Youth Entrepreneurship Programs

Canadian Youth Business Foundation

• Get financing and support to start and run your business with loans based on character, not collateral
• For youth 18 to 39 years old
• Cannot be attending school
• Business idea must be full time
• Funding up to $15,000, potential for up to $45,000 with BDC top up 
• Repayable loan
• No deadline

Local Canadian Youth Business Foundation Success

Beavertails Niagara Falls

Owner: Zahir Ismail
Location: 4967 Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls, ON
http://www.beavertailsinc.com/

Zahir Ismail always knew he wanted to be his own boss.So when it came time to embrace the entrepreneur he says was always within him, he put some leather to the pavement and headed to a franchise show. "I've always had the passion to be an entrepreneur," said the affable owner operator of BeaverTails Pastry in Niagara Falls.

BeaverTails have been referred to as a Canadian culinary icon. These deliciously addictive, traditional whole-wheat pastries are stretched by to resemble the tail of a beaver, one of Canada's best-known national symbols. The pastries are then float cooked on high quality canola oil and served piping hot, topped with butter and a choice of delectable flavours.

On November 12, 2011, with the help of a CYBF loan, Zahir opened his franchise on the Hill. Clifton Hill that is. His enthusiasm and commitment to offering quality products and top-notch service can be seen in the delicious treats he's dishing out and the friendly smiles that accompany them.

http://www.niagarathisweek.com/news/business/article/1275361--canadian-icon-on-the-hill

Summer Company

Go beyond your typical summer jobs: Turn your ideas into a business.

Do you have ideas for creating your own company this summer? If you're a student 15-29 years old in Ontario, you can turn those ideas into a real business this summer. The Summer Company program provides up to $3,000, hands-on coaching and mentoring to help you start and operate your business.

How it Works
If your application is accepted, you'll be eligible to receive up to $1,500 and 12-hours of business training and mentoring to get you started. Upon successful completion of the program, you'll receive up to $1,500 to return to school.

The possibilities for starting a company are endless. Summer Company helps you take your ideas and make them a reality. Student jobs don't have to be boring: be your own boss and gain valuable business experience that will last you a lifetime.

View Summer Company Program Guidelines for more details.