NORTHERN BC – Futurpreneur Canada is expanding its popular ThriveNorth initiative to enhance entrepreneurship opportunities and empower youth in rural communities with over $348,000 in support from the Government of British Columbia’s Rural Dividend Fund.
The new funding will enable Futurpreneur to expand ThriveNorth programming beyond Northwestern B.C. to Northeastern B.C., including Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.
“We are thrilled about the B.C. Government’s contribution, which will allow more young entrepreneurs to access vital training, financing and mentorship, and to elevate their businesses through the annual ThriveNorth Business Challenge,” says Paulina Cameron, Futurpreneur B.C. and Yukon Regional Director.
“From Smithers to Prince Rupert to Fort St. John, we see young people innovating and contributing to their communities, and we look forward to working with partners in the region to support more entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
Currently in its fourth year, ThriveNorth has supported over 300 young entrepreneurs in launching over 70 new businesses, creating more than 85 jobs in rural B.C. communities.
“[ThriveNorth] was a truly amazing opportunity and was challenging; it made me step outside of my comfort zone and look at my business from different angles that I’d never done before,” says Marcie LeBlanc, owner of LeBLANC Boutique and ThriveNorth Business Challenge participant.
“It gave me a better understanding of my business and allowed me to see the whole picture. Plus, the networking and exposure with all the [participants] was immense, and I’ve definitely noticed an increase of traffic and sales because of it.”
ThriveNorth’s expansion into Northeastern B.C. will allow it to help aspiring young people exponentially grow their impact in their communities.
Futurpreneur sees more young people pursuing entrepreneurship as a career option. Investing in young people brings considerable rewards, as small businesses are powerful job creators with high growth potential to benefit local communities.
