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FREDERICTON – Aspiring New Brunswick entrepreneurs will have more support thanks to a new partnership between National Bank and OASIS, the entrepreneurial mentorship program offered through New Brunswick Community College (³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾).

Over the next two years, National Bank has committed to providing $12,000 which will be used toward two entrepreneurship initiatives at the College:

• Professional development for owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs): Opportunities will be offered in Miramichi, Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John through the OASIS program.
• Entrepreneur-in-Residence at ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾’s Moncton Campus: Currently being piloted at the Miramichi Campus, the purpose of the Entrepreneur-in-Residence is to connect ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾ students with seasoned and successful New Brunswick entrepreneurs. The Entrepreneur-in-Residence will share expertise, provide direct business counsel and help students further their own business goals. The long-term objective is to have an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at each campus.

“National Bank has long been dedicated to entrepreneurs. We believe SMEs are a key driver of the vitality and competitiveness of our economy. That’s why we are doing our utmost to support not only experienced entrepreneurs, but also those just starting out in the business world. Our partnership with the OASIS program is yet one more way for us to tangibly support the next generation of business leaders,” said Réjean Després, Vice President, Personal and Commercial Banking, Atlantic Canada at National Bank.

“This partnership is a really exciting opportunity for ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾ and National Bank to work together to support New Brunswick’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Clarissa Harris-LeBreton, Coordinator for the OASIS program. “OASIS is a growing force for aspiring entrepreneurs and with the support of valued partners like National Bank, the momentum will continue to grow. We look forward to supporting even more business owners with their help.”

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Image: ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾ & National Bank partnership.jpeg From left to right: Michael McManus, Regional Vice President, Western NB & PEI – National Bank; Marilyn Luscombe, President & CEO, ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾; Tom Meadus, Director – Advancement, ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾; Clarissa Harris-LeBreton, Coordinator, OASIS, ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾; Réjean Despres, Vice President, Retail & Commercial Banking – Atlantic Canada, National Bank.

For media inquiries:
Michelle Willcott
Communications Officer, ³ÉÈËÔ¼ÅÚÍøÕ¾
506.453.8194 | Cell: 506.440.9105
michelle.willcott@nbcc.ca