Community Futures Sunshine Coast is seeking its 2019 fall cohort of social entrepreneurs whose businesses will help address social, environmental, or economic challenges on the Sunshine Coast and beyond.
The Local Entrepreneur Accelerator Program (LEAP) is a nine-week program to test and launch innovative business ideas. Nearly 40 alumni have gone on to establish businesses and social enterprises such as Sunshine Coast Tiny Homes, Sunshine Coast Lavender Farm, Davis Bay Tea Company and Erickson Meats.
In October, another eight LEAP participants will step up to 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 Simon Fraser University and Community Futures staff.
LEAP offers more than weekly classes. Through Community Futures, participants can also access financing, receive business advice, meet potential investors and coaches, and develop friendships with like-minded forward thinkers.
Weekly evening classes will be held Tuesdays, beginning Oct. 1 in Sechelt and culminate with a LEAP launch party. The cost to participate in LEAP is $100 per participant as Community Futures and SFU partner to offset program fees. Subsidies are also available.
The application deadline for LEAP is Sept. 1. Details on how to apply can be found at communityfutures.org/leap, by emailing projects@communityfutures.org or by calling 604-885-1959.
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