About CYBF
Vivian Prokop
Chief Executive Officer
With sharp focus, boundless energy, and an unwavering commitment to helping young entrepreneurs grow, Vivian is a driving force for excellence at CYBF. She joined CYBF in 2003 as chief executive officer and under her leadership, the organization has supported a growing number of start-ups each year and achieved a repayment rate of 94 per cent in its financing programs.
Widely considered a global expert in youth entrepreneurship, Vivian has hosted or participated in roundtable discussions with many well-known figures including the United Nations with former Secretary-General of the U.N., Kofi Annan, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper. She is the founding chair of the G20 Young Entrepreneur Summit, a member of the founding executive committee for the G20 Young Entrepreneur’s Alliance and spearheads Global Entrepreneurship Week Canada (GEW) which received the GEW Country of the Year Award in 2010 from the US-based Kauffman Foundation. The Women’s Executive Network honoured Vivian with the 2010 and 2011 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100™ Award in the Trailblazers and Trendsetters category.
Inspired by the entrepreneurs she works with every day, Vivian believes in the power of determination and in personal accountability. “The world is full of possibilities for those who have the drive, the dedication and the vision to make them a reality,” she said.
Previous to Vivian’s position as CEO of the Canadian Youth Business Foundation, she specialized in change management and growth leadership in the finance industry.
Vivian is a graduate of the Harvard Business School, Advanced Management Program for Global Leaders as well as the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business, Directors Education Program. She sits on the Board of Directors of the Empire Club of Canada.
Click here to see Vivian’s official biography.
