Nurturing young entrepreneurs at Summer Biz School

Growing up, Matt Douglas was thinking about becoming a defence attorney before he found his calling in the creative power of marketing. Today, Matt is the managing director at Mammoth Marketing. His team works to fill a major gap in the marketplace for small and medium-sized businesses and organizations–and they’re committed to investing in the community–especially the next generation of entrepreneurs. The team at Mammoth knows it takes grit and daring to strike out on an adventure, and they’ve been contributing their time and knowledge to help students grow their voices and tell their stories.

Matt is one of many supporters who shares his hard-won knowledge and financial support with Summer Biz School students so they can thrive. It's a free one-of-a-kind program delivered by YukonU Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E). Every summer, students aged 17-30 make the leap to learn the foundations of entrepreneurship and launch their own small businesses. Like young Matt, they’re at the stage of exploring their passions and career directions. Summer Biz opens the door to a community of YukonU instructors, coaches, and mentors who are seasoned local business owners eager to collaborate with students to build a lasting side hustle or business. 

“Connecting with local businesses and business leaders to provide that support and to give a reality check helps to make the learning that much more real,” Matt shared.

Summer Biz students' backgrounds and passions reflect the rich and innovative fabric of the Yukon itself: photography, laser engraving, car detailing, a beauty salon and social enterprises are just a few of the businesses that continue to take root in Whitehorse and beyond.

With the predominant pull of careers in various levels of government in the Yukon, Summer Biz School seeks to inspire and open young people’s eyes to the lesser-known business community. Matt believes the business world can build more bridges between high school and university students. “There is always more opportunity to harness young talent. There are some companies and organizations, like Skills Canada Yukon, that do a great job of dedicating resources to invest in the future generation,” he shared.

As the Yukon evolves and modernizes, Matt believes young people have a major role to play in the narrative of how the North can become a leader in business. Young people can discover what our growing population needs in terms of amenities and services. “It's important that we focus 10 to 20 years out, and Summer Biz School has given our company an opportunity to help the next generation,” Matt shared.

For Matt, mentoring is about keeping it real–he shares stories about the wild and rewarding roller coaster ride that any entrepreneur knows all too well. In addition to teaching in-kind classes on marketing, he has worked one-on-one with students to hone their business ideas after the program ends. Matt also teaches at Yukon University in the Business Administration Program and in Continuing Studies.

“Providing that mentorship has been really fulfilling for me and for our company,” Matt shared. "The most rewarding moments are seeing students connect the dots—when they realize their ideas can drive meaningful change.” Students aren’t just launching businesses; they’re building pathways to personal fulfillment, financial independence, and impact in their communities.

The Summer Biz School team lives by Matt’s belief that anyone can be an entrepreneur and that an entrepreneurial mindset can be applied to life. Whether or not a student decides to go all-in to run their own business, or run a side hustle, “it's about independent thinking, creative problem-solving, collaboration, listening, and gaining a deeper understanding of their role in the world. As an entrepreneur, you can take control of your destiny and you truly get to decide where you're spending your time.”

Summer Biz School is made possible by funding from Yukon Government Department of Economic Development, Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, and the generous support of Northern Vision Development, Total North Communications, Make IT Solutions, Northsense Management Consulting, Mammoth Agency, Kobayashi + Zedda, Yukonstruct Society, Yukon Built, North Star Agriculture, Nakai Theatre and La Strada Solutions.

Feeling inspired to join the Summer Biz School community of supporters? Visit YukonU.ca/summer-biz-school, or email josee.belisle@yukonu.ca.