Youth Leading Innovative Business Outcomes
What is it?
The Youth Effect program aims to provide youth (18-29) with experiential learning and training with local businesses and focuses on fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in Northwestern Ontario. Youth will be carefully selected and matched with a local business based on interest, skill, and need. They will work together over the course of 15 weeks (Mid May - August dates tbd) on a clearly identified innovative project and achieving milestones.
The Youth Effect program is not like other placement programs. It not only provides real-life job skills for the youth, but provides them with innovation training, mentorship, a leadership retreat, and a peer network for those showing a passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, there’s value to the participating businesses, through innovation training and the ability to access the skills and energy of the youth to complete a defined innovative project, the business will be better positioned to grow!
Youth Eligibility
- Between the ages of 18-29
- Located in Northwestern Ontario
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Interested in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career
- Able to commit to full-time hours and participate in the full 15-week program
- Must not have previously taken part in the Youth Effect program
Areas of Focus
| Experiential Learning for the Youth |
Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training for the Youth and the Business |
Business Growth for the Company |
Program Details
- Youth are paid $16 per hour plus a wage top-up upon successful completion of the program (upto $2/hr)
- Businesses contribute $1000 + hst and mandatory employment-related costs as part of the program
- The program will run for 15 weeks
Previously Taken Part in Youth Effect?
- We are now accepting applications from companies that have previously participated in the program
- Please note you must apply with a new project different from your previous project
Company Eligibility
- Have an innovative project
- Located in Northwestern Ontario
- At least one full-time employee
- Must be a small-medium sized business, not a retailer or reseller
- Retailers may be considered if they have an scalable and innovative project where they are developed a new product or process.
- Can be for profit or non-for-profit
- Ability to pay necessary employer contributions (CPP/EI)
- Willing to be available and commit to the full 15-week program
- Applications Due February 28th, 2022
Youth Eligibility
- Between the ages of 18-29
- Located in Northwestern Ontario
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Interested in pursuing entrepreneurship as a career
- Able to commit to full-time hours and participate in the full 15-week program
- Youth applications opening early March 2022
For more information please contact:
Bridget Postuma
807-768-6689