The Youth Small Business Program is designed for individuals aged 16 to 29 who self identify as having experienced a mental health or addiction challenge (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post traumatic stress, anorexia, ADHD, autism spectrum, addiction, or similar challenges). This is a FREE course where participants develop entrepreneurship skills, gain practical tools and confidence, while converting their business idea into a viable customer centric business plan.

The sessions include:

Workshops: Creative and interactive sessions based on Rotman Designworks’ curriculum are taught by alumni and industry experts. Participants work together and discuss business strategies and concepts to develop their business skills.

Coaching: Participants receive individual and group coaching from mentors across the Rotman community (Rotman MBA alumni) and professionals from the business community.

Laptop: Students who do not have easy access to a computer will be given use of a refurbished laptop.

Self-Directed Learning: Learning is not limited to the classroom. At home, participants can access online resources and support and use a customized Business Plan Workbook to develop their business plans.

Expectations and Outcomes: All participants must complete a business plan and will have the opportunity to present their plan to a panel of small business experts on the final day of the program. Participants receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Financing: Participants successfully completing the program may be eligible to receive a financial incentive of $500 toward the start-up costs of their business. They may also be eligible to apply for a low interest Rise loan.

Benefits of the Youth Small Business Program

Explore self employment as a viable career
Learn from experienced business professionals and educators in a supportive environment
Develop a practical, actionable business plan that you can use to implement your business idea
Create a business that can earn income for you on a part time basis or as a full time career
Access low cost financing to develop your business

Program Details

When: The Youth Small Business Program is offered in Toronto twice a year (September & January). Each session is approximately three months in length, and the workshops are held two days per week.

Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to the program through regular attendance and completion of a business plan and pitch by the end of the program. There will be homework assigned in each workshop but it will be directly related to the completion of the business plan.

Where: In Toronto, at the Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto, 105 St. George Street

Cost: The program is free of charge for all participants. Applicants will be accepted based on the viability of their business idea and their commitment to completing the course requirements. Email [email protected] if you have any questions.

The application period is now open: APPLY TODAY!