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Information Session & Kick-off event. Meeting Objective. What is ACE? How do we work? Why us?. Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship. What? Not-for-Profit Create brighter futures How? Teach the principals of free enterprise Realize the value’s of entrepreneurship and market economies
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Meeting Objective • What is ACE? How do we work? • Why us?
Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship What? • Not-for-Profit • Create brighter futures How? • Teach the principals of free enterprise • Realize the value’s of entrepreneurship and market economies • Promote entrepreneurship by providing skills needed to succeed
Opportunity. Experience. Growth • Why Entrepreneurship? “With their non-conformist buck-the-system profile and business chic creativity, young entrepreneurs have become the rock stars of a new generation. In a world that pressures you to get a job, some still want to create one of their own.” San Grewal, Toronto Star, “They mean business – SIFE Laurier”, October 2005 • Can you really teach it? • Why ACE?
Experience • 6th year in growth • Executed over 42 projects • Traveled to: Grenada, Egypt, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Mexico • ACE Laurier’s Achievements: • 2006 SIFE National Finalist • 2006 3rd Place Financial Education Literacy Challenge • 2005/04/03 Most Enterprising Campus in Canada • 2005/04/03 SIFE National Champion2005 SIFE World Cup Toronto 1st Runner Up (Opening Round), Spirit Award • 2005/04 Micro Business, Fair Enterprise National Champion
Opportunity • How to Join? • Application process • The following executive positions are open for application: • Director of Finance • Director of Sponsorship • Director of Communications • We are looking for Program Managers for the following programs: • Aboriginal Business – Georgina Island • Café Justo – Mexico • Makeover for Success (Co-Program Manager) • We are looking for Team Members for the following programs • Café Justo – Mexico • Aboriginal Business – Georgina Island • Second Chances – Grand Valley Institute for Women • Makeover for Success
Georgina Island • An extension of our Mobile Entrepreneurship Centre • Consulting Nzeemh Family Campground, located on Georgina Island, a Chippewa First Nation reserve • 10-year Tourism Strategy for the island • Owner Paul and Clara have are looking for insight on how to improve their business and create and execute a strong marketing strategy. Aboriginal Project: Georgina Island
Our EXPERIENCE • Last year we met with economic development officer of Georgina Island, Marlene Stiles and Buzzy Big Canoe • Georgina Island 10 year tourism plan • discussed opportunities for ACE to assist business owners on the island. • started to develop a marketing strategy with Clara and Paul for their campground for the 2007 next season, and are looking to further develop and execute this strategy.
Potential GROWTH • Opportunities for growth in our aboriginal project is endless • 1st task is to have a team develop and execute marketing plan for Nzeemh Campground • Road Map: Work with the economic development programs to • Assist other small businesses on the island • Work with the Islands youth to inspire entrprenurship
Your OPPORTUNITY • We are looking for dedicated and motivated members, who enjoy learning about new cultures and lifestyles • Individuals who are driven to create a program and see it through implementation. • Strong interest and background experience in marketing, business development and business planning
Second Chances • Assist incarcerated women at Grand Valley Institute for Women in Kitchener • teaches courses in entrepreneurship, human resources, marketing and accounting to give the women a basic business background • shows them that starting up their own business is a viable alternative to traditional employment Second Chances
Our EXPERIENCE • The program ran last year for four weeks • Feedback from the facility tells us that the women who participated all appreciated the program • After meeting earlier this week we obtained the commitment of the prison to assisting us in making this program work. • We succeeded in encouraging one of the women to be entrepreneurial
Potential GROWTH • This year, we are extending the program to six weeks and adding two case classes. • We are also considering adding a business law portion. • The program will be running for six weeks every Monday from 6pm-9pm commencing October 2, 2006.
Your OPPORTUNITY • This program will require a committee of very committed volunteers • You must have a strong business background and great interpersonal skills. • Anyone involved in this project must be completely non-judgemental. • Since we are dealing with a correctional facility, there are a lot of security clearance issues. • required to attend a bi-annually volunteer training session.
Makeover for Success • Beginning stages of the program • Purpose: help residents at a locals women shelter gain footing in the professional world • teaches courses in resume building and interview conduct • Reward: a new professional Makeover Makeover for Success
Our EXPERIENCE • Last March the ACE members ran one-on-one classes • Résumés, cover letters, Interview questions • Partnered with the Voila Institute and HBC to provide our participants with • A professional makeover • transportation to their interview
Potential GROWTH • This year, we will expand this program to a week long program held each term • Include more value added topics to the curriculum such as financial budgeting and mock interviews • Need to develop research looking into providing accessible daycare alternatives to these women
Your OPPORTUNITY • Requires students who demonstrate a high level of excitement and passion towards the heart of this program • Students that have good teamwork and people skills, and that are proficient using Microsoft Word are ideal for this program.
Café Justo • Mexican coffee cooperative made up of 27 families • This model cuts out the “middle-man”, ensuring that all revenues remain in Mexico • This system has been referred to as “Fair-Trade-PLUS” since farmers earn a wage even higher than with the Fair Trade concept • Café Justo has proven very successful with limited marketing experience and only a rough business plan Café Justo
Our EXPERIENCE • Last November, 4 ACE Laurier students traveled to Nogales, Mexico • Students met with various members of the cooperative and witnessed the roasting/packaging process first-hand • Since our visit, ACE Laurier has provided some recommendations to the organization regarding marketing, distribution and licensing
Potential GROWTH • This model has the potential to be expanded very effectively across the Mexican border • Since our visit, the Just Coffee organization has established a “Just Trade Center” to begin to manage the expansion of their model • ACE Laurier is looking to partner with this Center to assist in growing the organization
Your OPPORTUNITY • Currently ACE Laurier’s only international program • Students with an interest in foreign issues, particularly trade and how it affects developing economies, would be good candidates • Learn to develop strategies in distribution, marketing, licensing and branding as well as many other areas • Potential opportunity to travel to Mexico to implement strategies directly
Growth: Personal Developement • We are here to serve YOU! • Our Alumni “Nothing in my university experience was as worthwhile as my experience with ACE.” Nigel Vanderlinden, ACE Alumnus, Wilfrid Laurier University; and Business Development Manager, Research in Motion • Our network “Being active in groups such as ACE go a long way toward developing meaningful networking skills.” Ron McGowan, Globe and Mail, May, 2004
Information Session & Kick-off event Thank you