Youth Small Business Program
Are you 16-29 and ready to build your own business? We can help.
The Youth Small Business Program (YSBP) is a free online training program designed to help you people turn your business idea into real income.
If you’re 16-29 years old and want to join the gig economy, start a full-time business, or just try working for yourself, YSBP gives you the structure, guidance and support to build with purpose.
To be eligible for YSBP, you must:
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- Self-identify as having experienced mental health and/or addiction challenges
- Be 16-29 years old and live in Canada
- Have a practical idea to start or grow your own for-profit small business in the next 6-12 months (any size, full- or part-time)
- Have access to a computer and reliable internet (smartphones and tablets are not recommended)
- Be committed to attending course sessions and submitting all assignments.
About the Program
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YSBP is free to participate in. Delivered over 10 weeks in a flexible online format, it combines engaging facilitator-led lessons and peer-coworking sessions to help you learn the skills and build the confidence to start and grow a small business.
Rooted in positive mental health practices, YSBP is a mindful, inclusive and trauma-informed space where you’ll connect with experts and other youth entrepreneurs to share ideas and build an actionable business plan.
YSBP features:
- Twice-weekly interactive workshops
- Facilitator-led lessons and personalized coaching
- A comprehensive workbook to guide your learning and assignments
- Collaborative peer discussions
- Ongoing business plan development
- Post-graduation start-up grant
To complete YSBP, you must be committed. That means regular attendance, completing all your assignments, and submitting a final business plan that you will pitch to your peers at a special virtual graduation event.
Want some more details about what you’ll learn? Here’s an example YSBP curriculum and program schedule: Youth Small Business Program Calendar - Example.docx.pdf
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Accelerated YSBP
Our accelerated YSBP model has all the benefits of the regular program, but on a more flexible schedule that you can complete in as little as 2-6 weeks. Delivered once a year, it combines flexible group sessions with self-paced online study so you can move at your own pace.
What You’ll Gain
Learning & business development: Build the skills and confidence to develop your idea and launch your business your way
Expand your network: Collaborate with like-minded individuals and build connections with fellow entrepreneurs.
Personalized coaching & mentorship: You’ll receive guidance and advice from our expert facilitators, both in group and one-on-one sessions.
A start-up grant & ongoing support: As a graduate, you’ll receive a start-up grant to help finance your next step and access to other Rise supports.
Counselling support: As a client, you can access short-term counselling and other wellness supports provided by Rise partners.
As a Rise client, you’ll be invited to join the Rise Community:
All Rise clients are invited to join the Rise Community—a dynamic online platform where you can engage with fellow entrepreneurs from across Canada, access exclusive events and learning opportunities, and connect with dedicated subject matter experts for personalized advice, guidance and support. Learn more...
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“I’m so grateful to have found Rise so I could develop my business idea and take small steps towards launching it.
As someone who struggles with anxiety, the mental health sensitivity built into Rise’s programs helped me to feel even more confident. I was able to abandon perfectionism and move forward confidently, backed by the support of both my mentors and peers.”
- Ashley Corbett, Halifax, NS
Ready to get started?
Our application process is designed to ensure you’re both eligible and ready for YSBP—that you’re able to commit to the schedule and in a place where you and your business can benefit from the curriculum.
After you submit your application, we’ll follow up within 3–5 days with a short Google Form to learn more about you, your business, your mental health journey, and why you’re applying now. We’ll also confirm your availability for upcoming cohort dates.
If we need any additional information, we’ll be in touch. Otherwise, you can expect to hear back within 2 weeks.
Upcoming dates:
Our next Youth Small Business Program cohort runs from
June 9 to August 13, 2026.
Additional cohorts to begin in:
August 2026
October 2026
January 2027
March 2027
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and close approximately one week before each cohort start date.
Space is limited. Apply today!
Interested in entrepreneurship, but not quite ready to apply for a program?
Sign up for our self-directed online program, EntrepRISEing You.
It's like an intro to entrepreneurship. Once you create an account, you'll have access to 15 learning modules, including our Idea Generator—a three-part video workshop that will help you explore your ideas and gauge whether or not you are ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey.
