Envision Saint John Looks to Foster Young Entrepreneurs Through The Paid Start-Up Program
Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency is looking to recruit the next round of participants for its Paid Start-Up Program, which helps young entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 30 years old develop their business ideas in Saint John.
The program gives participants a structured system that will support them in validating their ideas, acting as a stepping-stone to launching their companies, while providing a financial incentive for the program – a 6-month paid internship.
Michele Lodge, coordinator of youth entrepreneurship programming at Envision Saint John, says the younger participants also gain key business skills from subject matter experts that strengthen their opportunities for success. Appealing to youth is crucial, she says.
“Where they don’t usually have much equity or income built up, this gives them the chance to work on their venture instead,” explains Lodge. “It is a program that’s designed to help people who have a solid idea, launch their business.”
Lodge says Envision Saint John is open to a wide variety of ideas. They look for participants who are passionate about what they do and have the potential to grow in the future.
Dennie James took part in the program after moving to Saint John from Ottawa in September 2020. His company, BAIOTEQ, focuses on biosecurity platforms for post-pandemic health and safety by creating safe and healthy indoor environments.
“One of the best things about the [Start-Up Program] is how it was structured,” says James. It provides you all the elements you need to start a successful business. Envision Saint John has been instrumental in helping us define our strategy, our market approach and customer discovery methodology.”
James valued gaining insight from industry professionals, including crash courses in accounting, digital marketing, and customer discovery. In addition, participants received lots of support from program staff.
“They’re really informative. They’re giving you advice that you actually need to succeed,” said James. “I would personally highly recommend Envision Saint John’s Start-Up Program to anyone who is looking to start a business.”
The application process is simple: willing participants can submit their resume and provide an overview of their business idea as a video or in writing. Applications must be submitted by email to Lodge no later than August 9, 2021.
Once the deadline has passed, Envision Saint John will interview select candidates and choose up to nine for the program. Lodge says the response to the program has been positive and she looks forward to working with another group of young entrepreneurs, encouraging them to flesh out their ideas and network with each other.
“They get a lot of energy from each other because they’re working with a group of like-minded people,” said Lodge. “It’s really fun to see them interact with each other, to see them launch businesses — there’s nothing better.”
Interested applicants can reach out to Michele Lodge by email or visit the website for more information about the program and selection criteria.
This story is sponsored by Envision Saint John: The Regional Growth Agency