Rise — Youth Small Business Program
Canada
Business program for youth aged 16 to 29
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 01, 2021
grant_single|financingType
Expert Advice
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Rise
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|open
grant_single_labels|preview
Join a free 10-week virtual skill-building program that will help develop your ideas and business plan, and get access to resources such as coaching, financing, and equipment.
grant_single_labels|projects
This grant is available to eligible individuals across Canada. The program is designed to be accessible nationwide, providing virtual support to participants in various regions.
- Participants from any province or territory in Canada.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$500
Creating a youth coding bootcamp
$500
Developing a sustainable online marketplace for local artisans
$500
Launching an eco-friendly fashion line for young entrepreneurs
$500
Starting a youth-centric community café
$500
Opening a community greenhouse for urban agriculture education
$500
Establishing a youth-led multimedia production company
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for the Youth Small Business Program is determined by specific criteria regarding the applicant's age, residency, and personal circumstances.
- The applicant must be between 16 and 29 years of age.
- The applicant must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident.
- The applicant must self-identify with mental health and/or addiction challenges.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Youth Small Business Program (YSBP) is designed for individuals who: - Are aged 16-29 years old.- Are Canadian citizens or Permanent Residents.- Self-identify with mental health and/or addiction challenges.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The Youth Small Business Program (YSBP) helps young individuals build their entrepreneurial skills and transform business ideas into tangible ventures. The program provides training in business development, networking opportunities, and financial support, preparing participants to successfully launch and sustain a business.
- Participation in twice-weekly online sessions covering business basics and financial literacy.
- Development of a practical business plan ready for pitching to peers and an expert panel.
- Personal growth activities to improve confidence and communication skills.
- Access to group mentorship and networking with experienced entrepreneurs.
- Eligibility for a $500 start-up grant after program completion.
- Creation of 30-, 60-, and 90-day action plans for business growth.
- Access to a virtual alumni community for ongoing networking and support.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant is intended to provide financial support for starting a business as a graduate of the Youth Small Business Program.
- $500 start-up grant upon program completion.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Well thought-out business idea
- Commitment to building the business
- Readiness to participate in the program
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Eligibility Check
- Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria including age, citizenship status, and self-identification with mental health and/or addiction challenges.
- Step 2: Complete the Rise Navigator
- If not done already, complete the Rise Navigator to confirm eligibility and receive instructions for the next steps.
- Step 3: Application Form Submission
- Access the online application form via the program's website or the provided "Apply Now" link.
- Fill out all required fields in the application form, ensuring you provide detailed information about your business idea.
- Step 4: Review and Submit
- Review your application for completeness and accuracy.
- Submit the application form through the designated submission portal.
- Step 5: Follow-Up
- Wait to be contacted by the program team to learn more about your business and to assess your fit for the program.
- Stay in touch via email for updates on your application status and available program dates.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program emphasizes positive mental health practices and commits to fostering a safe, non-judgmental learning environment for all participants.
- Participants have access to a robust virtual alumni community for continued collaboration and support beyond the program.
Apply to this program
Youth Small Business Program Overview
The Youth Small Business Program offers a unique opportunity for aspiring young entrepreneurs, aged 16-29, to acquire essential skills and mentorship to transform their business ideas into reality. With a supportive structure featuring both traditional and accelerated formats, this program is a starting point for youth to engage with the business world interactively and innovatively.
Unleashing Entrepreneurial Potential Through the Youth Small Business Program
The Youth Small Business Program (YSBP) is a valuable initiative for young Canadians aspiring to become entrepreneurs. Specifically designed to cater to individuals between 16 and 29 years old, this program provides a comprehensive skill-building and mentorship experience to help participants successfully navigate the complexities of starting and growing a business. Aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, the program is particularly beneficial to those who might face barriers due to mental health and addiction challenges, offering a supportive and understanding environment to thrive.
YSBP is accessible from anywhere in Canada as it is conducted entirely online, making it an inclusive program free from geographical constraints. Participants can benefit from twice-weekly live sessions with expert trainers who impart crucial business insights and facilitate interactive group mentoring sessions. Moreover, the program encourages peer learning, allowing participants to engage with like-minded individuals and enrich their knowledge through collaborative efforts.
Beyond the traditional format that spans 8-10 weeks, YSBP recently introduced a more flexible format—the Accelerated Youth Small Business Program, which can be completed in as little as two weeks. This accelerated format combines live sessions with self-paced online learning tools, making it an attractive option for those with time constraints but a strong desire to accelerate their business acumen. Both formats allow participants to work with mentors and benefit from their real-world business experiences, providing the guidance needed to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.
A distinct feature of YSBP is its commitment to personal development alongside business education. The program emphasizes fostering a non-judgmental and inclusive environment where participants can build confidence, improve communication skills, and effectively manage feedback. This holistic approach ensures that young entrepreneurs are not only equipped with business skills but also with the emotional resilience needed to face real-world business challenges.
Upon concluding the program, participants are expected to develop a business plan, which they will pitch to their peers and an expert panel. This culminating experience serves as a practical demonstration of their learning and an opportunity to gain valuable insights and feedback from experienced professionals. Successful completion of the program also rewards graduates with a $500 start-up grant, providing initial financial assistance to kickstart their business ventures.
The YSBP’s impact extends beyond individual business launches. It aims to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem where alumni can continue to network, collaborate, and support each other. This community of past participants serves as a valuable resource for new entrepreneurs, fostering ongoing peer-to-peer learning and mentorship, which is vital for sustaining long-term business success.
In summary, the Youth Small Business Program's comprehensive support system and tailored educational approach make it an invaluable resource for young Canadians eager to build their own businesses. Whether aiming to start a seasonal gig, side hustle, or full-time endeavor, participants leave the program better prepared to face the dynamics of the business world, equipped with a network of mentors and peers and the foundational skills required for entrepreneurial success.
