"Growing talent is like growing a plant and when we launched the pilot project a couple of years ago, it started off by talking about the Toronto Maple Leafs. Not everyone liked that because the Leafs were losing, but they really turned things around. Why is it that the Leafs are reemerging? The answer is, they are doing a very good job of developing their young talent."
Rob Deline, executive director of IION (Innovation Initiatives Ontario North) was a week late in catching the wave of excitement surrounding the playoff run (and eventual loss to the Washington Capitals) of the burgeoning Leafs, a team stacked with young talent and promise.
Despite the timing, the play of the green Leafs has opened eyes around the NHL as to the bright future for the team, and that is what Deline was referring to at an event held Friday outside the iCAMP facility at Canadore College's Commerce Court campus announcing funding for phase two of the YEPP (Youth Entrepreneurship Placement Program).
From the FedNor release: "YEPP provides qualified youth ages 18 to 29 with up to 16 weeks of meaningful on-the-job entrepreneurship and skills training. This strategic initiative also benefits the small business sector by providing employers with access to an energetic and knowledgeable workforce, helping them to innovate, grow and take their businesses to the next level."
Tealia Carriere is a Nipissing University student who is in an ongoing placement at KNIGHT Manufacturing Inc., that was facilitated and funded by the YEPP program.
Carriere was hired as a marketing intern last May and is grateful for her experiences. "I've done everything at KNIGHT from write emails, speaking with clients, shipping, to making new products. I've done it all and it's very exciting. I don't think any other business would let a student come in and experience everything."
IION matched Carriere with KNIGHT, and after a two-hour interview process, a match was made that was beneficial to both parties. "They wanted to make sure that I fit with the company, and that the fit matched my needs as a young entrepreneur."
Mayor Al McDonald served as master of ceremonies, introducing Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota. Rota spoke on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development. Bains is also the Minister responsible for FedNor (and the NODP or Northen Ontario Development Program).
Said Rota, after announcing $223,000 in funding for IION and YEPP: "Our government is proud to partner with organizations, such as IION, to encourage young Canadians to embrace entrepreneurship as a viable career path."
Bains' prepared remarks noted that: "Today's announcement supports the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan by providing new opportunities for businesses to innovate and grow, while creating youth employment in the region. This investment will also help inspire the next generation of Northern Ontario entrepreneurs and better prepare our future business leaders to compete in the modern economy."
Nipissing MPP Vic Fedeli announced $200,000 in funding through the Ontario Trillium Foundation for IION. The money will be provided over 24 months to help expand the YEPP program into rural areas.
"Today's announcement will not only create new jobs to grow the local economy, it also paves the way for the long-term growth of rural Ontario. Investments like these are crucial to Northern Ontario's growth and prosperity. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these funds will have in our rural Northern communities," said Fedeli.
