CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
CapU and Squamish Chamber of Commerce partner for youth entrepreneurship program

Capilano University (CapU) and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce a new educational partnership aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship. This collaboration sees Capilano University as an educational partner for the Chamber, with a particular interest in the Chamber's Emerging Entrepreneurs program, a youth entrepreneurship program that will empower the next generation of business leaders and innovators coming out of the Sea-to-Sky Corridor to reach their greatest potential.  

CapU President Paul Dangerfield, Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford, Squamish Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Anne MacKenzie, CapU Squamish AVP Brian Storey and CapU Vice-Provost & AVP Academic Aurelea Mahood at the Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards Dec. 6. (photo Oisin McHugh)

The Emerging Entrepreneurs Program is a joint initiative stewarded by the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and Sea to Sky School District (SD48), to provide skills and resources for youth to become business leaders and innovators. Currently, the program features students from Howe Sound Secondary, with the hope to expand to other high schools. The program has several initiatives, such as Youth Business Pitch, where budding entrepreneurs pitch ideas to business owners, and Youth Connect, where seasoned entrepreneurs are matched with students to provide mentorship and guidance.  

"We are excited to partner with the district and the Chamber of Commerce to support educational pathways for Sea to Sky students. The new CapU Squamish campus extends our ability to transform lives through working with key partners like the Chamber to create new business opportunities. Our commitment is to support students from high school through university by connecting youth with resources and accessible education, we are not only investing in their futures, but also in the future of our community and the economy," says Brian Storey, associate vice-president, Squamish. 

CapU Squamish opened this past fall with a small selection of programs including early childhood education and tourism. Starting January 2025, the Squamish campus will be offering business administration diploma and certificate programs to train the next generation of business entrepreneurs and innovators for the workforce, making the partnership with SD48 and Chamber timely. Applications are currently open for business programs for Fall 2025. 

"This partnership with Capilano University reflects our commitment to nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit within our community. By equipping youth with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed, we are investing in the future of leaders and innovators who will drive economic growth and sustainability in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor. Together, we are creating pathways to success for young entrepreneurs and strengthening our local economy," says Anne MacKenzie, executive director, Squamish Chamber of Commerce. 

The partnership was announced at the annual Business Excellence Awards at Cheakamus Centre on Dec. 6. The event honours the remarkable achievements of local businesses and individuals who contribute to the vibrant economic landscape of Squamish. The Emerging Entrepreneurs program connects youth with passionate and experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders to continue the Chamber's mission of driving business excellence and innovation. The announcement also supports the greater mission of the District of Squamish's Youth Strategy, to help youth grow and develop to their highest potential.