Feb. 15, 2006 – Calgary, AB – Meyers Norris Penny LLP (MNP), in partnership with Western Lakota Energy Services Inc. and Alberta Economic Development, is excited to announce the launch of their first-ever Aboriginal Self-Employment Training Program in Calgary today. The program will be held in the downtown offices of Meyers Norris Penny, the only Top 10 chartered accountancy and advisory firm based in the West.
This is the first time private industry and government has come together to provide the Aboriginal community with fully sponsored self-employment training. “Our goal is to offset the hurdles faced by new entrepreneurs and provide Aboriginals with the tools to help their businesses succeed,” says Clayton Norris, MNP’s assistant director of Aboriginal Services.
Aboriginal people are starting new businesses at an impressive rate: over the past 25 years, the number of self-employed Aboriginals has jumped from 7,000 to more than 20,000 – twice the national average growth rate.
“Getting solid training to help their businesses get off the ground can be a major challenge, and that’s where this program will be an enormous asset,” says program manager Deidre Louw. She adds that Aboriginal entrepreneurial training will mean continued growth, positive socio-economic change and increased employment in Alberta.
The innovative, nine-week program includes management training, business plan assistance and networking support designed to assist Aboriginals with the launch of a new business venture. It will consist of 15 evening workshops, with a follow-up round table discussion planned for June, and five hours of private business coaching for each participant from MNP’s experienced consultants. There is no cost for qualifying participants.
About MNP
Meyers Norris Penny lives in the West and believes in its potential. We provide our mid-market clients clear, straightforward business advice with a local perspective. For more information, visit www.mnp.ca.
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For further information, please contact:
Clayton Norris
Assistant Director, Aboriginal Services
Meyers Norris Penny
403.537.7606
clayton.norris@mnp.ca
Clay Buchanan
Manager, Aboriginal Economic Development
Alberta Economic Development
780.427.5922