November 10, 2007
The Student/Youth Enterprise Fund was implemented to help youth to have a better understanding of what entrepreneurism involves, and to discover what owning a business means. The program has helped students create 111 summer businesses, two full-- time businesses as well as two seasonal businesses. Rachel Martin, the Program Lead at the Two Rivers CDC states the main objective of the program is to create an opportunity for youth to develop “positive self- esteem and newfound confidence.”
The program was first implemented in 1994 by the Six Nations/New Credit Community Futures Committee. Its main purpose was to introduce youth to the concept of entrepreneurship and self- employment. The program fund is available to students between the ages of 13-25 from the Six Nations and New Credit region. The participants also have the chance to receive a grant up to $500 upon a successful review of the business plan and personal interview. Since its implementation, no project has been denied.
The program also receives assistance from the CDC and various local businesses and organizations. In total, it’s received $56,069.90 in grants since 1994. Aside from financial support, “the most successful businesses benefited from great parental support,” says Martin.
The Two Rivers CDC is a non-profit organization that helps stimulate the local economy through small business support and community economic development initiatives. The organization provides tools and assistance to strengthen and diversify their local economies with programs such as Student/Youth Enterprise Fund. It is usually run by a board of local volunteers, which typically includes professionals who promotes entrepreneurship and the pursuit of economic opportunities.
The federal government is also providing support in the form of funds and advice, which allows the CDC to carry out services such as access to capital, business services and strategic community planning and development. It is with the help of the government and devoted people from the Two Rivers CDC that projects, such as the Student/Youth Enterprise Fund, can be implemented to benefit the community.