Self-employment

Launching a non-profit group just like starting a small biz, says YPAC founder

Organization boosts young professionals

Every entrepreneur should spend time with other business-minded people. Although there are hundreds of business organizations, clubs, associations and groups in Toronto, you may not find one that suits your needs.

ROGER PIERCE
[ 2006-01-11 ]

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"After graduating from university, I found it difficult to meet other young professionals," entrepreneur Daryl Ching says. "Since I couldn't find any organizations with the people I wanted to meet, I decided to create one."

Ching is the president of the Young Professionals Association of Canada (www.ypac.ca), a not-for-profit organization for career-minded people between the ages of 20 and 35. The organization was formed to improve the professional lives of ambitious young professionals through networking, education and community events.

Officially launched in July of 2003, YPAC organizes a wide variety of events tailored to young professionals such as dinners with guest speakers (including a recent one with Toronto Mayor David Miller), golf tournaments, boat cruises, casual bar nights and comedy shows.

"YPAC is managed entirely by young professionals," Ching says. "Our Board of Directors is comprised of eight young professionals who volunteer their time to manage organization affairs and coordinate events."


The organization is financially supported through membership dues and by sponsors RBC Financial Group and Ogilvy Renault.

Just like starting a small business, Ching says the key to success is building a team of strong yet diverse individuals. "There are people who come up with brilliant ideas, but do not execute, and others who are not as vocal but very good at execution," he says. "You need both types of people in your organization."

He's also learned how to motivate team members. "People are more likely to work harder and complete tasks if they're given ownership of a project," he says.

For anyone considering starting a business or organization, Ching recommends ignoring the skeptics. "If you have a good idea and it's executed properly with the right people, the sky is the limit," he says.



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