Emilien Nadeau (President of the CMA 2014), Isabelle Peleltier (SADC), Caroline Pagé (CBDC), Ryan Pelletier (LEAD)Edmundston (NB)- Under the theme "Realize your business dream!", the first business plan contest is launched in the region of Acadia of the Lands and Forests. This contest is organized under the economic component of the Congrès mondial acadien 2014.

The business plan contest aims at creating and starting three companies on the territory of Acadia of the Lands and Forests by people aged between 18 and 34. It also aims to educate youth about entrepreneurship and business creation opportunities on the host territory of the fifth Congrès mondial acadien, to highlight the existing support services to small businesses in the region, and to encourage networking and the development of business contacts between regions.

The organizing committee invites interested persons to realize their business dream by submitting their project idea in this contest. Support and training will be offered to participants to develop their business plan. The grand finale on August 20th, will be presented as a gala evening where winners of each of the three regions will be crowned. Projects will be evaluated by an independent panel of business people and economic stakeholders of Acadia of the Lands and Forests.

In addition to getting unparalleled visibility for their new business, recipients will be awarded a cash prize of $ 5000, support to start their business and opportunities for business networking.

Emilien Nadeau, president of the CMA 2014, emphasizes the importance of encouraging young people to go into business in order to ensure the economic development of the region.

"The business opportunities and entrepreneurship are real in Acadia of the Lands and Forests. This initiative, such as this competition, will enable young people with the entrepreneurial spirit to flourish professionally while contributing to the prosperity of the region. "

Deadline and registration process
Those interested in participating in the contest are invited to consult the website at www.cma2014.com/businessdream or call (506) 737-8925. Applicants must complete the online registration form before April, 25th 2014. They will then submit a 2-page summary, a short 2 minute video explaining their business idea and $ 20 registration fee.
Three finalists from each region will be selected by a committee that has evaluated all the business plans received. The nine finalists will be announced and the winners will be crowned in the heart of the festivities of CMA 2014 during a gala evening on August 20th.

This initiative is made possible through the support of many partners, including ACOA, the Department of Post-Secondary Education , Training and Labour, the CBDC Madawaska, Victoria – Madawaska South and Restigouche, the Société d'aide au développement des collectivités du Témiscouata, the Leaders Encouraging Aroostook development, Acadia Federal Credit Union and the organizing committee of the Congrès Mondial Acadien 2014.

About the CMA 2014
Regions of northwestern New Brunswick, Quebec Témiscouata and northern Maine are hosting the next Congrès mondial acadien, held from August 8 to 24th, 2014. A range of cultural, sporting and economic activities will be organized throughout the territory to celebrate the Acadia of today.

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Source:
Caroline Pagé, Events Coordinator CBDC Madawaska
[email protected]
(506) 737-8925

Isabelle Pelletier, Project manager SADC Témiscouata
[email protected]
(418)899-0808

Ryan Pelletier, Director of Workforce Development & Exec Director LEAD
Northern Maine Development Commission
[email protected]
(207) 493-5771