Global Youth Entrepreneurs: A successful BBOT Project

"The Youth Opportunity Program grants are an investment by our government to support local communities in undertaking initiatives that will help out-of-school newcomer and immigrant youth gain skills through mentoring and leadership training, and will give participants the opportunity to get involved in meaningful community initiatives" (The Hon. Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontario Minister of Citizenship and Immigration).

On November 10th, 2011, at the BBOT Business to Business Trade Fair, there were two remarkable youth entrepreneurs that caught participants and visitors attention: Claudia Yung and Jessica Hoang both 17 years of age. The name of their venture is You-Niq (pronounced unique), and they are artists who use Batik as their medium and they have had their work displayed as well as published on calendars. They produce high quality signed and numbered prints of their work, and had several on display at the Fletcher's Meadow BBOT Business Fair. They not only produce batik artworks for framing, but Batik Fashion which can be worn, custom artwork for use on greeting cards, as well as unique custom pieces of jewelry such as bracelets and chains. These young entrepreneurs also import key rings and chains from Hong Kong as part of their line of products. They are also involved in many groups and activities and are firm believers that "youth can make a difference" in the world today.

Claudia and Jessica attended the Global Youth Entrepreneurs Project (*)activities at Rapport Youth in the summer and continued to meet periodically with mentor businessman and BBOT member Jeff Bowman, from The Marketing Pad, to further refine their ideas and business plan. They are looking forward to creating new pieces of art and continuing to develop their business as they move from high school to university. To expand their customer base, they are looking for any businesses who desire some colourful custom made artwork for the office or reception area, as well as graphics for cards, calendars and notes. They can be reached at Jessica@globalyouthentrepreneurs.com, and Claudia@globalyouthentrepreneurs.com

(*)The BBOT Global Youth Entrepreneurs Project was developed under the Youth Opportunity Program, which is part of the Strategic Partnership Initiatives Program lead and funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration. The project provides immigrant/newcomer youth, between the ages of 16 and 24, with opportunities to learn and develop entrepreneurial skills through a hand-on business training, workshops and mentorship, and raises awareness among youth immigrants that becoming entrepreneurs is a viable career choice, and equip participants with the basic understanding and training to pursue that path to success. For further information on the project, please contact Dr. Yamil H. Alonso, BBOT Project Manager at yalonso@bramptonbot.com