YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS TRAINED IN KIPLING

Ten young entrepreneurs have successfully completed the Youth Opportunities Unleashed (YOU) training modules in Kipling.

YOU, an enhancement of Saskatchewan Rural Development's Small Business Loans Association (SBLA) program, helps young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 realize their business ambitions with financing and training. Loans of up to $15,000 are available to help business start-up or expansion. The training component offers four introductory workshops: entrepreneurship; financing your business; business management; and marketing your business.

"Widening our sphere of opportunities in our second century means improving the employment prospects of more people, especially youth," Deputy Premier and Rural Development Minister Clay Serby said. "The YOU workshops help youth to become successful entrepreneurs by offering the type of practical knowledge, including assessing the viability of business ideas and developing a business plan, to transform dreams into reality."

In 2005, 85 small business loans for more than $1 million were made to Saskatchewan youth. Work is also continuing toward developing a mentorship component of the YOU program.

"Being a new business owner, this program was a great help to me in many ways, especially the sections on marketing and management," 25-year-old owner of More Than Just Flowers in Kipling Kelly Fonagy said.

The Moose Mountain Rural Development Co-operative and the Town of Kipling partnered to deliver the workshops.

"The level of interest received far exceeded our expectations. Kipling is a small community, and to offer two sessions running concurrently is an achievement," Community Economic Development Officer Bert Roach said. "We are very happy with the number of people that came forward with an interest to invest in our communities."

For more information on YOU training modules throughout Saskatchewan, young entrepreneurs can call 1-800-265-2001.

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For More Information, Contact:

Donna Rehirchuk Rural Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-2359