BC Gov. & Junior Achievement launch youth entrepreneurship award

October 2, 2015

BC – Small Business Month celebrations were kicked off at the B.C. legislature with the launch of a new award to recognize young entrepreneurs, and the release of the Small Business Roundtable’s annual report.

The new Celebrate Entrepreneurship Award – launched in partnership with Junior Achievement British Columbia (JABC) – will recognize the student-led company that demonstrates the most innovation in their business. The winning company and recipient of a $3,000 cash prize will be announced at JABC’s awards ceremony in June 2016.

“I’m excited to recognize and celebrate the contribution of small businesses throughout the province,” says Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. “Innovation is the backbone of many successful small businesses and I’m thrilled that this award will recognize the accomplishments of our youth entrepreneurs.

“I would like to thank the members of the Small Business Roundtable for helping government create a strong support system for small businesses over the past ten years. I’m looking forward to working closely with the roundtable to implement the recommendations made in this year’s annual report. Through strong collaboration and a common goal, we can help to ensure small businesses continue to grow and thrive.”

The Small Business Roundtable’s tenth annual report highlights a decade of accomplishments and upcoming priorities. The roundtable was established in 2005 to engage in a dialogue with small business owners to identify the key issues and opportunities they face. Priorities identified for the next year include:

  • High-speed Internet access for all small businesses in B.C.
  • Participation in locally driven Business Walks
  • Support for the Small Business Awareness Strategy
  • Promoting succession planning

“With the creation of the Celebrating Entrepreneurship Award, Junior Achievement will be able to attract more student involvement in our business education programs that ignite the entrepreneurial spirit in our youth and teach them practical skills needed to develop viable business ventures,” says Jan Bell-Irving, JABC president. “We are honoured and grateful for the support of the ministry in helping us deliver more education opportunities to our youth to build leaders of tomorrow.”

Small Business Month offers opportunities for small business owners and operators to network, develop and share business ideas, and learn about government programs and resources. Celebrations will be taking place throughout B.C. for the entire month of October.

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