Young entrepreneurs: looking for excitement, inspiration, and information?

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE MARIE INNOVATION CENTRE

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Youth Entrepreneurship Summit (YES) Algoma is a two-day event where youth ages 16 to 29 from the Algoma region will come together to learn business and entrepreneurial skills, grow their network, and be encouraged to become active changemakers in their communities.

Taking place on Sept. 21 and 22, 2017 at Algoma’s Water Tower Inn and Suites in Sault Ste. Marie, YES Algoma is funded by an Ontario 150 grant, and being organized by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) and its youth entrepreneurship division, YouLaunch.

YES Algoma will provide attendees with many opportunities to learn and engage with entrepreneurial leaders and organizations from around the Algoma region that offer various types of assistance to young entrepreneurs.

Following the conference, relationships and networks established at YES Algoma can lead to further regional collaboration, consultation and economic growth driven by this vital youth segment of our population.

Over the course of two days, YES Algoma will include expert speakers, skill-based workshops and many opportunities to network with other youth and regional business leaders.

“We want YES Algoma attendees to leave excited, inspired, and well-informed, with a plan of action for how they can start their own business, how they can incorporate innovative ideas in their workplace, or drive positive social change in their communities,” says John Prgomet, Business Development Manager, SSMIC. “They will have a greater understanding of entrepreneurship, what it means to be an entrepreneur, what it takes to be a successful business owner, and what resources are available to help them succeed.”

Keynote speakers include three highly respected and successful Canadian entrepreneurs and changemakers helping drive innovation, business growth and social enterprises, including:

Michele Romanow, a current Dragon on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, a tech titan, engineer and serial entrepreneur who started three companies before her 28th birthday; Ann Makosinski, a 19-year-old student at University of British Columbia, inventor, entrepreneur, and creator of the Hollow Flashlight and E-Drink; and Kendal Netmaker, one of Canada’s top Indigenous entrepreneurs and founder of Neechie Gear, a clothing brand that aims to empower youth through sports.

The skill-based workshops will be facilitated by community partners and organizations supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. YES Algoma attendees will have the opportunity to choose three out of seven workshops to register for and participate in based on their personal interests.

The Summit will also have regional networking opportunities relevant to youth, for those attending to engage with organizations and fellow attendees from the region.

“New connections will be formed with a network of like-minded people and organizations that youth can reach out to for support even after YES Algoma as they begin to put plans to action,” continues Prgomet. “The community support for youth entrepreneurship, small businesses and new business development in the Algoma region is evident, and the Innovation Centre along with our YouLaunch team is here to help every step of the way, from building a business plan, obtaining funding, helping access legal advice and more.”

YES Algoma is an Ontario 150 funded event, led by the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre and its youth entrepreneurship division - YouLaunch, with support from community partners including the Sault Ste. Marie Economic Development Corporation (SSMEDC); the Youth Social Infrastructure (YSI) Collaborative; and the Sault Community Career Centre (SCCC).

YES Algoma is for youth ages 16-29 living or going to school in the Algoma region. Tickets are free, but registration is required as limited spots are available. Limited travel stipends are available for those over the age of 18 travelling from 115km or further.

As a project funded through the Ontario 150 grant program, YES Algoma aims to engage youth, encourage cultural expression, promote community participation, and create jobs and economic opportunities across the region.

Visit www.YESAlgoma.com to register and learn more, or email [email protected] with general inquiries. Follow YES Algoma on Facebook for regular updates and exciting announcements as the Summit nears! Attendees who register before July 11 and be entered to win a VIP Prize Pack!

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