Moncton event shows students entrepreneurial possibilities

MONCTON – A Moncton-based driving school launched a new online driver training program at an event highlighting entrepreneurialism in the province on Tuesday.

Right Lane Driver Training E-Academy allows students to complete the theory portion of their training online. The company made the announcement to a crowd assembled at Bernice MacNaughton high school.

Premier David Alward was also on hand to speak to students about the entrepreneurial opportunities for young people in New Brunswick.

Students Evan Purney and Ryan Burke were asked to come up with a new business idea for their entrepreneurship course, and they dreamed up a plan they hope will tickle some funny bones.

“We all realized that we really liked comedy, so we thought let’s do a comedy club,” Burke said. “Then we also had the idea to dub it up as a nightclub too for creativity reasons.”

Burke said the message from the entrepreneurs at the event to give new ideas a try was “very inspiring” to him.

The young men have taken the first step to becoming successful entrepreneurs, according to Anthony Reeder, who co-owns Right Lane Driver Training.

Reeder and wife Susan Steeves, who is also his business partner, say the online course is a first for New Brunswick.

“Those who have to come from a long distance to attend a classroom are now able to do it from the comforts of their own homes, regardless of their location in New Brunswick,” Reeder said.

Alward said it’s that kind of innovation that is key to growing New Brunswick’s struggling economy.

“From my perspective, the importance of them taking advantage of people that are already there and getting that help along the way is a huge part,” he said.