Young entrepreneurs to network in Ottawa
Two local business owners chosen to attend Youth Can Do It! event in Ottawa
Jasmine Gemmell started her own jewelry business at age 17.
Now, just four years later, a number of stores carry her Bellezza Moda line and she is working on opening her own brick-and-mortar store in Regina.
Gemmell was one of 25 young entrepreneurs chosen from across Canada to attend Youth Can Do It! in Ottawa June 10-12, an event where she will meet other entrepreneurs and successful business leaders from across Canada.
On Tuesday, Bardish Chagger, federal minister of small business and tourism, announced the young entrepreneurs who had been invited.
Gemmell said she received an email in mid-April saying she had been given a spot at the event.
“I turned on my music and I was just dancing and I was like, I just couldn’t believe it, I was so giddy,” she said.
“I think it’s a good networking opportunity and good to get other knowledge from other like-minded entrepreneurs.”
Arslan Azeem, who just finished his first year in business at the University of Regina, was also selected. Azeem runs a not-for-profit business called Readapt Innovations Inc., where he is working on constructing a left-handed camera.
Youth Can Do It! aims to give young entrepreneurs the chance to connect with experienced business leaders and to receive advice and help with practical business skills. They also have the chance to meet with government officials, including Chagger.
“Being that Regina’s such a small city, it’s hard to meet other people who are also entrepreneurs, especially people so young,” said Gemmell. “Meeting people who are also young, doing the same thing as I am, it’s kind of cool to have those chats.
“I’m really excited to have connections all across the country.”
Gemmell also wants to learn more about social media marketing, as she said that isn’t her strongest point.
Networking is what Azeem is looking forward to most as well.
“The biggest thing is the connections that will come from it, specifically in relation to possible mentors and advice,” he said.
He is particularly looking for advice on how to manufacture a product and then bring it to market.
Since the ideas his organization generates often move into uncharted waters, Azeem said any advice he can get is “incredibly important for the survival of the non-profit.”
This is the first year of Youth Can Do It!, said Sandra Aube, director of communications for the federal minister of small business and tourism.
“Our government is really committed to supporting youth and young entrepreneurs,” she said. “We know that generally youth (have) a higher rate of unemployment, so it is important for government to understand the challenges they are facing.”
The government hopes to see relationships formed between the young entrepreneurs and established business leaders that will extend beyond the three-day event, as well as bonds made between the young entrepreneurs themselves.