CENTRAL BEDEQUE – Young people across P.E.I. are invited to experience entrepreneurship first-hand as the Young Millionaires Program celebrates its 21st year on Prince Edward Island.
The program is designed to run throughout the summer months and will give children an opportunity to experience owning and operating their own business, while gaining valuable business and life skills.
The program is intended to foster an awareness of the entrepreneurial possibilities that exist within their own province.
“It amazes me, how each year, participants in the program are able to develop new and creative business ideas,” said Karen Duffy, who is co-ordinating the program for the third year. “The participants are very energetic and innovative while developing their business plans.”
Last year the program helped start more than 130 new businesses across the Island.
Some of the unique businesses included candy arrangements that looked like floral arrangements, sea glass jewelry, and handmade washer toss games.
There was also, a number of service related businesses such as interior car cleaning, DJ services, and a soccer camp offered for children ages 3-7.
“Each year, we have businesses that become very successful financially. In the end, the success of each business owner is measured by what is learned,” said Duffy.
One of the conditions of the program is that these aspiring young entrepreneurs attend four workshops that are designed to teach them the fundamentals of operating their own business.
The workshops provide instruction on record keeping, marketing, time management, customer service and public speaking.
The goal of the Young Millionaires Program is to introduce youth to the concept of self-reliance and spark their entrepreneurial spirit, so that they can experience first-hand what business opportunities exist in their own communities.
Representatives will be visiting schools over the next couple of weeks to promote the program.
Young people between the ages of eight and 16 are encouraged to apply before the upcoming deadline of May 27. A registration link can be found on the Young Millionaire Program website www.ymppei.com.
Credit: journalpioneer.com