New youth bosses out to find success: Young entrepreneurs showcase wares at college expo.

• Author: Hansford, Jennifer
• Position: SMALL BUSINESS FOCUS

Starting your own business is not an easy endeavour.

But some young people in the Espanola and Manitoulin Island areas have had some help building their entrepreneurial goals with a program at the Espanola campus of Cambrian College.

The Young Entrepreneurship Development Initiative (YEDI) program is open to participants between the ages of 19 and 30.

In the program, participants learn things such as making a business plan, applying for loans, and customer service.

Celina Mantier, the program's facilitator, said they also had mentorship sessions with some area businesses.

"We had at least 10 local entrepreneurs come to our class--or we went to their place of business--to share their experiences with the participants," Mantier said.

"This was a real inspiration for them and they learned a lot about perseverance and what it really takes to be a business owner."

The Aug. 21 Expo at the college's Espanola campus exhibited a mix of different up-and-coming businesses.

Chad Roberts, 29, created a mechanics shop idea, where he will be repairing small engines and power equipment. Though not open for business yet, he hopes to set up his shop in November or December and start doing service calls in the Espanola, Manitoulin Island, and Elliot Lake areas.

"I've always worked a 9-to-5 job and worked in small engine repair most of my life, so I just decided it was time to branch out and do this on my own," he said.

Roberts said the program helped him overcome the fear of failing.

"I learned to just plant your feet on the ground and just go for it," he added. "One of the biggest things this program (teaches us is) don't be afraid of failure and you will succeed."

Another young entrepreneur that is seeing her vision come to fruition is Gabby Mathis, 19, who created a bath and body care business called Bomb and Body.

Mathis wasn't planning on starting her own business but was using this business idea to fundraise for her senior trip.

"I had a strangers asking me if they could buy some of my products, and it just took off from there," she said.

Mathis makes her products and distributes them through retails in Sagomok, on Manitoulin and in Espanola, while also displaying her wares at craft fairs.

"I try to do one event per month. I go to Sudbury, Hanmer, to the Island," Mathis said. "I do like to do a lot of shows here in Espanola, just to keep it local, but I am trying to expand my...