VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - July 05, 2016) - The Next Big Thing (TNBT), a charitable organization designed to empower young entrepreneurs, today announced its summer program, Bright Idea. The four-day program invites 35 youth (13-18 years of age) from the lower mainland, to explore their skills and interests, identify strengths and through mentorship, better understand how to build meaningful and successful startups.

The program was developed to inspire and engage youth to participate, contribute and lead through entrepreneurship. "Never before have Next Gen innovators held more control over the future of Canada's social fabric and economy," said Meredith Powell, Co-founder of the organisation. "Our goal is to help them grow."

"The Bright Idea curriculum is designed to first encourage young entrepreneurs to identify their skills and afterwards, participate in leadership training," said Joanna Buczkowska-McCumber, Managing Director at TNBT. "We are strong believers that in order to create a successful business, innovate a sector or build a social movement, you need to first understand yourself."

Over the course of four days, students will be encouraged to explore their individual skill sets, identify opportunities within their interest areas and based on these insights, design products. The program offers participants a hybrid of leadership and entrepreneurial training, supported by a number of special events and workshops facilitated by leading entrepreneurs under the age of 30.

"The students will explore the themes of purpose, curiosity, impact, problem and solution and growth," said Buczkowska-McCumber. "Mindfulness and movement will be integrated into the program with daily activities such as yoga and mediation sessions."

Contributions from SAP Canada, RBC Foundation, Shaw Communications, and Hootsuite Media Inc, ensure Bright Idea is free and inclusive. To apply online for Bright Idea, please visit: www.wearetnbt.com. Submissions will close July 10, 2016

About The Next Big Thing
The Next Big Thing (TNBT) is a charitable organization with a vision to level the playing field for the next generation of leaders to create progress and impact through business. Dedicated to identifying and empowering young entrepreneurs across Canada, and connecting them to the resources, tools, education & programming, and networks they need to succeed.

TNBT delivers the action-oriented education, funding, and network that kids don't get in school, highlighting real-world best practices for making ideas happen. Because every aspiring innovator deserves the opportunity to pursue their most creative, audacious, and ambitious dreams. www.weareTNBT.com