Entrepreneurs can change the world

This guest post is provided by the Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), a national charity providing youth (18-34) with pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing and mentoring, to help them launch and sustain successful entrepreneurial businesses.

Entrepreneurs are a vital part of Canada's economy and its communities. One idea from an innovative young person could launch a multi-million dollar company, employing thousands of people and improving the lives of millions more around the world. Another could build a smaller business from the ground up, becoming a fixture within their neighbourhood and creating a handful of jobs for local residents.

No matter the size or the scope of their businesses, entrepreneurs are the lifeblood of Canada's growth and success.

Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is a global movement designed to introduce young people around the world to the possibilities of entrepreneurship, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs, innovators and change-makers. From November 15-21, 2010, more than 100 countries will hold GEW events and activities that will connect millions of people, including young adults, students, entrepreneurial experts, non-profit leaders, policy-makers, business executives, educators and politicians. The common goal is to expose the youth of the world to entrepreneurship and encourage them to become agents of change in their communities, cities and countries.

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is the official host of GEW Canada 2010, and is working with hundreds of grassroots, regional and national organizations to champion a culture of entrepreneurship and mentoring, through local, national and global initiatives. National activities include the Great Canadian Mentoring Challenge, where anyone with a great business tip can submit advice, creating an online resource for young entrepreneurs and the Show Us Your Entrepreneur campaign, which calls on all Canadians to share their story of entrepreneurship on a virtual postcard or to upload a photo, showing the face of entrepreneurship within their community. Regional events range from gala celebrations attended by hundreds of people to intimate organization open houses to online contests and activities that connect thousands of people from coast to coast.

Interested in joining the GEW movement and championing entrepreneurship in your community? Check out the activities calendar and find how you can participate in other GEW activities taking place in your area, or plan an event for next year.

Together we can change the world, one young entrepreneur at a time.