novaNAIT named ‘Outstanding Community Partner’

The Canadian Youth Business Foundation (CYBF) has recognized novaNAIT, the home of applied research and enterprise development at NAIT, with the 2012 Outstanding Alberta Community Partner Award.  The award was presented to novaNAIT for its instrumental role in helping to launch young and emerging entrepreneurs’ careers and businesses in Edmonton.

“We are honoured to receive this award,” said David Burry, associate director of operations with novaNAIT. “NAIT has been involved with CYBF for many years as a community partner supporting the development of entrepreneurship that is focused on youth. We recognize the importance of the work being done by CYBF and the emphasis they place on enterprise development. This aligns perfectly with the work done by novaNAIT.”

CYBF is Canada’s ‘go to’ place for young entrepreneurs. As a national organization established in 1996, CYBF has invested in more than 5,260 young Canadians who have established successful businesses that have created more than 20,800 new jobs, $147.4 million in tax revenue, and hundreds of millions of dollars in sales and export revenues.

As part of its partnership with CYBF, novaNAIT reviews applications for funding in the Edmonton region.

“As a valued community partner, novaNAIT plays an integral role in the startup process supporting youth entrepreneurs in Edmonton,” said Katarina Vasiljevic-Galic, Alberta director, CYBF. “The centre’s knowledge of local economic conditions and personal interaction with many young entrepreneurs helps new businesses flourish. We highly value this relationship and are proud of novaNAIT as one of our community partners in Alberta.”

The 2012 Outstanding Alberta Community Partner Award was presented to novaNAIT Nov. 15 in Calgary. The award was last presented in 2010 to Bow Valley College.

About NAIT
NAIT is one of Canada’s leading polytechnics, with almost 80,000 registrations worldwide in key areas including science, technology and the environment, business, health and trades. Known for real-world education and student success, NAIT also engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. NAIT enrolled its first students - 29 communication electrician apprentices - in 1962 and this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

For more information, please contact:

Frank Landry
NAIT Media Relations
P 780.471.8450 C 780.916.8307 E flandry@nait.ca