Skate Park Action Team (S.P.A.T.)
When a group of skateboarders in Truro decided they needed a safe place to practice their sport, they took an unusual - and innovative - road: they formed a committee to lobby the community and raise awareness of their needs. Their positive attitude and community spirit are winning them support, and they're learning a great deal about how to work within the system and succeed.

Eastern Communities Youth Association - This Association believes in going to the source for ideas on ways to improve the lives of young people in the Canso area. They involve youth in all aspects of planning and programming. As a result, they have created an impressive variety of healthy activities for youth from ages 5 to 18 - along with the fundraising to support them. This is one rural area that isn't missing out on ways for young people to contribute and to make a difference. www.municipality.guysborough.ns.ca/ecya.htm

Northside/Victoria Community Business Development Corporation - The Corporation demonstrates the value of partnerships between government and the private sector when focused on a common goal. The goal in this case was increased employment for industrial Cape Breton. The Entrepreneurial Centre it created is a place "brimming with hope" in the words of one satisfied client. Those battered by unemployment learn new self-confidence and frequently find worthwhile employment. www.baccalieu.com/vacationsthatmatter/vcdc/html/vcdc/proj_5.htm

Pictou-Antigonish Regional Library - Eric Stackhouse is a dynamo who has guided the Library to a leadership position among rural library systems in Canada. His vision has helped local entrepreneurs through the creation of a virtual Business Room with online information on how to operate and grow a business. He was instrumental in promoting digital collections to highlight local history and heritage. And he has been a major force in the improvement of access to libraries for people with a variety of disabilities, and helped to bring the 1st National Community Access Program Innovative Summit to Pictou in 2003. www.parl.ns.ca

Hall's Harbour Community Development Association - The volunteer board of directors carved out a partnership among local businesses, governments, community groups, and neighboring communities to ensure the sustainability of this small coastal community. It also protects and preserves the culture and coastal infrastructure. A practical result is a thriving tourism industry that provides employment to dozens of local people. One project, the Rural Communities Impacting Policy Project brought social scientists and rural communities together, and has already inspired several community development success stories. www.ruralnovascotia.ca

Elmsdale District Elementary School - Faye Clark and her grade 2 students made a difference with their school-based snack program. Children in Elmsdale are making better snack choices. The Snack Shack sells inexpensive and healthy snacks during recess and is winning delicious reviews from both children and their parents. www.ccrsb.ednet.ns.ca.newschools

Nova Scotia Association of Community Business Development Corporations - The Association coordinates 13 individual CBDCs throughout rural Nova Scotia. These organizations are responsible for helping communities and entrepreneurs with loans, business counseling, and programs that help entrepreneurs create their own employment opportunities. They also help students develop their business skills with small loans to start their own companies. www.cbdc.ca

Arthur Bull - His contributions to his community and all of rural Nova Scotia are too numerous to mention. He's been a moving force behind the Rural Communities Impacting Policies project and the Bay of Fundy Marine Resource Centre. He also generously volunteers his time - and that has made a huge impact on the landscape of rural Nova Scotia. www.bfmrc.ns.ca

Northside/Victoria Community Business Development Corporation - The Corporation turned to innovation and entrepreneurship. By encouraging and supporting people to find their own way to self-employment, they have helped 800 people find rewarding, sustainable work. And that's only one of many innovative programs that are working thanks to the CBDC. www.baccalieu.com/vacationsthatmatter/vcdc/html/vcdc/proj_5.htm

Halifax Public Libraries - The libraries have been involved in many community development programs including a project to connect youth affected by crime with youth-service agencies. www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca

Ross Creek Centre for the Arts - Through programs such as its summer camps for children and teens, the Centre is encouraging creativity and is a leader in cultural development. www.artscentre.ca/programs

Heather Boudreau, Owner, Flora for Fauna - She has a great portfolio of skills. She has shown modesty, determination, creativity and the ability to take risks - all the markings of a successful entrepreneur. Her Bedford-based landscaping business has been a soaring success, and it has seen her paint the Halifax Regional Municipality green.

Sam Lebel Wong, Owner, Sam's Instant DVD - Maryvale, is now in his third year of operation and has continued to convert old videos and photos into DVDs, preserving precious memories for years to come. Sam has shown tremendous growth both on a business and a personal level and has been able to share his experience with other students, encouraging them to explore entrepreneurship. Sam has expanded his business through a partnership with Leah MacIntyre and continues to serve his community.