On the block
Francophone youth selling variety of products in P.E.I.
Twenty-six Island youth from across P.E.I. have established summer businesses through the francophone edition of the Young Millionaires program.
Their 19 businesses offer a variety of products: treats and snacks, toys, arts and crafts, bar clams, fire starters, dog clothing and accessories, herbs, lipstick, stress balls, food, decorations, and chickens.
Again this year, RDÉE Prince Edward Island is delivering the provincial Jeunes millionnaires program, managed provincially by the Central Development Corporation. The program is funded through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Innovation P.E.I.
The participating bilingual youth attend three workshops to learn the basics of entrepreneurship, including business plans, market studies, customer service, quality control and budgets. They then present their business plan during an interview.
Each participant receives a grant (up to $100 for individuals and $150 for partnerships) to help establish the business and purchase production materials.
Look for youth selling their products at various festivals across the province, as well as the Acadian Musical Village in Abram-Village and at the Bottle Houses in Wellington over the summer.
“Last year, our 26 Young Millionaires attained record sales of $15,000 and record profits of $8,000. We’re hoping this year’s participants will have as much, if not more, success,” said Stéphane Blanchard, youth economic development officer with RDÉE P.E.I.
“We’re welcoming several new young entrepreneurs into the fold this summer, but quite a few of our participants are back for a second, third or even fourth year.”