Investing in young businesspeople

Federal and provincial governments support young entrepreneurs of Junior Achievement

Junior Achievement of Prince Edward Island has received combined funding from the provincial and federal governments to support them in teaching young Island entrepreneurs.

The $ 95,000 investment will assist JAPEI in delivering programs focused on the business world, economics for success and the company program, as well as those focusing on community and national economies.

“It's exciting to have Government of Canada and the Government of P. E. I. continue their commitment to the youth of Prince Edward Island through JAPEI,” said Betty Ferguson, president and director of operations of Junior Achievement of Prince Edward Island.

“This partnership with JAPEI will enhance our reputation to deliver top- notch programming to students across Prince Edward Island.”

Gail Shea, minister of National Revenue, and Allen Roach, P. E. I. minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning made the announcement recently.

“By supporting and investing in the education of young entrepreneurs, we are fostering the skills needed to sustain a strong Atlantic Canadian economy for years to come,” said Shea.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Business Development Program, has invested a total of $ 66,000. The Government of Prince Edward Island, through the Department of Innovation and Advanced Learning and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, has also invested an additional $ 30,000 in the program.

“Fostering an entrepreneurial culture through investments in such grass roots programs as Junior Achievement is beneficial for our youth and our business community,” said Roach.

For more than 27 years Junior Achievement of Prince Edward Island has been inspiring, preparing and empowering today’s youth to succeed in an ever- changing global economy.

Through the Junior Achievement programs and partnership, they are providing youth with knowledge and tools focused on work readiness, financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

Junior Achievement of Prince Edward Island reaches nearly 5,500 students annually with 200 dedicated business volunteers. Junior Achievement is the link between education and the world of work by giving youth the confidence and knowledge they need to define personal success, enhance their workforce readiness and pursue their dreams.