The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation Trade and Rural Development:

New Generation of Entrepreneurs and Future Business Leaders Acknowledged

Today I am pleased to rise before this Honourable House to acknowledge a new generation of entrepreneurs and future business leaders.

Recently, approximately 30 post-secondary students gathered in Corner Brook for the Newfoundland and Labrador Community Business Development Corporations' Angel Business Development Program.

The Provincial Government contributed $25,000 to the program which links industry professionals with post-secondary students with entrepreneurial aspirations. Through promoting the fundamentals of business and encouraging collaboration, these students had direct access to knowledge and expertise.

The business ideas of youth are becoming increasingly innovative, more technologically advanced and globally targeted. From region to region, their energy and innovative ideas are taking root into full-fledged, successful businesses.

For example Jason Oakley, co-founder of RECESS! and recent recipient of Atlantic Canada's 2010 Student Entrepreneur Award has taken an old-fashioned concept of a print publication, and modernized it for the technology-savvy student population.

As showcased by Mr. Oakley and the Angel Business Development Program, today's youth focus on the opportunities for success — not the challenges.

Some of the innovative businesses highlighted at this two-day event include spa products, adventure tourism, publishing, and personal services from budding entrepreneurs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The opportunity also existed for some entrepreneurs to pitch their business to a group of angel investors for financing.

It is impressive and exciting to see the rise of a new generation of entrepreneurs.

To further support their development, we are working with our partners to provide youth with the market knowledge and practical experience needed to succeed. Educating and inspiring youth, to not only start a business but to open their eyes to the vast possibilities that exist in an increasingly knowledge-driven economy is an important part of our economic development agenda.

As part of our work we also continue to advance initiatives that highlight the exciting career opportunities in science, technology, and engineering through the implementation of the provincial innovation strategy. Additionally, we continue to employ the Getting the Message Out Program that is an important tool in creating awareness of some of the province's brightest and successful entrepreneurs to students, educators, community organizations, and industry groups.

The energy of youth can only contribute to the economic engine that drives our province — our small business community. By helping them advance their vision, we are creating an economic future with exciting possibilities and an environment where youth want to build careers.

2010 04 21                                                  2:20 p.m.