So you have a creative idea and want to start your business...here's some help!

Who says that you have to have graduated university before you start your own business? In fact, you do not even have to be a business student to be an entrepreneur!

Did you know that companies such as Microsoft, FedEx, and Apple were started while their founders were still in college? In fact, the best time to start is now, while you are still doing your studies. Why? University students tend to be very open-minded and eager, individuals with strong values, interests and passion to inspire change. Not only that, you are surrounded by other like-minded individuals, so discussing and promoting your business idea is easier than trying to pitch it to strangers from the real, working world.

Here are some resources to help you reach your entrepreneurial goals:

ACE (Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship):

This national, charitable organization is dedicated to teaching and hosting international competitions for student entrepreneurs. Some of you may be familiar with their affiliation with the world organization known as Enactus (formerly known as SIFE, or Students in Free Enterprise), which has chapters in almost every university and college. These chapters allow students to learn the knowledge of entrepreneurship, and then apply it to create their own community-based ventures.

Venture Connection at SFU:

This is a program that SFU runs which provides support for student ventures from the very beginning. They provide mentorships, resources, seminars, workshops, as well as co-op positions once you join.

The Next 36:

This is a new venture challenge started by the University of Toronto where 36 candidates are selection from thousands of applicants to participate. Students are then placed in teams and mentored by prominent business leaders to help develop their own venture.

Want to speak to some real life entrepreneurs and business owners?

Come to our “Start Your Own Business” speaker panel next week on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 where we have 4 entrepreneurs share their experiences, tips and strategies related to the basics of entrepreneurship. Some topics that will be discussed:

• Personal attributes of an entrepreneur
• How they marketed and promoted their business
• Why businesses fail and why they succeed
• and much more!

RSVP through Symplicity! After you login, click "Events" and keyword search "Start Your Own Business"