Emerging Entrepreneur
Emily Hewlett
Sweet Tails and Treats, Grand Falls-Windsor
Sponsored by:
Excellence in Marketing
Alex Antle
Bunchberry Beadwork, Corner Brook
This award will be given to the business that used outstanding marketing to develop the business’s brand. Creativity in attracting customers and determining pricing are examples of excellent marketing initiatives.
Sponsored by:
Excellence in Customer Service
Alyssa Barrett
Candy Treasures by Alyssa, Old Perlican
This award will go to the business that is outstanding in going over and above what is required in the area of customer service. In this award both letters of support should come from customers. This business usually promotes customer service as the cornerstone to its success.
Sponsored by:
Outstanding Venture (17yrs & Under)
Shana Brown
Perfect Picks, Whiteway
This award will go to a business owned by a youth, 17 years and under, who has experienced significant achievement during the current year and stands out amongst the crowd. By reading the application, the judges should get a good understanding of what makes this particular business different and exceptional.
Sponsored by:
Excellence in Arts & Tourism
Luke Hudson
Owen Hudson
Cookie Bosses, Pinware
Businesses eligible for this category delivery a product or service in the visual and performing arts or cater to the culture and tourism industry. Businesses should demonstrate what makes them unique and how they excel in their industry.
Sponsored by:
Trailblazer of the Year
Cahley Warren
Stowaway Succulents, Carbonear
This award will be given to a business that shows unique and forward-thinking which leads the way for others whether it be a new method they implemented to achieve success in their business or as a new industry in their region.
Sponsored by:
Star Coordinator
Sofia Kabir
CBDC Long Range
This award goes to the Site Coordinator that has shown initiative and outstanding efforts in the delivery of Youth Ventures in their area. This nomination should be completed by a staff member of the Delivery Site and should outline all activities that the Coordinator undertook to better serve their participants. Activities should include any combination of the following: creative marketing activities that generate awareness of the program, exceptional dedication to solving participant issues, the achievement of two out of three Site Goals, etc. This nomination should consist of a letter of support and proof of achievements.
Sponsored by:
“Being a business owner is an important life skill that all youth should learn. It teaches the value of supporting local businesses and how entrepreneurship can help shape a province. This year’s delivery was unique for the delivery sites and even more so for the new participants that joined the program,” said Roseanne Leonard, Managing Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of CBDCs. “Yet we still saw a creative, resilient group of new business owners that had no issues with facing a challenge.”
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), contributed $280,684 towards the delivery of the Youth Ventures Program this year.
“Young entrepreneurs play a critical in the future of our economy – their talent, skills, energy and ingenuity are key to its success,” said the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA. “More than ever, we need to help our young innovators pursue their passions and play a role in our economic recovery. Congratulations to all outstanding award winners for your hard work, dedication and entrepreneurial drive, and best of luck in the future.”
The Provincial Government, through Service Agreements for Youth and Students, provided $95,000 to Newfoundland and Labrador Association of CBDCs, in support of this year’s Youth Ventures Program.
“Every year the Youth Ventures program enables young Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to harness their talents and skills to start their own business. By providing guidance and support at every step of the process, Youth Ventures encourages youth to explore their entrepreneurial spirit. Their fresh outlook and innovative business ideas will help create new employment opportunities right here at home,” said the Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour.
Youth Ventures is a program presented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of CBDCs that promotes entrepreneurship as a primary career option for youth in Newfoundland & Labrador. Youth Ventures employs Regional Coordinators across the province to foster youth business development.