Leap from classroom to real world at Summer Biz School!
Are you ready to turn your unique ideas, passions and talents into your very own small business? Do you dream of being your own boss? Are you ready to try new things and unlock your potential?
If you’re a current or future college/university student, Summer Biz School is the perfect place to boost your skills and training with an entrepreneurial advantage. Students have launched businesses in photography, custom laser engraving, property care, esthetics, food and hospitality – and your idea could be next.
By completing the program, you will be eligible for up to $2,000 worth of kickstart funding to launch your own business!
Summer Biz School is a free, part-time program that teaches the foundations of entrepreneurship. From May-July, you will join a community of peers, mentors and special guest instructors who will support you to grow your confidence, leadership skills and network. It’s a one-of-a-kind journey of self-discovery and an opportunity to create meaningful impact in your community.
From start to finish, successful applicants will learn how to start and run a small business firsthand from instructors and mentors, many of whom are seasoned local business owners.
If you’re eager to gain real-world experience, this is your chance to learn the power of entrepreneurial mindset from mentors who will share valuable expertise and stories. The Summer Biz School team will support you every step of the way to develop your business idea within the Yukon’s small business community.
You will also receive tailored support and tools to help you think decisively, act confidently and watch your idea flourish.
Our team believes that business can be a force for good in the world, and we can’t wait to hear your ideas!
Summer Biz School kicks off with an enriching land-based learning experience called a mini-Quest. Successful applicants will:
- meet fellow students and the Summer Biz School team, including instructors and mentors
- explore your values, discover your WHY, and validate your idea
At the end of the mini-Quest, you will have a better understanding of the business idea you want to pursue for the rest of the summer. Weekly learning will take place at YukonU I&E's classroom (downtown Whitehorse in the Northlight building), including:
- in-class sessions and networking opportunities on Wednesday evenings
- flexible project development in the community according to your schedule
- 1:1 customized sessions with tools and resources to grow your idea
Curriculum is delivered by Josée Belisle (Program Coordinator) and guest instructors. You will learn applied approaches to:
- customer discovery
- marketing
- budgeting
- successful pitching
- business planning
- sustainability practices & social enterprise
- taxes for small business owners
- and much more
The Summer Biz School is an opportunity to develop your business idea by:
- working with local entrepreneurs
- connecting with potential partners
- developing entrepreneurial skills, including creative problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, networking and relationship-building
- building your resume
- developing self-determination
- gaining real-world experience
- testing your business idea and deciding your next steps
You are invited to apply if you are a Canadian Resident or a Permanent Resident, and Yukon Resident who is:
- aged 17-30
- a college or university student (studying part-time or full-time) planning to graduate this spring, or return to studies this fall
- a student planning to graduate from high school this spring, and planning to attend a college or university this fall
- available for the weekend mini-Quest in early May
- available to commit 6-10 flex hours per week to the program from May to July
- no business background is required
Written submission:
- share the idea that you are curious to explore, or the problem you would like to solve
- tell us about your areas of passion, your career direction, and how you would like to serve your community
- share why you want to join the Summer Biz School
- complete the application form by the deadline
- if your application is selected for consideration, you will be contacted for an interview to discuss your business idea
YukonU I&E is tremendously inspired by Summer Biz students who have completed the program to date. Here's what students had to say about the program:
“The Summer Biz program was such a wonderful experience. I had the opportunity to connect with mentors and learn from instructors in a wide range of fields, which helped inform my business model. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and learn from industry experts,” (Laura Kelly, multimedia artist & creative communicator).
“The Summer Biz program has been such an amazing opportunity for me to stretch my wings and join a wonderful community of entrepreneurs. I have been able to meet many small business owners and learn their stories while also learning more about myself and the reason I want to pursue my business idea. I don’t have the words to describe how thankful I am for this, but I can honestly say that it has been a life-changer for me,” (Liam Russel, SaccadeFilms).
“Summer Biz School gave me crucial knowledge on the blueprint to follow for starting a business. I highly recommend this course to anyone with a passion for something that could become a business," (Isidore Champagne, Champagne Photography).
“This course has helped me to narrow down exactly how I want to run my business, and has shown me many strategies for managing finances, as well as how to approach the market. Summer Biz is a very personal program, and each module is tailored to each student,” (Bill Newkirk, Arctic RC).
Summer Biz School is made possible with funding from Government of Canada’s Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor), Government of Yukon (Department of Economic Development), and generous support of many local businesses.
We are grateful to all our supporters for empowering the next generation!
Summer Biz 2023 sponsors & mentors
"Getting into spaces like this is so exciting, to see the entrepreneurial spirit in the Yukon...We live it every day and we know what the opportunities are. To see others pursuing it is the ultimate way to give back."
- Myles and Tanner Hougen
Summer Biz 2023 sponsor & mentor
"Helping entrepreneurs on their path is an incredibly rewarding experience not just for me personally but also for people on the team at Mammoth. Collectively, we dedicate time each month to helping out in our community and being part of the I&E Summer Biz School has given us the honour and privilege to work with and provide encouragement to young entrepreneurs. And most important, it’s a ton of fun! If you are thinking about joining the program and want another perspective feel free to reach out."
- Matt Douglas
Summer Biz 2023 sponsor
Ready to make the JUMP into entrepreneurship!
At just 24 years old, Ben Pereira created what has evolved into Neighbourly North. He had decided to leave the corporate world to backpack through South America, North Africa and Europe for a year and come up with a business idea on the fly. Ben stayed in innovative concept hotels, hostels and Airbnb's, which helped him see the dramatic change the lodging sector was undergoing. With a vision to bring fresh ideas and a new business model back to his rapidly growing hometown, Neighbourly North was born, and the market for a new real estate service was created.