Young Entrepreneurs Going Places

The best, brightest -- and youngest -- business minds in Atlantic Canada will gather in Halifax to learn, network, and showcase their talents at the fourth annual Young Entrepreneurs Going Places Conference at the World Trade and Convention Centre May 7

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"This event will be jam-packed with information, ideas, and fun," said Shelley Hessian, conference coordinator.

The event, hosted by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development (CEED), is the largest of its kind in North America and is expected to draw more than 500 young entrepreneurs from around the region. It will be emceed by Liz Rigney, co-host of Breakfast Television.

The keynote speaker is young entrepreneur, Chris Griffiths, owner of Griffiths Guitar Works in St. John's, Newfoundland. In addition to his retail operation, Griffiths has established Beaconsfield Property Management, a real estate holding company, and this year started Rock Factory, a summer camp for young musicians.

"If you love what you do and do what you love, you will never have to work a day in your life," said Griffiths.

The conference is designed to motivate students to explore entrepreneurship as a way of life, to share ideas with other entrepreneurs, and to provide networking opportunities. Seminars, workshops, and forum discussions, led by professionals and successful entrepreneurs, will show young people the ropes of the business world, from start up to sustaining success.

"Young entrepreneurs can hone their skills, share strategies, and develop new relationships. By applying this knowledge, they can create a strong entrepreneurial climate and improve the economy now and in the future," said Hessian.

A gala awards banquet, will be held on Friday evening honouring the achievements of young entrepreneurs across the Atlantic provinces, including student entrepreneur of the year. This will be followed by entertainment from Sandbox, one of the east coast's hottest new bands, who were nominated for a Juno this year.

There will also be a young entrepreneurs trade show at the Halifax Shopping Centre for participants to showcase their talents and gain valuable hands-on experience in marketing and selling strategies.

The charge for the conference is $100 for all delegates. This includes transportation within Nova Scotia, accommodations, meals, entertainment, and all conference sessions. The major sponsors of the event have provided the funds for the majority of conference expenses allowing many people from all over the province the opportunity to attend at a greatly reduced cost.

The conference is sponsored by Nova Scotia Economic Development and Tourism, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Human Resources Development Canada, the Royal Bank, Clearwater, Sobeys, and MT & T Business Communications.

The Centre for Entrepreneurship Education and Development has a broad mandate covering many facets of entrepreneurship. CEED is a joint venture funded by the Department of Education and Culture and the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification, which is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Economic Development and Tourism.