Futurpreneur Canada™ to expand high-impact program throughout Northern B.C.

ThriveNorth receives over $348,000 from the Government of British Columbia to support rural and Indigenous youth

For immediate release

VANCOUVER (October 30, 2017) – Futurpreneur Canada is excited to be 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,” said 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,” said 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. “This new funding means Futurpreneur Canada and its partners can support young entrepreneurs, which, in turn, helps rural communities grow their economies and create jobs-now and for the next generation,” said Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development.

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.

For more on ThriveNorth, visit thrivenorth.ca.

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About Futurpreneur Canada

Futurpreneur Canada has been fueling the entrepreneurial passions of enterprising young Canadians since 1996. We’re the only national, non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to aspiring business owners aged 18-39. Our internationally recognized mentoring program matches young entrepreneurs with a business expert from a network of almost 3,000 volunteer mentors. Futurpreneur is a founding member of the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance, the Canadian member of Youth Business International, and the Canadian host of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

www.futurpreneur.ca Facebook: Futurpreneur Twitter: @Futurpreneur

For interview opportunities and media inquiries, please contact:
Megan te Boekhorst
Public Relations and Communications Specialist
Futurpreneur Canada
416-408-2923 x 2120
mtboekhorst@futurpreneur.ca