Young entrepreneurs

Contributed - Mar 27, 2009 / 5:00 am | Story: 45928

Here in the Okanagan Valley we are familiar with the entrepreneurial spirit. Our communities were built on the vision, hard work and perseverance of individuals who found a way to turn a great idea into a successful business and helped our local economy thrive.

Canadians have long understood that the country’s economy is reliant upon entrepreneurs and small businesses to keep the economy moving.

Just because we are in the middle of a recession, doesn’t mean that those great ideas still can’t find a way to blossom into a real business. In fact, there couldn’t be a more important time than right now to encourage the creation of new businesses and the jobs that are created as a result.

That is why the federal government has recently announced a new investment into the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF).

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation is a national charity providing start-up mentoring, financing and business resources to help young Canadians, aged 18-34, create their own successful businesses.

To date, the CYBF has helped fund 2,800 entrepreneurial companies which have created $300 million in sales revenue, $69 million in tax revenue, $33 million in export revenue, and more than 15,000 new jobs. As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government will invest $10 million in the CYBF to help them build on these successes.

The mentoring aspect is of significant interest here given the number of successful retired or soon-to-be retired business people who live in our region.

According to CYBF, over 70% of small business owners will retire in the next decade but there are not enough trained business leaders to replace them. To sustain our standard of living, this next, smaller generation must succeed – and the sooner the better. Up to 20,000 young people a year want to start their own business in Canada but lack some skills – and especially the money - to do it. These young entrepreneurs need the coaching and mentoring to make successful contributions in the years ahead.

I agree. On average, each new business creates five new jobs. That is significant, particularly during times when people are looking for employment.

It is important to address the current economic crisis and do what we can to stimulate the economy, particularly at the local level. It is even more important to invest in initiatives which will have a lasting economic benefit.

Investing in entrepreneurs is a wise investment and I encourage anyone interested in accessing this program, putting your name forward as a possible mentor or making a donation to go to www.cybf.ca. Your community will thank you for it.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.

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About the Author

The Honourable Ron Cannan was first elected as Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country in January, 2006. He was subsequently elected in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He is a member of the Conservative Caucus.

On September 13th, 2012 Ron was summoned to be a member of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada and will provide advice to the Government as a member of the Priorities and Planning Sub-Committee on Government Administration.

Ron successfully uses his experience and knowledge as a long-time Kelowna City Councillor and regional government representative to be an effective and enthusiastic champion for his riding and his constituents.

His greatest satisfaction comes from helping local organizations and citizens obtain the support they require from Ottawa.

He is also dedicated to doing what it takes to ensure that the growing and vibrant communities in his riding continue to thrive and prosper.

He is proud of the partnership and cooperation between federal, provincial and municipal governments which have resulted in significant infrastructure projects including upgrades to Highway 97, expansion of the Kelowna International Airport, a new horticulture strategy for fruit growers, obtaining a full service passport office for Kelowna and addressing critical economic issues such as labour skills shortages.

He works closely with the local Chambers of Commerce and once a year arranges meetings for the Chamber with Cabinet Ministers and senior policy staff in Ottawa to move forward important local issues such as crime prevention and labour skills shortages.

He is also an ardent champion for important community initiatives including homelessness, mental health, women’s resources, and support of arts and culture.

On Parliament Hill, Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee on International Trade since 2006 supporting initiatives which will broaden the economic opportunities for local businesses and businesses Canada-wide.

In previous parliamentary sessions Ron has been a member of the Standing Committee for Government Operations and Estimates, Veteran’s Affairs, Human Resources and Social Development, the Scrutiny of Regulations Committee, and the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans.

Ron is also involved in a variety of inter-parliamentary organizations: he is Vice Chair of the Canada-US Inter-Parliamentary Group, and a member of the Canada-Taiwan Friendship group.

As Chair of the Conservative Wine Caucus, Ron works with his colleagues across the country to promote the wine regions of Canada. Ron tabled Motion 218(formerly Motion 601) which supports direct to consumer purchasing of Canadian wine. His motion became Bill C-311, sponsored by MP Dan Albas, seconded by Ron, which was passed into law on June 28th, 2012.

Prior to entering politics, Ron developed a diverse business background as a small business owner and had several years experience in marketing and sales management working with corporations including Coca-Cola, Costco and Corus Entertainment. 

Very active in his community, Ron has been a Director for both the Central Okanagan Regional District and the Central Okanagan Hospital Board. Ron also served on the Okanagan University College Access to Training Advisory Board, the Glenmore Elementary School Parents Advisory Council, and the Kelowna Christian School Fund Raising Committee. He was co-founder of the Okanagan Volunteer Festival. Currently Ron is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Kelowna and, along with his wife Cindy, was the honorary Chair of the 2012 Canadian Cancer Society Daffodil Ball.

Ron lives a family-oriented and active lifestyle with his wife Cindy. He is the proud father of three daughters and grandfather to three grandsons. His hobbies include music and sports.

The views expressed are strictly those of the author and not necessarily those of Castanet. Castanet does not warrant the contents.

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