Youth Entrepreneurs
Grand Erie Business Centre prides itself on assisting all sectors of the population in improving and expanding their existing business or starting up new businesses. The youth of our area are no exception. In fact, at the Grand Erie Business Centre we pride ourselves in working with young entrepreneurs.
Young entrepreneurs face a unique set of challenges when starting up a business. Aside from overcoming stigmas associated with their age and experience, conventional financing is usually a problem. Grand Erie Business Centre can link young entrepreneurs to government and private sector help. Grand Erie Business Centre will mentor any young entrepreneur in their business planning process and connect them with mentors and/or experts in the sectors of business which they are entering. Our ultimate goal is to provide the young entrepreneur with adequate financing to start or expand their business.
There are many organizations besides Grand Erie Business Centre that can be an asset to young entrepreneurs.
Helpful Links for Young Entrepreneurs:
Canadian Youth Business Foundation Loan Program - loans up to $15,000 for young entrepreneurs with a sound business plan
Young Entrepreneurs Financial Program - This program is aimed at giving start-up entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-34 a solid foundation to build a new business. Term financing of up to $25,000 and fifty hours of tailor-made business support help to ensure that entrepreneurs with commercially viable business proposals get their businesses off the ground.
Business Loans
Grand Erie Business Centre can also assist with the financial needs of young entrepreneurs; helping them shop for the best loans available in the marketplace. If their borrowing needs cannot be met by conventional lenders the Business Centre may be able to provide loans up to $250,000. Our interest rates are competitive to conventional lenders. The mandate of Grand Erie Business Centre is to help businesses throughout the counties of Haldimand and West Lincoln to succeed and ultimately become fully bankable.
Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award Program - recognizing the success of our young entrepreneurs
Grand Erie Business Centre wants to recognize and assist young entrepreneurs for the hard work and success they are achieving through operating their own businesses. Eligible youth are between the ages of 16 and 29. They must have started their own business and be achieving success with their business model.
Award winners will receive a share of the $1,750 in prize money, as well as trophies recognizing their achievement. They will also get publicity, free consultation, support, and advice from the Youth Entrepreneurs Award Program selection committee throughout the year and the Grand Erie Business Centre consultants for as long as they need.
Past Finalists of the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year Award Program
