Young Aboriginal Entrepreneurs from across Canada are invited!
VANCOUVER, BC - The New Relationship Trust (NRT) along with co-hosts the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) and the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation (DCF) is pleased to host the 2010 Young Entrepreneurs Symposium (YES) in Vancouver at the Renaissance Harbourside Hotel from November 22-25.

Previous YES events were held in Toronto (2004) Calgary (2005) and Vancouver (2006) with the goal of supporting the growing population of young Aboriginal business people and aspiring entrepreneurs. NRT, DCF and CCAB, want to continue this worthwhile YES event, which will bring more than 200 delegates between the ages of 19 and 30 from across Canada to participate in a three day entrepreneur symposium.
“The Young Entrepreneurs Symposium events in the past have been a great success and we have the same high expectations for this year’s event. Young Aboriginal entrepreneurs from across the country will be gathering to learn about business from top corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs and other young business professionals. If you’re an aspiring business leader or entrepreneur, you better attend,” said Clint Davis, CEO, CCAB.

The three-day event is challenge-based. Delegate teams participate in a series of exciting competitions designed to help them build skills and gain valuable business knowledge. In addition, delegates have ample opportunity to mingle with Aboriginal, Canadian and international business leaders and role models in a setting that provides an optimum mix of mentoring, networking, competition and fun.

“An Entrepreneur needs to be a risk taker, courageous and be able to anticipate the unexpected.” Cliff Fregin, CEO, NRT said. “The 2010 Young Entrepreneurs Symposium will throw many challenges at the participants including the element of surprise. At the end of the event, these young leaders will emerge stronger, more confident, and ready to tackle their next opportunity.”

More than half of all Aboriginal people in Canada are under the age of 30. Further, the number of First
Nation youth is growing at a far greater rate than that of the rest of the Canadian population. Young people represent the future for First Nation communities. Yet, aside from the programs offered by Aboriginal Business Canada, few if any programs exist to support young First Nation business people and entrepreneurs.

As Dan Brant, CEO, DCF stated, “Leadership in our community starts with engaging our young citizens to develop their skills, vision, and networks. Management and entrepreneurship are drivers for growth and prosperity within our Nations. The Young Entrepreneurs Symposium will allow participants to think big, empower each other, and look at what they will need to be ready for in the future. “

The Young Entrepreneurs Symposium - kicks off on November 22, 2010 with an evening of entertainment featuring Aboriginal musicians. The next three days will be highlighted by a spirited competition among teams of participants with cash up for grabs. This Symposium will also feature a diverse and inspiring mix of panelists and speakers. The week’s activities will be capped by a formal gala dinner where awards from the competition will be presented.

How to Apply
Aboriginal people between the ages of 19 and 30 who are entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, or involved in business are able to apply through the YES website: http://yes.nrtf.ca/register
Applications will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis.

About the Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation
The Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation (DCF) is a registered charitable foundation that supports First Nation communities in Canada by providing grants to individuals. The overall goal is to develop youth as future community leaders. The Foundation also provides grants to community involvement projects that have a lasting and positive impact on their members.

To learn more about Dreamcatcher Charitable Foundation, visit: http://www.dcfund.ca/

About the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business
The Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB) is a national organization that offers knowledge, resources and programs to both mainstream and Aboriginal owned member companies to increase employment, foster positive business relations and create economic opportunities for Aboriginal people, businesses and communities across Canada.

To learn more about Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business, visit: http://www.ccab.com/

About the New Relationship Trust
The New Relationship Trust (NRT) is a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to helping First Nations in BC build capacity in order to become healthy, prosperous and independent. NRT achieves
this mandate by supporting initiatives in five priority areas: Education, Language & Culture, Youth & Elders, Capacity Development, and Economic Development.

To learn more about New Relationship Trust, visit: www.newrelationshiptrust.ca