4-H Members Learn Entrepreneurship Skills

Survival tactics required to be a successful entrepreneur will be the topic for discussion when business-minded youths meet at this weekend's Atlantic Agriculture and Entrepreneurship Intermediate 4-H Conference in Truro.

"The 4-H program has always been proactive in training youth to be leaders in rural communities -- and this Atlantic conference will help teach the skills they will need to be leaders in small business," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "It is a wonderful opportunity to bring together 4-H delegates from New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and our province."

The conference is entitled Entrepreneurship Survivor. One hundred 13- to 15-year-olds will learn motivation techniques, develop entrepreneurial skills, hear about youth business initiatives and network with other 4-H members. Participants will tour the Nova Scotia Agricultural College to learn about the various careers in the agri-food industry.

"We are pleased to be offering such an exciting conference for Atlantic 4-H members," said Liz Crouse, the province's manager for 4-H and Rural Organizations. "Through 4-H, young people learn responsibility, build self-esteem and develop communication skills. All of these skills will help them as they enter a world of small business opportunities."

The 4-H delegates will be placed in groups and given specific business challenges to complete, learning the necessary skills along the way.

Sponsors of the conference are the Nova Scotia 4-H Council, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.