Are you a young entrepreneur? The B.C. government is funding free workshops to flesh out your business plan

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      In the age of the gig economy, it’s unlikely that employees park themselves at one organization for long. That’s especially true in British Columbia.

      Last year a Shopify survey revealed that more than 39 percent of West Coast residents have gone into business for themselves. Either running a side-hustle or boasting full-time self-employment, B.C. citizens are the most entrepreneurial of any province.

      That’s due in a large part to the support of the B.C. government. In addition to generous tax breaks afforded to small businesses, the province provides money for programs that help Vancouver and other major centres develop their reputations as startup hubs.

      Now, the province is investing in entrepreneurs in the earliest stages of building a business.

      The B.C. government is providing $100,000 to support Futurpreneur Canada’s Rock My Business Plan initiative. Funding workshops in six communities across the province, the money will enable eligible entrepreneurs to learn the critical elements of building a company, including managing cash flow, financing, market research, and operations.

      “We realize that it can be difficult for young people to gain the skills, knowledge, and financing needed to start a successful business,” said Bruce Ralston, minister of jobs, trade and technology. “The free Rock My Business Plan workshops provide mentoring and tools that can help young entrepreneurs overcome business challenges and start the journey of launching a successful business.”

      Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to offering financing, mentorship, and support to aspiring business owners aged 18 to 39. Operating for more than two decades, it provides programs that match young entrepreneurs with experts who can help their company grow at every stage of its lifecycle. The organization has so far helped over 10,000 participants create 1,400 new businesses in B.C.

       “We are thrilled to once again bring our cohort-based Rock My Business Plan workshops to communities throughout the province,” said Paulina Cameron, regional director at Futurpreneur Canada. “These learning and development sessions provide participants with the knowledge, confidence, community, and connection to resources they need to start their businesses.”

      Anyone aged 18- to 39-years-old who has recently launched or is nearly ready to launch a business is eligible to join the free workshops. As well as connecting attendees with experienced professionals, will also allow individuals to connect and discuss their business ideas with other talented young entrepreneurs.

      On average, five jobs are created by each business that is launched after receiving guidance through one of Futurpreneur Canada’s initiatives. Typically, 89 percent of past participants have launched or intend to launch their business within three months of attending the Rock My Business Plan workshops.

      The next Rock My Business Plan workshop in downtown Vancouver takes place on November 7 and 8. Further details are available here.

      Follow Kate Wilson on Twitter @KateWilsonSays

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