ThriveNorth Seeks Young Entrepreneurs for Business Challenge
Local Competition Returns for 3rd Year to Award a Total of $35,000
Prince Rupert, B.C. (March 7, 2017) – The ThriveNorth Business Challenge is back for the third year and they’re looking for the best and brightest business ideas from young entrepreneurs living in Northwestern B.C. The Business Challenge gives new and aspiring business owners the opportunity to showcase their business idea for a chance to win up to $10,000 to make their dream a reality.
Hosted by Futurpreneur Canada and PR LNG (the proposed LNG project on Ridley Island), the ThriveNorth Business Challenge supports all applicants by giving them online pitch training before selecting semi-finalists. Applicants who make it into the semi-finals receive exclusive resources and one-on-one coaching in order to prepare for the live pitching competition in front of a panel of judges.
“We’re thrilled to bring the ThriveNorth Business Challenge back for its third year,” said Julia Deans, CEO of Futurpreneur. “We’ve seen the positive impact ThriveNorth has had on young entrepreneurs and the community, funding 49 businesses that have created over 70 jobs.”
“The best part of the ThriveNorth Business Challenge is watching these entrepreneurs grow and give back to the local economy,” says Rosa Miller, Community Relations Manager with Prince Rupert LNG. “This project has proven that it only takes one idea and positive support to create a thriving business that supports the local community – and that’s why we’re proud to be a part of this project.”
This year’s final event is being held at North Coast Convention Centre in Prince Rupert on May 18th. However, young adults from all across Northwestern B.C. are encouraged to apply.
Deans says, “Whether you win or not, the resources and coaching you will receive will improve your business skills for a lifetime of success.”
2017 ThriveNorth Business Challenge Categories:
- Best New Business (18-28): a business at any stage prior to launch, by an entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 28
- Best New Business (29-39): a business at any stage prior to launch, by an entrepreneur between the ages of 29 and 39
- Best Growth Opportunity (18-39): a business currently in operations looking to expand through increased staff, new locations or new products and services
The panel of judges will select a winner for each category to receive $10,000 towards their business idea, while another $5,000 will be awarded to the People’s Choice.
Anyone interested in applying to the ThriveNorth Business Challenge is encouraged to visit the website, www.thrivenorth.ca, to apply. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2017.
About ThriveNorth:
ThriveNorth empowers young people to start and grow businesses in the Northwest region of British Columbia. It provides emerging business owners aged 18-39 with resources, financing, mentoring and connections in their communities. ThriveNorth is a joint initiative between Futurpreneur Canada and Prince Rupert LNG, the proposed LNG project on Ridley Island.
Launched in November 2014, ThriveNorth was created through a five-year partnership established by Youth Business International (YBI), a global network of independent non-profit initiatives supporting youth entrepreneurship. Futurpreneur is YBI’s Canadian member and has been helping young and emerging business owners since 1996.
For more information about ThriveNorth, visit the website: www.thrivenorth.ca
Media Contact:
Gina Robinson
Curve Communications
gina@curvecommunications.com
D: 604-248-4203
Megan te Boekhorst
Futurpreneur Canada
416-408-2923 x 2120
mtboekhorst@futurpreneur.ca