Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey as a teenager in Ontario is both exciting and challenging. Fortunately, there are several federal and provincial programs designed to support young entrepreneurs in turning their business ideas into reality. Below is an overview of key grants and resources available, along with their respective websites for more information.

Summer Company Program

The Summer Company program, offered by the Government of Ontario, provides students aged 15 to 29 with up to $3,000 in funding to start and run a summer business. Participants receive hands-on business training, mentorship, and essential business skills.

Eligibility:

Program Details: Summer Company

Futurpreneur Canada Start-Up Program

Futurpreneur Canada offers financing, mentorship, and resources to aspiring entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39. The program provides up to $60,000 in collateral-free loans and matches participants with experienced mentors for up to two years.

Eligibility:

Program Details: Futurpreneur Canada

Starter Company Plus

The Starter Company Plus program provides Ontario residents aged 18 and over with grants of up to $5,000, along with training and mentorship to start, expand, or purchase a small business.

Eligibility:

Program Details: Starter Company Plus

Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Fund

The Ontario Youth Entrepreneurship Fund is a government-backed initiative designed to encourage and support young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 29. The program offers grants, loans, and mentorship opportunities to help launch and scale businesses.

Eligibility:

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Young Entrepreneur Financing

The BDC offers financing solutions tailored to young entrepreneurs, including start-up financing, small business loans, and advisory services to support business growth.

Eligibility:

Program Details: BDC Young Entrepreneur

Junior Achievement Canada

Junior Achievement Canada partners with local businesses and educators to provide high school students with programs focused on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Program Details: Junior Achievement Canada

OUT for Business Youth Entrepreneur Program

This program supports 2SLGBTQI+ youth entrepreneurs aged 18 to 39 by offering mentorship and networking opportunities to help grow their businesses.

Eligibility:

Junior Achievement Canada

Junior Achievement Canada partners with local businesses and educators to provide high school students with programs focused on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.

Program Details: Junior Achievement Canada

These programs provide valuable resources and support for young entrepreneurs in Ontario. By exploring these opportunities, teens can access the funding, mentorship, and training necessary to successfully launch and grow their own businesses.

Faq's

What age group are the Girls of Destiny Canada programs designed for?

Our programs are designed for girls aged 11-17. We have specific workshops 

tailored for different age groups to ensure the content is age-appropriate and engaging.

What types of workshops do you offer?

We offer a variety of workshops focusing on technology, creativity, wellness, leadership, etiquette and personal development. 

Examples include the ” Mobile App Coding, Creativity,  Personal Empowerment” workshop and “The Girls Wellness:  Holistic Health, and Personal Growth” workshop.

How can my daughter benefit from these workshops?

Our workshops aim to empower girls with essential skills such as critical  thinking, creativity, leadership,  nd self-awareness.  Participants gain practical  knowledge, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of community.

Are the workshops in-person or virtual?

We offer both in-person and virtual workshops to accommodate different preferences and schedules. Each format is designed to provide an engaging  and interactive learning experience.

What is the cost of the workshops?

Workshop costs vary based on format and are subject to change. We also offer group discounts and referral programs to make participation more affordable. For the latest pricing, please check our website or contact us directly. Thank you for your understanding!

How do I register my daughter for a workshop?

Registration can be completed through our website. Simply select the desired workshop, fill out the registration form, and complete the payment process. 

You’ll receive a confirmation email with further details.

What kind of support is available for participants during the workshops?

Participants have access to mentors, instructors, and support from our volunteers throughout the workshops. We also provide technical support for virtual  sessions and resources to help participants with any questions or challenges they may face.

Are there any prerequisites for joining the workshops?

There are no specific prerequisites for joining our workshops. We welcome girls 11-17 of all skill levels and backgrounds. 

Our goal is to provide an inclusive and supportive environment for learning and growth.

How do the referral and discount programs work?

Participants receive a unique referral code upon registration. 

They can share this code with friends and family, who will receive a discount on their  registration fee. The referring participant also earns rewards (such as gift card) or discounts for each successful referral. Details on group discounts are available on our website.

What safety measures are in place for in-person workshops?

We prioritize the safety and well-being of all participants. For in-person workshops, we follow all local health guidelines. Additionally, our volunteers are  trained to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all attendees.