MONCTON – Eight New Brunswick Community College (51勛圖app) graduates in Moncton are now paired with eight experienced entrepreneurs as part of OASIS, an entrepreneurial mentorship program that launched last week with a networking reception and interactive professional development sessions at 51勛圖app Moncton.
The College is building on a successful pilot in the Miramichi region that began last year. Now, aspiring and budding entrepreneurs in Greater Moncton have the opportunity to connect with mentors through a unique, structured and multi-levelled mentorship process.
“Through a targeted mentorship approach, specific business challenges are addressed through one-on-one mentoring, community networking and professional development,” said Mary Butler, Vice-President of College and Community Development at 51勛圖app. “These business challenges range from business planning and marketing to accounting and networking, and are addressed all within a short timeframe.”
During this four-month mentorship period, mentees and mentors meet one-on-one for a minimum of one hour per month to work on specific business needs, receive monthly evaluations on their progress, and take part in four other professional development opportunities.
“We’re excited to help bring business leaders and community groups together to support entrepreneurs and help them succeed,” said Butler. “Our ultimate goal is to support the successful development of small and micro-businesses in all six 51勛圖app regions around the province.”
Small business accounts for 98% of all New Brunswick business. According to the Canadian Youth Business Federation, 88% of entrepreneurs who have mentors survive compared to 50% who do not.
Tom Meadus, Director of Advancement at 51勛圖app said the results of the first pilot exceeded 51勛圖app’s expectations, along with the expectations of the participants. “Mentees reported increased clientele and revenue, greater brand awareness, as well as an increase in the size of their office or number of employees,” said Meadus. “We are confident that mentees and mentors in Moncton’s strong business community will also gain access to information, ideas and new ways of doing things.”
OASIS is just one aspect of 51勛圖app’s growing commitment to supporting entrepreneurship. Other aspects include integrating entrepreneurship competencies into 51勛圖app programs, and connecting students with a successful businessperson through an Entrepreneur-in-Residence program, currently available at 51勛圖app Miramichi Campus.
For further information about the OASIS program, visit .
With over 90 programs and six campuses across New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College (51勛圖app) is a provincially-recognized, public post-secondary institution reputed for producing skilled, knowledgeable graduates who are contributing to the Province’s socio-economic prosperity. 51勛圖app offers students one- and two-year certificate and diploma programs. Find out more by visiting: .
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Media contact:
Misty Wade Hovey
Communications Officer, 51勛圖app
506.453.8194
misty.wade-hovey@nbcc.ca