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Richmond Public Library seeking business-minded youth

For the third year in a row, the Richmond Public Library is bringing back its Young Entrepreneurs Program for youth who are passionate about business.
young entrepreneurs
Last year's young entrepreneurs participants. Image: Submited

For the third year in a row, the Richmond Public Library is bringing back its Young Entrepreneurs Program for youth who are passionate about business.

New this year, the free program will take the form of a week-long intensive, giving participants the chance to attend daily workshops between July 15 and July 18. Then, on July 19, participants will make a business pitch to their peers, mentors and the library staff.

Also new for this year’s program is a narrower age range. Youth aged 15-19 are invited to apply, rather than in previous years when the program was open to youth up to age 25.

“This program is a very unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs of all levels to learn and experience what it is that entrepreneurship does and why we need it,” said Ian, one of the participants in the 2018 program.

“I came into this program feeling nervous… but I managed to grasp and learn very quickly.”

Throughout the program, the young entrepreneurs will attend a series of workshops run by business professionals, covering topics such as how to create a business plan, marketing, budgeting and writing an elevator pitch.

Mentors and facilitators include S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Self-Employment Training for Young Entrepreneurs Program, Futurpreneur Canada, Launch Academy, Junior Achievement of British Columbia, Richmond Chamber of Commerce and O’Brien.

The Young Entrepreneurs Program runs from July 15 to 19. There is no cost to participate, but the program is limited to 15 youth. For more information including how to register, visit http://rpl.yourlibrary.ca/events_calendar/yep.