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Entrepreneurship program rolls out in Parksville Qualicum Beach region

Community Futures offers eight-week accelerator course for a subsidized cost
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Community Futures Central Island is bringing an entrepreneurship accelerator program to the Parksville Qualicum Beach region. - Submitted photo

Community Futures Central Island are bringing the Local Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program (LEAP) to the Parksville Qualicum Beach region.

Using a lean start-up model, LEAP prepares small groups of entrepreneurs to launch new local businesses in their communities, through a curriculum focused on creating a viable business model. The curriculum is delivered in partnership with community-based organizations and relies on Simon Fraser University CED’s instructor, who provides a proven program delivery model, with live online instruction and support.

This eight-week accelerator program is for aspiring business owners in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area who are willing to commit to eight three-hour sessions.

Registration cost is $100 per participant as several funding partners have underwritten the costs of this program for 12 entrepreneurial leaders.

A successful applicant is not someone with the perfect business idea, but rather someone who is aware of a meaningful problem in their community, and has an idea for a business which could solve the problem. This program is for people who are passionate, action-oriented and committed to seeing their idea through. You do not have to have experience; you just need an entrepreneurial spirit.

The application deadline is Jan. 30 with the program to start mid-February. To apply, email a brief description of your business or start-up idea along with an explanation of what social, environmental or economic issues your business may address, your resume or bio and your contact information to admin@cfnanaimo.org

— Submitted by Community Futures Central Island