Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs
Are you a young Canadian with a business idea? Take advantage of opportunities for entrepreneurs like yourself to start or expand your business!
Whether you're developing a business plan, seeking guidance and mentorship or ready to start a marketing campaign, there are programs to support you every step of the way, including:
- mentorship and coaching programs
- budgeting and accounting seminars
- marketing workshops
- business plan writing seminars
Financing may be available to help you overcome the financial challenges that can affect young business people. Government programs can help you access the grants and loans you need to start or expand your business.
For more information on being your own boss, check out the Canadian Youth Business Foundation's website. You can also get useful information on our Networking, Coaching and Business Counselling Services page. A list of financing programs can be found on our Financing for Youth page.
Can high school student start a business? How old do you have to be?
By Jennifer on June 30th, 2010
Respected Sir/Madam,
This is Ganesh, an Indian Student in Canada pursuing a Post graduate program in Project Management at Sheridan School of Advanced Learning. I hold a total of 5 years of IT industry experience from India. I am willing to start my own Business in Toronto, CA.
How can the organization help me?
warm regards,
Ganesh
By Ganesh on July 1st, 2010
Hi Jennifer,
Although there is no set age for starting a business, there may be certain age requirements for legal documents, incorporation, renting property or taking out insurance. Any business you start that would need legal contracts or business registration would require you to be 18 years old.
Good luck on your future business opportunities!
By Canada Business on July 15th, 2010
Hello Ganesh,
Thank you for your comment. Here is some information to get you started.
Non-Canadians who want to start a new business in Canada are regulated under the Investment Canada Act. Canada Business can help you understand these regulations and learn about:
1. Ontario Business Immigration
2. Foreign Investment
3. Starting an e-business
You can also visit the Invest in Ontario website to learn about the advantages to starting a business in Ontario.
To find out more about starting your business in Ontario, contact Canada Business Ontario to get in touch with one of our information officers.
By Canada Business on July 15th, 2010
Hello,
I am a young man 26 yrs, whose planning on opening a restaurant in Toronto. I have experience working in restaurant, but lack the experience of starting an own business, especially a restaurant. I know there are lot of aspects to deal with such as legal, licensing, loans, lease etc. So I was hoping whether there’s any resources or government assistance that i can get as a mentoring or consulting. I have developed a restaurant concept, scouted few potential places, and have cash to invest for it. Any suggestions or help is deeply appreciated.
Thanks
By Adam on July 20th, 2010
Hello,
I have been thinking of starting a business in Canada. Where can I have a list of some business ideas that I could succeed with.
Thank you
Wendy
By Wendy on July 25th, 2010
Hi I have a brilliant idea of starting a business in whole Canada with very low budget and slowly it can be made a bigger business. Kindly guide me can how can i get visa or license or anything which allows me to come to Canada and start business over there and to create employment opportunities for Canadians as well.
Regards
Salman
By Salman on July 25th, 2010
Hello!
I am in the process of establishing my on-line business, I’m starting to gather necessary information needed to start the business, I have few questions:
1. if its an on-line business do I need to register it even if its just small?
2. do you offer any training for entrepreneur like me who’s just starting the business?
3. who will be the right authority to talk to when it comes to online business?
thanks and regards,
Teresa
By Teresa on July 26th, 2010
Hi Adam,
A good place to start is the Step by step guide to starting a business and the How to Start a Restaurant guide. These guides can take you through the basic steps of starting a new business and cover topics like financing, taxes, and hiring and training staff. The Legal issues for small business guide might also answer some of your questions.
To learn more about your financing options as a young entrepreneur, contact The Canadian Youth Business Foundation to find out about their loan programs and support services.
You can find information about licensing by visiting BizPal, an online search tool for business permits and licenses.
To find out more about starting a restaurant in Ontario, you can contact Canada Business Ontario and speak with one of our Information Officers. You can also contact one of our Community Partners to access in-person consultation services.
By Canada Business on August 6th, 2010
Thank you, I will see through your advice.
By Adam on August 6th, 2010
Hello,
I am a young “entrepreneur” as you would call it by it’s official term.
Anyways, I want to start an image editing business where my customers em@il me the photo that they want changed, which I will modify in any way using Photoshop.
Now before putting up ads my mom told me to do some research on the Canadian Government website.
I did, and I’m still shady from everything.
So here are my questions for you.
Do I need a business license to start one and what do I have to do to get one?
Do I have to adhere to some Government rules when I’m starting a business.
And for my final question, what else should I know about starting a business for a person like me.
Because the only reason I’m starting this business is just to earn some extra cash for the summer.
By Mark on August 10th, 2010
Hi Wendy,
Although, we do not have a specific list of business ideas that may be successful, we do have information on developing your ideas for your new business venture. This information will help you evaluate your idea and determine what your chances of making a profit from that idea are. You may also wish to access our Step by Step Guide to Starting a Business that will help guide you to the information you need to get started on the right foot.
Good luck with developing your business ideas!
By Canada Business on August 19th, 2010
Hi Teresa,
In response to your questions:
1. We suggest taking a look at the information available on Registering Your Business. Under the section on business structures is information on what type of business structure may be right for your line of business. You may also be interested in the information on our E-business section that provides information about using the internet for your business.
2. You may want to contact a Canada Business office in your area to speak to one of their business officers via their toll-free number or email. They will be able to determine if there is any training available for new entrepreneurs in your area.
3. The Protecting Your Interests section will provide you with information on how to protect your business and keep your business secure. Some areas of interest are: security and fraud, risk management and legal issues. The Canadian Internet Registration Authority can help you with registration for a dot-ca domain name. This information is also provided in our e-business section under services required for e-business.
By Canada Business on August 19th, 2010
Hi Salman,
If you are interested in moving to Canada to start a business, you may be eligible to immigrate under the Business Immigration Program. This program will provide you with the criteria you need to start a business in Canada as an investor, entrepreneur or self-employed person.
The contact section on this page will provide information for visa offices outside Canada and Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates to provide information on your visa application process.
Good luck on starting your business in Canada.
By Canada Business on August 20th, 2010
Hi Mark,
For information on whether your business needs a licence, you will need to contact the provincial government in the area where you are doing business. Our Canada Business office in your area can help you get the information you require. You can contact them by email or via their toll-free number.
As you will be starting an image editing business online, you may wish to access information on privacy protection. Industry Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs has an online Privacy Protection Guide which you may find helpful.
Our E-business and Business Start-up Checklist and Guides topics on our Canada Business website will offer you guidance with your new online business. Good luck with you new business opportunity.
By Canada Business on August 24th, 2010
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