Community Partner Testimonials
Walking around Vancouver, I sometimes come across businesses that seem very familiar. After chatting to the owners and discovering how far they have developed from my initial involvement a few years previously, I am always impressed with how quickly these budding entrepreneurs (as I remembered them) have become seasoned business people. CYBF's financial and mentorship support is always attributed for this success. Seeing the results provides great satisfaction.
Young entrepreneurs face many challenges and have very few resources directly addressing the problems they face along their journey. At Business Victoria, we see many young entrepreneurs excited about their business ideas but restricted by lack of capital, limited business network and few management skills. CYBF's start-up financing and business resources act as catalysts that enable entrepreneurs to learn, flourish and achieve their dreams of business success. It is always great to see successful CYBF young entrepreneurs who not only create jobs in the community but are also excellent role models for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Young entrepreneurs are faced with many barriers; lack of experience, lack of assets; and yet they also seem to have some of the most innovative business ideas. CYBF offers young entrepreneurs the opportunity to pursue their dream business with access to financing and access to experienced and knowledgeable mentors.
CYBF is one way to open the door to young entrepreneurs' dreams. Through CYBF, we have assisted 30 young entrepreneurs to start businesses in Saskatchewan. Since each business typically accounts for at least another two or three new jobs in the community, that's a total of 60-80 jobs. This is a significant impact in a province with less than a million people, where we have worked hard to attract and retain our youth.
Working with entrepreneurs is an inspiration and an incredible learning experience; for those who are not self employed, volunteering with CYBF is an opportunity to see this world up close. From the organization itself to the volunteers that serve as Loan Review Committee members, knowing that you are part of a team that is focused and committed to supporting Canada's youth in the pursuit of their self employment dreams is a feeling of accomplishment I won't soon forget.
The Northwest Business Centre has been a CYBF Community Partner since 2006. The CYBF staff support and resources make our advisors' job very easy when assisting clients through the loan process. CYBF staff is always accessible by both the CP and the young entrepreneur and they ensure each application and file is processed efficiently and effectively.
