will be established in Eskasoni. The project will emphasize the opportunities available to Mi’kmaq youth of Cape Breton in the areas of entrepreneurship and business. This is one of the many economic development activities implemented by the Eskasoni Band Council through its Economic Development Corporation. 

“This two-year project will emphasize the opportunities available to Mi’kmaq youth,” said Mark Eyking, M.P. for Sydney-Victoria, speaking on behalf of Minister Byrne. “This initiative will promote and foster economic self-sufficiency, community capacity building and economic growth in Eskasoni.”

The Open for Business concept is an international network of youth-friendly, walk-in centres that help with the “how to” and the “what next” for anyone who wants to start, improve or expand a business. The idea is to offer one-on-one personalized support services focusing on creating networks, jump-starting ideas, creating awareness and building confidence and optimism. The program has an excellent track record in nurturing partnerships and job creation.

“Over 50% of our 3,200 residents are under the age of 25,” said Tracy Menge, co-ordinator of the project. “This number illustrates the need for high quality education and information resources for our youth, as well as the sorts of creative options which are offered by Open for Business to help build future leaders and businesses in our community.”

This pilot project will take place over a two-year period and the manager will actively seek private sector support for future years. The Open for Business network has supported the creation of 168 new business start-ups in
Nova Scotia during 1999-2000.

The total estimated cost of the project is $181,310. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation has contributed $30,000 through ACOA’s Business Development Program. 

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 Federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation offers programs in support of economic development initiatives and is responsible for delivering ACOA's programs in Cape Breton and the Mulgrave area.


FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ralph Meechan
Office of the Minister of State for ECBC & ACOA
Tel: (613) 957-9959
Fax: (613) 941-7844

Office of Mark Eyking, M.P. 
Sydney-Victoria 
Tel.: (902) 567-6275
Fax: (902) 564-2479

Mary Ann MacCormick
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation
Tel: (902) 564-7269
Fax:(902) 564-3825
Email: mmaccor2@ecbc.ca

Tracy Menge, Coordinator
Eskasoni Band Council—Open for Business
Tel: (902) 379-2422