Success flows from College’s new Entrepreneurship course
WHITEHORSE – Stefan Voswinkel wants to help people with making their dreams become reality.
“Starting your own business is incredibly exciting, but there are many elements that budding entrepreneurs often overlook. Number one being - is this right for me?” said Voswinkel.
Voswinkel operates Ylynx Management Consulting Inc. and is the instructor for the eight-class Introduction to Entrepreneurship course which begins February 12 at Yukon College. This is a credit course and funded by Yukon Economic Development over two years. It has already been offered twice; this will be the third opportunity for students to take the course.
"Small businesses are the lifeblood of an economy, and programs like this help ensure that Yukoners have the knowledge and ability to take advantage of our strong economic times," Economic Development Minister Currie Dixon said. "It makes sense for the Yukon government to invest in Yukon entrepreneurs to both strengthen and diversify our economy."
Voswinkel says the course is not only aimed at those thinking about starting a business, but also those already running their own companies and needing some direction and structure.
“The class is specifically focused on what it takes to run a business in the north and helping students avoid potential emotional and financial costs later,” said Voswinkel. “Students work on real-life case studies and we will have four guest speakers talking about their own experiences and challenges as business owners. There is a lot of lively debate and discussion.”
One of the speakers sharing their experience will be former student, 31-year-old Ryan Warner. Warner opened up his new business, Northern Insulation Company, last March, immediately after completing the course.
“The classes are very inspiring. Stefan’s knowledge, coupled with the experience of the guest speakers gave me an insightful and eye-opening look into the entrepreneur’s world,” said Warner.
In his first year, Warner’s company achieved sales four times greater than he expected and planned for. But he believes his business would not have been as successful without the knowledge and insight he picked up during the class.
“I know that bookkeeping and accounting is important in any business, but after hearing one of the guest speakers and discussing their story in the class, I decided to bring my younger brother – an accountant – in as a full partner,” said Warner. “It has made such a difference, especially in meeting the challenges of our unexpected success.”
Susan Desjardins took the eight evening classes via video-conferencing at the Haines Junction campus.
“Stefan expects you to be involved in the class. He really uses the video-conferencing well, making sure everyone is included in the case study discussions and questions to guest speakers,” said Desjardins.
Susan works full time and is still in the planning stages of her business venture, but the 40-year-old single parent is determined to ensure that what she learned will be put to work for the benefit of Haines Junction.
“Rather than a single business, I am considering opening a building that can act as an incubator for other businesses in the community. We really need solutions like this to better support small business here.”
The Intro to Entrepreneurship course runs every Tuesday from 6.30 to 9.30 p.m. from February 12th until March 26th with the final class on Thursday March 28th. The course will be taught in class at the College, but is also accessible in up to three communities via video conferencing. Space is limited and Voswinkel advises to register soon.
For more information contact the School of Management, Tourism and Hospitality at (867) 668-8762, email mth@yukoncollege.yk.ca, or contact Stefan Voswinkel directly at Stefan@ylynx.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Michael Vernon
Communications Coordinator
College Relations
Yukon College
867.668.8786
867.332.4722
mvernon@yukoncollege.yk.ca
Jacqueline Bedard
Director
College Relations
Yukon College
867.456.8619
jbedard@yukoncollege.yk.ca
Elaine Schiman
Community and Cabinet Communications
Cabinet Office
Government of Yukon
867-633-7961
elaine.schiman@gov.yk.ca