Business Profile: Promoting self-reliance and entrepreneurship in Atlantic Canada.

The CEED Centre for Entrepreneurship Education & Development began in 1993 as an entrepreneurship project jointly funded by the Nova Scotia Department of Education and the Canada/Nova Scotia Cooperation Agreement on Economic Diversification.

CEED expanded its focus in 1995 to include youth outside of the public school system, and in 2002, separated from the Nova Scotia government to become a notfor- profit organization, devoted to helping people discover and use entrepreneurship to become self-reliant.

His Story: “A natural fit.”

Shawn Cunningham, financing program manager with CEED, describes his organization’s involvement with CYBF as a deepening partnership that is getting more and more important to both CEED and their clients, particularly during a time of economic recovery.

Emphasizing CEED’s involvement in helping young people to become self-reliant through entrepreneurship, Shawn says working with CYBF is very important for his organization, especially in their vision of a “vibrant entrepreneurial culture for all of Atlantic Canada.”

Saying CYBF’s mentoring program is a huge support system for young entrepreneurs as they start and grow their business, Shawn adds that he is extremely proud of all the people CEED has been able to help as a CYBF Community Partner. “Over the years I have encouraged and assisted several of our clients in preparing nominations for both local and national awards including the CYBF Chairman’s Awards Program. It’s great to see that our clients being recognized for their success when they win!”

Short Quote:
“We are seeing trends towards independent small businesses that serve niche markets being established. CYBF is well suited to assist these entrepreneurs. The CYBF mentorship program provides another level of support to young entrepreneurs as they start and grow their businesses.” – Shawn Cunningham, CEED

About CEED
CEED’s mission is to become a leader in Entrepreneurship Education Development for partners who build entrepreneurship awareness and capacity throughout Atlantic Canada. CEED is devoted to helping people discover and use entrepreneurship as a vehicle to become self-reliant. www.ceed.info

About CYBF
The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to growing our nation’s economy one young entrepreneur at a time. We look at character not collateral, when providing youth, age 18-39, with pre-launch coaching, business resources, start-up financing and mentoring, to help them launch and sustain a successful entrepreneurial business. CYBF is a founding member of the global G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance (G20 YEA). Visit www.cybf.ca.