April 23, 2004

As part of the Manitoba government’s continuing commitment to young people, Education, Citizenship and Youth Minister Peter Bjornson today announced changes to the Young Entrepreneurs Program (YEP).

Two new initiatives have been introduced: Skill Development for Young Entrepreneurs and Aboriginal Youth Mean Business!

“Self-employment can be a viable and compelling career option for our younger generation,” Bjornson said. “These new initiatives, coupled with changes to the existing program, will help us deliver more targeted services to young people intent on starting their own businesses.”

The Skill Development for Young Entrepreneurs program is designed to augment the skills of Manitoba’s young people who have started or plan to start their own full-time businesses. Approved applicants are eligible for a grant of up to $1,000—$1,500 for northern residents—to supplement the cost of completing an accredited business-related training course.

The program will cover up to 50 per cent of the course’s cost. Eligible costs include tuition, books, travel and accommodation expenses. Youth must apply before starting a course of study. Eligibility is also contingent upon attendance as well as the successful completion of the course.

The Aboriginal Youth Mean Business! component is intended to enhance supports for the province’s Aboriginal youth who have started or plan to start their own businesses. Co‑ordinated through the Partners for Careers program, this initiative will establish a provincewide coalition of business development service providers to assist Aboriginal youth entrepreneurs. Its objectives include facilitating networking and information exchanges, providing youth mentorship opportunities and supporting Aboriginal youth business awards or recognition events.

Changes to the Youth Business Support program have also been approved. The program application has been streamlined and applicants must now furnish a comprehensive business plan. As well, applicants receiving benefits under the Employment Insurance and Income Assistance Self-Employment Assistance programs are now eligible for the maximum grant support. And finally, a differentiation no longer exists between startup and capital expenditures. The program now provides a contribution of up to $4,000 based on 50 per cent of all startup related costs.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve the programs and services we offer Manitoba’s young entrepreneurs,” Bjornson said. “Continued enhancements like these, with ongoing program evaluations, help create more welcoming environments for young people with the vision to turn their ideas into profitable realities.”

The program’s three components are housed within the Partners for Youth program and are jointly funded by the departments of Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives, and Education, Citizenship and Youth. The program also works co-operatively with the Department of Industry, Economic Development and Mines.

The program estimates that over 350 youth operated businesses have been supported since the program began in 1994.

- 30 -