NISHNAWBE ASKI NATION YOUTH STRIVING FOR SUCCESS
McGuinty Government Recognizes First Nation Entrepreneurs
TORONTO – Two young entrepreneurs from northwestern Ontario are being honoured for their entrepreneurial spirit and community activism.
At an awards ceremony at Queen’s Park today, Desta Buswa, a teacher and community role model, was presented with a $5,000 award for submitting the best career plan. Devon A. Meekis, owner of a successful IT company, was presented with a $15,000 award for submitting the best business plan. The two recipients of the 2008 Beyshick awards will use the funds to continue their work.
“Our government is proud to honour these role models for their achievements not only in their respective communities, but in the larger community of Ontario as well,” said Minister of Small Business and Entrepreneurship Harinder Takhar. “We applaud programs such as the Beyshick Project that provide young people with opportunities to develop the critical business and life skills that are so important to their future.”
“Project Beyshick highlights our government’s approach to Aboriginal Affairs: practical and tangible improvements to Aboriginal communities,” said Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Michael Bryant. “This project will help to bring the community together by celebrating and rewarding entrepreneurial activity.”
Launched in 2005, Project Beyshick is a one-week program that allows youth within the Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory to participate in workshops at leading Canadian business schools and job-shadow Toronto-based business executives.
“We are proud once again to support aspiring entrepreneurs so that they can achieve personal success, and also generate jobs and prosperity in their communities,” said Aditya Jha, CEO and founder of Project Beyshick.
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Contacts:
Sarbjit Kaur
Minister’s Office
416-326-1939
Aneesa Ghany
Communications Branch
416-325-6998
Disponible en français
www.sbe.gov.on.ca