News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 6, 2013) - The entrepreneurial spirit is alive among young Canadians, according to a report released today by BMO Bank of Montreal. The report revealed nearly half of Canadian students (46 per cent) see themselves starting a business after graduation, whether as a primary or secondary source of income.

The survey, conducted by Pollara, asked Canadian post-secondary students about their aspirations to own a business and their career prospects. The results show that only one-third (29 per cent) are very confident they can find a job in their own field after graduation.

"Our research tells us that a number of students are unsure if they will end up working in their field of study. The good news is, this means they will look to other post-graduate opportunities as a form of income - which could include starting a business," said Steve Murphy, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking, BMO Bank of Montreal. "It's encouraging to see Canadian post-secondary students and recent graduates who are ambitious, innovative and eager to contribute to Canada's economy."

According to Statistics Canada, approximately 130,000 new small businesses are created in Canada annually. These businesses are the key to driving employment, with more than 40 per cent of Canadians working for an organization with fewer than 100 employees.

The results also showed:

• Males are more likely to start a business than their female counterparts (53 per cent versus 40 per cent)
• Only seven per cent of students expect to work in the family business
• Male students are much more confident they will find a job in their field than female students (38 per cent versus 22 per cent very confident)

Regional Breakdown

From a regional perspective, the survey found that those in British Columbia are most likely to start their own business, followed by students in the Prairies.

BMO offers a free* banking option to students, and is the only bank to extend this offer by a year for graduating students. A BMO Student Line of Credit, which charges interest only on what is actually borrowed, allows students to use as little or as much as needed up to their approved credit limit. In addition, students can make interest-only payments while in school and up to one year after graduation. Plus the no-fee BMO SPC credit card provides students with Student Price Card (SPC) discounts at hundreds of retailers and restaurants across Canada and offers a choice of CashBack or AIR MILES reward miles.

The results cited in this report come from an online survey fielded by Pollara between July 22, 2013 and July 25, 2013 with a sample of 602 Canadian post-secondary students. Overall results for a probability sample of this size would be accurate to +/- 4.0%, 19 times out of 20.

* Applies to the Kids, Teens and Students Discount Programs in the Plus Plan when a Primary Chequing or Premium Rate Savings account is opened. Recent Post-Secondary School Graduates are eligible for one year of free banking under the Student Discount Program. Customer is responsible for all the fees of any transactions, services and products not included in the Everyday Banking Plan.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $549 billion as at July 31, 2013, and more than 46,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.