There are a couple of ways to attend training:
1. in-person: Rm M1060, Markin Hall, University of Lethbridge
2. videoconferencing: your region's Community Futures offices OR community libraries linked to the RISE network
3. online streaming: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/chinook-challenge (You will need to register at least 24 hours in advance in order to get the passcode to the session).
4. posted session highlights right here on this blog page! (although significantly abbreviated and no opportunity to interact with the speaker)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
REGISTER NOW!!
Registration is down this year compared to other years! This is bad news for us as organizers because our goal is to reach as many people in southern Alberta as possible, but it's great news for you!
Sign up now! Your chances of winning the $10,000 GRAND PRIZE are increased!
Just because you're registered, you are not required to participate in either the training or the competition. Participants can choose what valuable experience(s) they'll take away from the competition.
When you register, indicate where you would like to attend the training. For the first time, we are offering training sessions in community libraries across the region.
A huge 'Thank you' to RISE videoconferencing network! Now, CEC sessions will be available near you! Simply indicate your preferred site, and we'll take care of the arrangements from there!
Sign up now! Your chances of winning the $10,000 GRAND PRIZE are increased!
Just because you're registered, you are not required to participate in either the training or the competition. Participants can choose what valuable experience(s) they'll take away from the competition.
When you register, indicate where you would like to attend the training. For the first time, we are offering training sessions in community libraries across the region.
A huge 'Thank you' to RISE videoconferencing network! Now, CEC sessions will be available near you! Simply indicate your preferred site, and we'll take care of the arrangements from there!
Friday, January 21, 2011
TRAINING DATES!
To confirm: the training dates are as follows:
February 2—Session 1: Introduction
February 9—Session 2: Ideas to action
February 16—Session 3: Financing and Funding
March 2—Session 4: Marketing your idea
March 9—Session 5: Finance 101
March 16—Session 6: Using financial statements
March 23—Session 7: Operations management
March 30—Session 8: Putting it all together
There was an error on an early print poster and some other materials regarding the February 16 session being on the 23rd. The session will occur Wednesday, February 16 from 6:30-9:00 Financing and Funding.
This session promises to be a very informative as entrepreneurs plan to move forward with their idea and realize they may need some financial assistance.
We've invited partners from the financial industry to give you a sense of what you'll need to get that ball rolling.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), ScotiaBank and Community Futures will be on-hand to tell you more about their different types of financing opportunities and you can ask direct questions without any pressure.
Then there is a break over Reading Week - no session February 23!
More about training coming!
February 2—Session 1: Introduction
February 9—Session 2: Ideas to action
February 16—Session 3: Financing and Funding
March 2—Session 4: Marketing your idea
March 9—Session 5: Finance 101
March 16—Session 6: Using financial statements
March 23—Session 7: Operations management
March 30—Session 8: Putting it all together
There was an error on an early print poster and some other materials regarding the February 16 session being on the 23rd. The session will occur Wednesday, February 16 from 6:30-9:00 Financing and Funding.
This session promises to be a very informative as entrepreneurs plan to move forward with their idea and realize they may need some financial assistance.
We've invited partners from the financial industry to give you a sense of what you'll need to get that ball rolling.
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF), ScotiaBank and Community Futures will be on-hand to tell you more about their different types of financing opportunities and you can ask direct questions without any pressure.
Then there is a break over Reading Week - no session February 23!
More about training coming!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
FORMS
Nothing breaks my heart like seeing excellent business plans get disqualified because they didn't follow competition requirements.
The first thing anyone interested in CEC must do is register! So let's go over the forms:
Participant Registration
The main form is the participant registration. It gives us your basic contact info, business concept and training preferences on the first page. Then, on the second/back page, is the participant agreement. This agreement is kinda like that box that you check when you sign up for an online account that reads "I accept and understand these terms." We want to make sure you read it though, instead of just "clicking through". It basically outlines a few rules and says what we're here for: that we have put together this program with only the best intentions of seeing entrepreneurship develop in southern Alberta and we need the support of the participants.
As the years go by, we gather more and more information and the CEC grows. When we have events or winners or something to boast about, we want your permission to showcase the programs successes, that's why we have the "right to publish..." part in there. Don't worry though, we keep your vital, business information 100% discreet.
That's where the Non-Disclosure Agreement comes in. Everyone involved with the CEC is asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, from participants to organizers to screeners/judges to speakers. This form is absolutely required before training sessions start February 2. This agreement protects your intellectual property and that of all those around you.
Once you've registered and you're ready to submit your business plan (deadline: April 29), you'll need the Plan Submission Checklist. This one is more for the participants as it outlines the final requirements for their submission into the competition.
One important note!!!! Participants MUST send signed ORIGINAL copies of each of these forms to their region's Community Futures office before April 29 in order meet the submission requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact our office!
The first thing anyone interested in CEC must do is register! So let's go over the forms:
Participant Registration
The main form is the participant registration. It gives us your basic contact info, business concept and training preferences on the first page. Then, on the second/back page, is the participant agreement. This agreement is kinda like that box that you check when you sign up for an online account that reads "I accept and understand these terms." We want to make sure you read it though, instead of just "clicking through". It basically outlines a few rules and says what we're here for: that we have put together this program with only the best intentions of seeing entrepreneurship develop in southern Alberta and we need the support of the participants.
As the years go by, we gather more and more information and the CEC grows. When we have events or winners or something to boast about, we want your permission to showcase the programs successes, that's why we have the "right to publish..." part in there. Don't worry though, we keep your vital, business information 100% discreet.
That's where the Non-Disclosure Agreement comes in. Everyone involved with the CEC is asked to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement, from participants to organizers to screeners/judges to speakers. This form is absolutely required before training sessions start February 2. This agreement protects your intellectual property and that of all those around you.
Once you've registered and you're ready to submit your business plan (deadline: April 29), you'll need the Plan Submission Checklist. This one is more for the participants as it outlines the final requirements for their submission into the competition.
One important note!!!! Participants MUST send signed ORIGINAL copies of each of these forms to their region's Community Futures office before April 29 in order meet the submission requirements.
If you have any questions, please contact our office!
New options to attend training in rural communities!
Participants now have a new alternative to access training!
TRAINING SITE OPTIONS
If your community has a library that is part of the Chinook Arch, Marigold or Shortgrass library systems you can access the training sessions via videoconference.
All you need to do is register by filling out the participant agreement and the non-disclosure form and sending to the Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge to info@chinookchallenge.com, fax (403) 327-8476, drop/mail 2626 South Parkside Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 0C4.
On the registration form, you will be able to indicate where you would like to attend the training sessions. For a list of options in the RISE network (community libraries), click here. Participants should also visit or be in touch with their local Community Futures. Partner offices are in Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, Taber, Strathmore, Medicine Hat and Kindersley.
Of course, participants are encouraged to participate in the in-person sessions hosted in Lethbridge (location to be confirmed, *hint: university).
TRAINING SESSION CONTENT
This year, we're doing the training a little different. We're asking our community partners to join us and impart their business wisdom upon us! For the past few cycles, we've hosted eight training sessions that take the participant through the importance and elements of a business plan. We have lots of great guests and speakers coming in who can answer your questions and show a genuine interest in seeing southern Alberta's economy grow!
TRAINING SITE OPTIONS
If your community has a library that is part of the Chinook Arch, Marigold or Shortgrass library systems you can access the training sessions via videoconference.
All you need to do is register by filling out the participant agreement and the non-disclosure form and sending to the Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge to info@chinookchallenge.com, fax (403) 327-8476, drop/mail 2626 South Parkside Drive, Lethbridge, AB T1K 0C4.
On the registration form, you will be able to indicate where you would like to attend the training sessions. For a list of options in the RISE network (community libraries), click here. Participants should also visit or be in touch with their local Community Futures. Partner offices are in Pincher Creek, Lethbridge, Taber, Strathmore, Medicine Hat and Kindersley.
Of course, participants are encouraged to participate in the in-person sessions hosted in Lethbridge (location to be confirmed, *hint: university).
TRAINING SESSION CONTENT
This year, we're doing the training a little different. We're asking our community partners to join us and impart their business wisdom upon us! For the past few cycles, we've hosted eight training sessions that take the participant through the importance and elements of a business plan. We have lots of great guests and speakers coming in who can answer your questions and show a genuine interest in seeing southern Alberta's economy grow!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
It's time to take the next step!
Move your business idea in to action and download the registration form from www.chinookchallenge.com now!
TAKE THE CHALLENGE!
Why wouldn't you??
It's a program you can register for with no cost. You get business training from industry professionals. We connect you with crucial people and organizations at any step of your business's development. You get content-rich feedback on your business plan which can help mitigate many of the failures inherent to new business. PLUS you have a shot at a cash prize!!
How many people pay to have a tiny chance at a cash prize through the lottery?
The Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge is here to help you take the next step and turn your idea into actions.
First step: REGISTER
Move your business idea in to action and download the registration form from www.chinookchallenge.com now!
TAKE THE CHALLENGE!
Why wouldn't you??
It's a program you can register for with no cost. You get business training from industry professionals. We connect you with crucial people and organizations at any step of your business's development. You get content-rich feedback on your business plan which can help mitigate many of the failures inherent to new business. PLUS you have a shot at a cash prize!!
How many people pay to have a tiny chance at a cash prize through the lottery?
The Chinook Entrepreneur Challenge is here to help you take the next step and turn your idea into actions.
First step: REGISTER
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