Spreading the Approach

A Youth Entrepreneurship Pathway in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia a collective of like-minded professionals and organizations are committed to the development of Youth Entrepreneurship in the province.

This group defines Entrepreneurship not only as the creation of small business but as the creation of a mindset that engages young people, enables them to identify opportunities and act upon them in ways that will help them reach their full potential. They also share the belief that a Province that encourages this spirit will reap the benefits of a full and robust economy both in the rural communities as well as the urban centres.

Under the leadership of ACSBE and the Nova Scotia Association of Community Business Development Centres, this group has come together to coordinate various pathways to entrepreneurship in the hopes of reducing duplication and increasing reach. They realize that a continuum of programming, from early youth to adulthood will have the most impact in creating such an environment.  Our cooperation and integration of resources will, in the end, have greater impact than working in our individual pathways in isolation.

Some of the group commitments include:

• promoting the collective interest under the “Youth Entrepreneurship Pathway” brand and provide seamless access to resources and programs
• developing a series of tools that will measure and evaluate success and best practices in youth entrepreneurship
• “Entrepreneurializing” our youth in elementary, middle, high, post secondary and youth in community by establishing and maintaining this network - conduct regular forums and or connections between and amongst the organizations directly involved in the delivery of Youth Entrepreneurship programs
   

But the picture of entrepreneurial education in Nova Scotia faces challenges.  Union structures, limited resources and traditions create barriers for development and a concerted effort is needed to push entrepreneurial education reform forward and create momentum.