Turn your idea into a business this summer at the YukonU Summer Biz School!
The next generation of entrepreneurs is ready to take flight—and Summer Biz is the perfect place to start. This fun, part-time program empowers college and university students (age 18-30) to turn their passions and ideas into real businesses, including up to $2,500 in funding for business startup.
This program is located at YukonU Innovation and Entrepreneurship (I&E) in the Northlight building, in downtown Whitehorse.
Successful applicants will learn the foundations of entrepreneurship by working with local entrepreneurs, and will have access to Innovation & Entrepreneurship’s network of seasoned local business mentors.
We aim to give you the knowledge and tools you need to think decisively, act confidently and watch your idea flourish.
We believe that business can be a force for good in the world. This program will expose you to sustainability practices with an introduction to social enterprise.
This program is made possible with funding from Government of Canada’s Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor) and TD Bank Group, and generous sponsorship from many local businesses.
Photo: Summer Biz School students at Yukon University Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
YukonU I&E is tremendously inspired by Summer Biz students who have completed the program to date. This is what alumni had to say about the program:
“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, owner of 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, owner of 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, owner of Arctic RC
The Summer Biz School is an opportunity to develop your business idea by:
-
working with local entrepreneurs
-
connecting with potential partners and mentors from across the country
-
developing entrepreneurial skills, including problem solving, critical thinking, networking and relationship building
-
building your resume
-
developing self-determination
-
gaining real world experience
-
using this 2.5-month experience to decide if your business idea is worth pursuing
The Program starts with a Launch Week for all students to:
-
meet the Innovation & Entrepreneurship team and entrepreneur sponsors
-
connect with additional entrepreneurial support
-
validate their idea and build the foundations of their business through a one-day bootcamp
At the end of this immersive launch event, you will have a better understanding of the business idea you want to pursue for the rest of the summer. This includes:
-
training on how to develop a successful pitch
-
learning and networking opportunities
-
customized sessions with the tools and resources to grow your idea, including individual mentorship
Apply now if you are a Yukon resident who is:
- aged 18-30,
- a college or university student (studying part-time or full-time) planning to return to studies in fall 2023, or to graduate this spring,
- or a student planning to graduate from high school this spring, and planning to attend a college or university in fall 2023,
- available for a weekend bootcamp,
- available to commit between 6-10 flex hours per week to the program from May 8, 2023 to July 14, 2023,
- no business background 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 for your career, and how you would like to serve your community,
- explain why you want to join the Summer Biz School,
- fill out the application form by April 7, 2023. Follow-up phone interviews may also be required.
