Community Futures Sunshine Coast is seeking its 2017 fall cohort of entrepreneurs whose businesses will help address social, environmental or economic challenges on the Coast and beyond.
The Local Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (LEAP) is a nine-week enterprise accelerator program for new business ideas. More than 30 past alumni have gone on to establish some of our well-known and loved businesses, such as the Coast Car Coop; Share-There; Care for a Lift; Sunshine Coast Salt Company; Headstart Public Speaking for Kids, and others.
In September, another eight LEAP participants will test and refine their business ideas, explore revenue streams and profitability, crystallize community and social benefits, and begin marketing their products and services. They will be supported with curriculum offered by partners at Simon Fraser University and Community Futures staff. Weekly evening classes begin Thursday, Sept. 28 in Sechelt and culminate with a LEAP launch party in late November. Cost is $100 per participant as Community Futures and SFU are underwriting expenses related to the program for eight promising entrepreneurial leaders.
“Signing up for the LEAP program was the best thing I have done to ensure the success of my business,” Tracee Lang, owner of the Sunshine Coast Salt Company, said. “The instructors and fellow students in the course played an important part in helping me launch my company. I encourage anyone who wants to start a business to apply for a spot. It may just be your best business move too.”
LEAP offers more than just weekly classes. Through Community Futures, students can also access financing, gain valuable business advice, meet potential investors, and develop business partnerships. This year’s cohort will have access to more resources than ever before to develop scalable and impactful businesses.
“Community Futures and SFU recognize that strong local economies are better insulated against regional and national economic instabilities,” Janice Iverson, executive director of Community Futures Sunshine Coast, said.
“Together, we are committed to fostering and growing an ecosystem of social entrepreneurs on the Sunshine Coast, and LEAP is one key program where we demonstrate this commitment to our community.”
Wes Regan, director of SFU’s Community Economic Development Program, said social ventures use a business model to deliver social change.
“The majority of a social enterprise’s revenue comes from market sales and the community benefit is baked into the operations of the organization, not tacked onto the side,” Regan said. “Social impact, like employment for young people or increased food security, is integral to the business.”
The application deadline for LEAP is Aug. 23. Details on how to apply can be found at communityfutures.org/leap or by calling Dawn at 604-989-1030.
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