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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.
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1-888-576-4444
TTY:1-800-457-8466 (hearing impaired)Regional Business Service Centres
Can high school student start a business? How old do you have to be?
By Jennifer on June 30, 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 1, 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 15, 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 15, 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 20, 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 25, 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 25, 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 26, 2010
Thank you, I will see through your advice.
By Adam on August 6, 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 10, 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 19, 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 19, 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 20, 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 24, 2010
Hello my name is Leo and I was just wondering what kind of businesses this program supports? Say if I wanted to start my own film and production company would I be eligible?
By Leo on September 1, 2010
Hi i am looking to open a teeth whitening business in my local mall. In british Columbia, I will have 10 000 dollars to put into it by December and we are planning on opening February First, but I was hoping to find out if there are any grants or any other way I am able to get assistance for living or unexpected costs etc. Any suggestions? Unfortunately I have been discharged for 2 years now from a previous time in my life.
By kevin on September 8, 2010
Hello Leo,
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.
Best of luck with your business!
By Canada Business on September 14, 2010
Hi Kevin,
You can search for applicable funding programs under the Government Grants, Loans and Financing search and filter for British Columbia. You will also find a list of funding programs available to small businesses operating in British Columbia in Small Business BC’s Overview of Financing document.
You mentioned that you’ve been discharged for two years. If you’ve been on an Employment Insurance (EI) benefit claim period within the previous 36 months, you might be eligible for the Self-Employment Program. This program provides financial support, planning assistance and mentoring to help you get your business up and running.
For information on whether you would be eligible, and if so, how to apply to a Self-Employment program, visit Be Your Own Boss.org if you are in the Lower Mainland region or to the Community Futures Development Corporation if you are in a rural area of British Columbia. You can attend an information session for the Self-Employment program that you are interested in, and then apply. Application forms are available upon visiting an information session.
By Canada Business on September 15, 2010
I’m over 34 years of age. How do I qualify for any grants? Do I have my kids start it for me? What options do I have?
By Sean on November 19, 2010
Hi!
I am interested in doing something related to finances and youth under the age of 20. I have an idea of perhaps becoming a financial advisor or maybe even starting up a business where there is a niche market for it, but I would love to hear some input as to if this is a practical idea.
Thanks,
By Rachael on December 13, 2010
Hi Rachael,
To find out what the existing and future demand is for such a service, you’ll need to conduct some research. You may want to determine if someone else is offering the same service and what their level of success is. You’ll want to get a good idea of the demand for the service and how much people are willing to pay. Depending on the nature of your business, you may want to determine the best location for your storefront or office. These are just some of the details you’ll want to find out. Our section on Conducting market research will help you get started.
Note that there are other aspects to entrepreneurship. You may want to visit our section Starting a Business to first find out if entrepreneurship is for you and how to develop your ideas.
For more information on starting a business in Canada, you may contact the business service centre in your province or territory or call toll free 1-888-576-4444 (TTY 1-800-457-8466).
By Canada Business on December 14, 2010
I just wanted to let all those who enquire know that the summer company program is a great way to start a business, although right now I believe its only in Ontario. Two years ago I started my business and received funding through the WESBC and now sit as a mentor to other startups.
By Ryan on March 8, 2011
Hi.
My question is I want to buy a branded gas station business in GTA or surrounding areas.
Would you please route me to the source which can guide me to get any financial support available for buying a business like a gas station.
Best Rgds,
By Mohsin on July 15, 2011
Hi Mohsin
Our Government Grants, Loans and Financing search is an excellent place to start. Here you can filter results by industry, location, demographic group and/or the reason you are looking for financing. The Grants and Finances section also links to some community-based and private sector financing resources.
If you are planning to buy a gas station that is a part of a franchise, you can also contact the Canadian Franchise Association to learn more about your financing options.
You can also learn more about financing for your business by visiting Getting a business start-up loan from your bank or credit union.
Contact Canada Business Ontario or call 1-888-745-8888 (TTY 1-800-457-8466) to learn more about starting a business in Ontario.
By Canada Business on July 21, 2011
HI
My name is deva and i am an international student have part time work permit willing to start a small business in Vancouver B.C.
Will you tell me weather could start my own small business if yes please tell me way to start.
By Deva on July 31, 2011
Hello Deva,
To learn more about your options as a young entrepreneur, contact The Canadian Youth Business Foundation to find out about financing programs, mentorship opportunities, and other support services.
Best of luck with your business!
By Canada Business on August 5, 2011
Hello, you have very useful information on here. I want to open my own import export business selling coffee from another country and selling it here. How can I start? What permits do I need? Can the Gov. help me? Where do I have to go? Who would I have to talk to, these are some of the questions I am concerned about. If you can please help me out it would be very appreciated.
Thank you,
Andres
By Andres on October 17, 2011
Hello Andres,
You may want to get underway by looking at our section on Starting a business for tips on developing a business plan and getting started. There is also a lot of useful information relevant to your plans under the topic of Importing, especially about finding suppliers. The Importing process and the Permits and licences sections may also be of interest to you.
If you need any more help, do not hesitate to call us at 1-888-576-4444 or
TTY: 1-800-457-8466 (hearing impaired), or contact one of our regional business service centres.
Best of luck in getting your coffee import/export business off the ground.
By Canada Business on October 18, 2011
I want to be able to start a health/medical magazine company where myself and a couple of other people would write articles on different aspects of health and medical information around Canada and worldwide (if possible). I would like to know if its possible and if possible, what are the ways around to getting it started. Thank you
By Moeen on November 17, 2011
Hello Moeen,
For help or guidance on starting your health/medical magazine, you can consult Magazines Canada’s article on How to Start a Magazine. You could also contact your local Magazine Publishers Association.
Starting a Business is the section of our site that can help you understand entrepreneurship. You will find out how to develop your ideas and business plan, how to register your business name, and more. Please contact the Canada Business service centre in your region for further assistance.
Good luck with your magazine.
By Canada Business on November 18, 2011
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