A new community partnership in Portage la Prairie is aiming to help young people explore career options by connecting them directly with local business leaders. The program, called Business Bites, brings together the Portage Community Revitalization Corporation (PCRC), the Portage and District Chamber of Commerce, and Huddle for monthly gatherings introducing youth to professionals from a range of industries.
Chamber executive director Stefanie Dunn said the initiative grew out of discussions about workforce development, while PCRC executive director Mari Kozar said the idea also emerged from community safety and well-being planning.
Building Relationships, Not Presentations
Dunn said the Chamber has heard from its members about the importance of developing the local workforce, and Business Bites offers a way to address that while showing young people the possibilities available close to home.
“We’re bringing in someone from the business community every month, and we’re trying to think outside the box. Not just the obvious jobs, but really unique jobs. We’re bringing them in for casual conversations with these youth, telling their stories, and trying to make those lasting connections,” Dunn said.
Rather than formal presentations, organizers want participants to feel comfortable asking questions and discussing their interests, with an emphasis on relationships that continue beyond the monthly sessions. “We wanted to make sure the individuals coming in to speak are prepared to build a relationship with youth and also provide some room for mentorship,” Dunn said, adding that the goal is to help youth apply their interests to a career in Portage.
Kozar said the program is another way to help young people discover their potential while strengthening community connections. “We really want youth to see new opportunities in Portage and learn more about careers and local opportunities,” she said.
First Session Sparks Mentorship Interest
The first Business Bites session took place in September and drew an enthusiastic response. Denise Harder of Woods Harder Consulting, who operates her own human resources consulting business and works as a keynote speaker and consultant, was the inaugural guest.
Dunn said the session led to more than a one-time conversation, with three or four youth expressing interest in continuing to connect with Harder. “I think that’s incredibly successful, to have reached a couple of youth and continue the conversation that way,” Dunn said.
Kozar said the turnout has encouraged organizers to plan further sessions for attendees who want to learn more. “We had about four youth who would love to learn more about the first facilitator, and we’re hoping to do a second session with those youth so they can learn more from her,” she said. Dunn said that even reaching a small number of young people each month could produce lasting benefits.
Open to All Ages 12 to 29
Business Bites takes place monthly at Huddle and is open to young people between the ages of 12 and 29. Sessions include informal discussions and refreshments in a relaxed setting, and organizers want participants to know that Huddle offers resources beyond the scheduled gatherings.
“There’s snacks and food, more information, and lots of resources available at Huddle, too. We’re looking at other ways that we can support upskilling youth,” Kozar said, noting that many young people leave school uncertain about what career or job they want to pursue.
Kozar said young people do not need to wait for a session to seek guidance and can drop in to speak with Huddle staff at any time. Organizers also said they are open to suggestions for future workshops, including possible first aid and babysitting courses, from anyone who visits Huddle looking to learn more or connect with other opportunities.
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