January 30, 2015 - Aspiring Nisga'a entrepreneurs completed a two-week intensive Entrepreneur course through the British Columbia Institute of Technology and sponsored by Nisga'a Employment Skills and Training (NEST). 

Nine students enrolled in the course that ran from January 19 - 30, 2015 at the Wilp Wilxo'oskwhl Nisga'a Institute in Gitwinksihlkw.  In the two week course, the students learned how to develop business plans and budgets for the start up of their chosen business.  Prior to the two-week course, the students also had the opportunity to travel to Vancouver to tour the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) campus on December 8, 2014.

At the completion ceremony, each student presented their business plans in what master of ceremonies Ben Haizimsque coined 'Nisga'a Dragon's Den'.  The aspiring businesses ranged from boat safety training, executive secretarial services, mobile food truck, food catering, massage and nail salon, online news magazine, sewing services, net mending services and a mobile welding company.

Students were then presented with completion certificates by BCIT instructor Colin McWhinnie, followed by a question and answer period with Nisga'a Entrepreneur Steve Johnson - who skillfully provided the students with an overview of his experience in creating and maintaining his three businesses.

"I want to commend the students today," commented NEST Manager Gary Patsey.  "...for having the courage, commitment and vision to start up a business.  We at NEST and BCIT are happy to support you.  It is a tremendous time of opportunity and business development in our area."

Congratulations and best wishes to Kyle Azak; Andrea Clayton; Jean Clayton; Mary Grandison; Curt Johnson; Diana Guno; Noah Guno; Luke Mueller and Sara Russ.

To view more photos of the completion ceremony, visit our photo album HERE.