Learning how to start a business isn’t something most high school students get to experience–but a new partnership between Capilano University (CapU) and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce aims to change that.
The partnership is aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
The partnership is part of the Chamber’s Emerging Entrepreneurs program, which helps high school students learn business skills and get advice from experienced professionals.
The program, created by the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and the Sea to Sky School District (SD48), is currently offered at Howe Sound Secondary. Activities include pitching business ideas to local business owners and connecting with mentors who can share their knowledge under the initiatives Youth Business Pitch and Youth Connect.
“We are excited to partner with the district and the Chamber of Commerce to support educational pathways for Sea to Sky students,” said Brian Storey, associate vice-president at Capilano University Squamish, in a press release on Dec. 9th.
“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,” he said.
Capilano University’s recently opened Squamish campus is expanding its offerings, including business administration diploma and certificate programs launching in January 2025. Applications are currently open for Fall 2025 programs.
Anne MacKenzie, executive director of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the initiative’s broader implications in the press release, “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.”
The announcement was first made during the annual Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards at Cheakamus Centre on Dec. 6.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
