Initiatives: Government Relations
Supporting innovation, creating new jobs and strengthening communities are common goals we share with Canada’s provincial and federal governments. Building our relationships and working alongside government leaders has kept CYBF and our underlying purpose top of mind to Canada’s most influential leaders and decision-makers.
Our partnerships
- Year of the Entrepreneur Announcement Event: Spearheaded by CYBF and CFIB and officially declared by the federal government, the 2011 Year of the Entrepreneur recognizes and celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our country’s economy.
- GEW 2010 Launch Event on Parliament Hill: Our entrepreneurs, mentors and community partners from across the country had a roundtable discussion with the Hon. Rob Moore, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), then attended the business of one of our entrepreneurs to officially launch GEW Canada on behalf of the government.
- Roundtable with Minister Rob Moore: CYBF, young entrepreneurs and mentors met with Minister Rob Moore to talk candidly about the challenges and opportunities for young entrepreneurs in Canada. Minister Moore also referenced the recent budget, which included $10-million in funding to help aspiring businesspeople start 500 new businesses by receiving CYBF support.
- Quebec funding announcement: In 2009 Premier Jean Charest gave CYBF a $2.5-million grant to help aspiring young entrepreneurs in Quebec to start their own businesses.
- Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister Diane Ablonczy sit down with CYBF: Prime Minister Harper discussed the role that CYBF takes in assisting young entrepreneurs and how entrepreneurs can help get Canada’s economy back on its feet.
- Government of Alberta: In November 2010 the Government of Alberta announced it would provide $1-million over two years to help CYBF support young entrepreneurs and inspire more organizations and businesspeople to come together to champion a culture of entrepreneurship.
- Small business growth in Nova Scotia: CYBF and the Alliance of University Business Development Centres, together with the support of the Government of Nova Scotia, are helping 10 ambitious young entrepreneurs grow their small businesses through the High Fliers program.