COURTNEY – For the past 10 years, the Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) has invested in economic infrastructure and planning throughout the region, delivering on its mission to diversify and grow the regional economy.
One lesser known aspect of ICET’s mandate is its support for the cultivation of economic development knowledge and leadership in the region.
“Our Bursary Program was developed to help offset costs for travel and registration for targeted economic development training and events,” said Mayor Phil Kent ICET Chair. “It was important to us to remove any financial barriers that may be preventing the ‘doers’ and leaders, from smaller and more remote communities and First Nations, from accessing the economic development training they need.”
Throughout the year, ICET accepts applications on a rolling basis for bursaries targeting economic development courses and workshops such as the BCEDA Western Economic Development Course, EDAC Economic Development Certification Program, Aboriginal Business Match and Aboriginal Community Economic Development Foundations workshops.
A major event in the ICET region is the VIEA Economic Summit. This year, ICET will provide bursaries for up to 20 attendees, with 10 of those reserved for participants under age 40.
“Encouraging and supporting young people to take an active role in economic development is one of our priorities,” said ICET CEO Line Robert. “The feedback from past participants is validation that these bursaries really help connect and integrate younger people into economic development initiatives in their communities.”
For more information about ICET’s bursaries, eligibility, application forms and deadlines please visit the following link.