“We have gathered together a variety of guest speakers who can share with them where they can find funds, and the different ways in which the government has set up structures to assist students … If they do start up a new business, OSAP will give (them) a six month extension on their student loan,” Gibson said.
Some of the guest speakers at Thursday’s event include the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, Community Futures Development Corporation, Ontario Student Assistance Program and the Waterloo Region Small Business Centre.
The Entrepreneurship Funding seminar will explain eligibility, funding and grants that are available to the students.
“If you have any kind of entrepreneurial idea - maybe it’s not just a business, maybe it’s something that you need marketed, or an invention, then you can find out a bit about that through the centre… and what kind of funding is available as well through this one evening workshop.
It’s open to all disciplines, all programs, (and) all students who are interested in entrepreneurship funding,” Gibson said.
This exciting seminar will provide the opportunity for individuals to meet with some business advisors to help develop business plans, and allow young entrepreneurs to get in touch with services and connections within the community.
For more information on the event, email grant4biz@conestogac.on.ca or phone 519-748-5220 ext. 2749.
Story by Laurie Snell, second-year student in Conestoga’s Print-Journalism program.