With funding provided by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration (MCI), the Brampton Board of Trade (BBOT) has launched a one-year project to provide newcomer youth with the opportunity to learn and develop entrepreneurial skills. Youth participants will receive hands -on business training, and will develop business plans under the mentorship of BBOT employer-members.

The project, developed by Dr. Yamil H. Alonso, BBOT- Project Manager, will be part of the MCI Strategic Partnerships Initiatives: Youth Opportunities Pilot Program.

The project caters to immigrant youth aged 16 to 24, who are not attending school, and provides training  covering market research, development of a business plan, start up costs, marketing and advertisement, basic corporate law, HR legislation, accounting and taxation. The program is free of charge, and bus tickets can be provided for travel to the training sessions.

Youth completing the program will be issued a BBOT Certificate of Completion, and the top three business plans will receive incentives for try-out/implementation.

The Global Youth Entrepreneurs project will raise awareness among youth immigrants that becoming an entrepreneur is a realistic and viable career choice, and a path to success.

For more information contact Dr. Yamil H, Alonso at the BBOT office (905) 451-1122 or send e-mail to:  yalonso@bramptonbot.com