Opportunities exist to get the mentorship and financial support you need: Submit your idea now

KIRKLAND, QC, Sept. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - As a generation of ambitious thinkers, research has shown that over two-thirds of young Canadians would like to start something of their own, but a lack of financial support is preventing the majority from initiating a project they are passionate about.i

Budding entrepreneurs are looking for ways to make a career out of doing something they truly love.i According to the recent Start Something with Alesse survey of Canadians 18 to 34, the majority (86%) of young adults define personal success as doing something they are passionate about, and almost three-quarters (72%) ultimately want to be their own boss as opposed to working for someone else.i Many young Canadians say that financial support may prevent them from starting a project that they love, and almost half feel that not having guidance may be a barrier (67% and 45%, respectively): important statistics given that 92 per cent would like to make a career from doing something they love.i

Today's young Canadians have a unique set of values and an interest in doing something for themselves which is leading to larger, social change. It is their approach to entrepreneurship and interest in start-up initiatives, so vastly different than previous generations, that will result in profound effects on the economy, as well as the small-business landscape.ii

And this is exactly why the Start Something with Alesse contest exists.

Jesse Robson and Alyssa Reid, winners of last year's Start Something with Alesse contest, are two young Canadians that embody this entrepreneurial spirit. These ambitious young women took a different approach to personal success and created projects that truly reflect their education and personal passions.

Alyssa recognized an opportunity to help address a problem she acknowledged both in her community, and world-wide: obesity and malnutrition. With education in nutrition, she wanted to create something of her own.

"I was excited about my idea to create Planet Pounds, but was unsure of how to get it started," said Alyssa. "The mentorship and guidance I received from Start Something with Alesse is helping me get my project off the ground and bring my passion to life."

Jesse also had a clear idea of what she wanted to start, and has found the contest's support instrumental in her success story.

"Being a part of Start Something with Alesse has been an amazing opportunity and I have been able to extend my project, Centre for the Arts Exchange, further than I would have thought possible," said Jesse. "I encourage other young Canadians with a dream to submit their idea for something they want to start in order to help make their dream a reality."

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