Free youth entrepreneurship programs are now accepting registrations from Fernie and Elk Valley teens aged 14 to 18, offering hands-on opportunities to develop business ideas, build leadership skills and explore the world of entrepreneurship.
Columbia Basin Trust and JA British Columbia (JABC) are partnering to deliver free after-school programming for youth throughout the Columbia Basin, including Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford.
“These programs enable youth to explore entrepreneurship and the business world and consider if they might wish to pursue it as a career path,” said Angie Elsmore, Manager, Special Initiatives, Columbia Basin Trust. “They get to challenge themselves, have fun, develop leadership skills, work as a team and build self-esteem, helping prepare them to contribute to their communities.”
The initiative offers two programs for youth aged 14 to 18. In Be Entrepreneurial, participants develop a business idea and pitch it to judges. In the Company Program, youth work as a team to build and operate a small business, gaining experience in business planning, marketing, financial management and teamwork.
“At JA British Columbia, we believe in helping young people develop the skills and mindset to build thriving communities,” said Glenn Dodge, Vice President, Programs, JABC. “As demonstrated by our recent successful summer camp held in Trail, these programs are not only inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs but also encouraging young people to consider how they can contribute to their communities in the future.”
A free, five-day summer entrepreneurship and innovation camp helped launch the new programming this summer. Co-hosted by the Trail Youth Action Network, the camp brought youth together with mentors to build business ideas, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and pitch their ideas for prizes.
“With the objective of creating a business within a small timeframe with new peers, the JABC Summer Entrepreneurship experience strengthened skills such as leadership,” said participant Malina Zmavc. “The experience further strengthened my communication skills through presentations and discussion periods. I am very grateful that Columbia Basin Trust partnered with JA British Columbia to bring this program to the Kootenays.”
The virtual format makes the programs accessible to youth in Fernie and surrounding communities without the need to travel. Participants across the Columbia Basin can join through Zoom, with programming beginning later this fall.
Registration is free. To learn more about the programs and register, visit Columbia Basin Trust’s youth programming page.
The Trust also supports youth programming through the Basin Youth Network, which supports 27 community youth networks throughout the region.
Columbia Basin Trust supports the efforts of people in the Columbia Basin to strengthen social, economic and environmental well-being. Learn more at ourtrust.org.
