Northumberland youth shine at Cobourg expo
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
By reporter Natalie Hamilton
Northumberland County youth showcased their business savvy and varied range of products and services they offer during a recent small business expo in Cobourg.
Young people from 28 youth-run businesses participated in the annual Business and Entrepreneurship Centre Northumberland (BECN)-hosted Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase at Staples.
The trade-show-style event brought together participants from BECN’s youth entrepreneurship programs, providing an opportunity for young business owners to connect directly with customers, promote their products and services and gain valuable real-world business experience.
An annual event, this year’s showcase featured entrepreneurs from two programs: Summer Company for youth aged 15 to 29, and the My Future My Career Kids Entrepreneurship Program for kids ages eight to 14.
Offering a diverse range of products and services, the even “highlighted the talent and innovation of Northumberland’s next generation of entrepreneurs,” noted a media release.
The community showed up to support the young business owners, with the showcase generating about $1,020 in sales and resulting in 51 inquiries and quote requests.
“Each year, our BECN Youth Entrepreneurship Showcase reminds us of the incredible talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit that exists within our community,” said Kailyn Coupland, Northumberland County’s business development co-ordinator.
“These programs are designed to help young people explore entrepreneurship by providing free access to training, mentorship, business coaching, and funding opportunities that help turn ideas into action. The businesses featured today reflect the hard work, dedication and passion our participants have invested throughout the program.
“We are proud to support their entrepreneurial journeys and excited to see what they accomplish next. We also extend our sincere thanks to Staples Cobourg and the Cobourg Farmers’ Market for their ongoing partnership and for providing welcoming spaces where these young entrepreneurs can connect with customers, showcase their businesses and gain valuable real-world experience.”
For those who missed the showcase at Staples, the young business owners will be at the Cobourg Farmers’ Market Youth Entrepreneurship Market on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon. Select businesses from BECN youth entrepreneurship programs will be selling their products around the oval as part of this special event.
“On behalf of (Northumberland County council), I would like to congratulate each of these young entrepreneurs for the dedication, initiative and perseverance they have demonstrated in launching and growing their businesses,” said Warden Bob Crate.
“Their success is a testament to the young talent our community is proud to have throughout Northumberland. Programs like the BECN youth entrepreneurship programs provide young people with the skills, confidence and support they need to turn ideas into opportunities.
“By investing in these young business owners, we are helping to foster the next generation of business leaders, innovators and job creators who are already contributing to the strength and vitality of our local economy.”
The Summer Company program is funded with support from the Government of Ontario and is available to students from age 15 to 29 who are looking for support navigating entrepreneurship. Successful applicants from this program can receive up to $3,000 in microgrants to help fund start-up costs of operating a business.
The My Future My Career program is a free youth entrepreneurship program that helps kids from ages eight to 14 start or grow their own business during the summer break. The program offers business guidance and provides them with a small microgrant of up to $500 to help fund business expenses such as marketing, supplies and equipment.
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