Some well-prepared young adults are busy getting their business plans together as part of the Youth Mean Business pilot program through Community Futures Fraser Fort George.
The non-EI program is funded through the BC-Canada Labour Market Agreement and the ministry of jobs, tourism and innovation.
The co-ordinator of the program, Vera Beerling is pleased at the enthusiasm and dedication the
applicants have.
"All of the participants are so excited and passionate about their business ideas that it's really great to work with them," said Beerling.
The program is accepting applications from individuals aged 18 to 29. Successful applicants get access to a mentor, and receive training in developing business plans and networking. Once accepted, students receive $5,000 for living expenses or seed money.
At the end of the program, the young entrepreneurs present their proposals to a review panel for feedback.
If initial applications are any indication, the panel will have
impressive projects to review.
Darren Neufeld, 27, has always loved music, and spent time on both sides of the microphone.
Neufeld said he knows how difficult it is to make a living as an artist, so through his business idea, he hopes to increase local artists' visibility.
"I want to build a membership-based musicians club where they can rent studio time on small blocks of time," he said. "The bands can choose to jam and mingle or even play with other people and it all gets recorded. The recordings are all given back to the artists and it's up to them to decide what they want to do with it."
Jordan Hammond, 26, is in his final semester at UNBC studying outdoor recreation and tourism management.
He'd been thinking about his business idea for a number of years, but as a full time student he didn't have the time or resources to make it a reality.
"I want to develop a clothing company focused on outdoor lifestyle and adventure sports markets," said Hammond. "I'm a mountain biker and people complain there is nothing to do in Prince George but there is a great playground all around us with trails and awesome ski hills."
His goal for the first year is to start small and create a line of casual wear including t-shirts, hoodies and hats. Eventually he wants to expand into technical gear - using waterproof and breathable material.
Hammond and Neufeld are building their business plans around Prince George but hope to eventually grow internationally.
Whether the businesses take off, Beerling said the newly learned skills can be used throughout their working lives.
"To be an entrepreneur, you have to be creative and dedicated and if you can learn how to be successful in business then the program is a success," she said.
Those interested in the program can attend an information and networking event on Feb. 3 from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Bentley Centre, UNBC.
