Futurpreneur Canada and BG Canada officially launched ThriveNorth, their new collaborative initiative, in Prince Rupert.
ThriveNorth initiative will allow young people to access financing, mentorship and the resources necessary to launch and expand their businesses.
At the initiative's launch event held Nov. 21, members of the partnership and from local organizationsspoke about ThriveNorth and its business challenge.
"Working with the community's existing business network, ThriveNorth will provide new opportunities and a significant amount of educational and financial resources that will bring young business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs closer to achieving their career aspirations," Julia Deans, Futurpreneur Canada CEO, said.
Futurpreneur Canada and BG Canada have established a five-year partnership, with BG committing $5 million.
"Partnering with Futurpreneur Canada on ThriveNorth will help us to create new opportunities for younger generations," said Madeline Whitaker, president of BG Canada.
Representatives from Futurpreneur Canada spoke at the event, including CEO Julia Deans, project manager Joanne Norris and Lisa Mueller, Futurpreneur Canada's Prince Rupert business development coordinator, who will be the Prince Rupert facilitator of ThriveNorth. Mueller will help support Prince Rupert's ThriveNorth participants out of the Community Futures Pacific Northwest office.
Herb Pond, BG community relations advisor in Prince Rupert, and John Farrell, general manager of Community Futures Pacific Northwest, also spoke at the event.
ThriveNorth will kick off with the business challenge. People living in the Northwest region between the ages of 18 and 39 will be able to submit their business ideas for a chance to win expert training sessions and a cash prize of $10,000.
Applications will be available by the end of the month at the ThriveNorth website.