For big ideas that haven't met the world... yet!
A "how-to" business initiative for independent teens
Launched in 2015, YETI is an annual locally-focused, high speed business training initiative for senior high-school teens like you.
With startup cash, resources and guidance from Community Futures staff and community partners, we'll help you turn your business idea into a full-time money-maker over the 8 weeks of summer - and well into the future!
Here's What Some of Our Past Participants Think About YETI...
The beginning $500 was very generous and more than enough to get us started, the workshops were very informative and helped us learn a lot, and the support was fantastic ; if we emailed someone with a question we would hear back very quickly.
The program has taught each of us, that entrepreneurship could be a potential that we would like to go into after high school. We really enjoyed managing things on our own and learning to be independent as well. Bringing new ideas and products to the community was also something that sparked this decision.
Overall I had an amazing time trying out my business and getting all the input about different aspects of the business, it was a great opportunity and I hope to use the skills I learned in another potential business idea later on down the road!
YETI Live Camp Day
Each year in May, we broadcast live on social media for Live Camp Day. It's a day full of presentations, guest speakers, and Q&As on a range of entrepreneurial topics. This event is open to everyone!
In 2022, we had the honor of learning about healthy habits for young entrepreneurs from Nifemi Ashani, a creative and fashion stylist from Edmonton.
Nifemi shared the habits she has learned and adopted in her life to ensure the wellbeing of herself and her business, Styled by Nif.
You can find this and our full 2023 Live Camp Day content on the Young Entrepreneurs Training Initiative YouTube channel.
What do YETI summer programs look like?
Depending on your region, there are one of two programs on offer:
Young Entrepreneurs Training Initiative
The original YETI program. Participants attend entrepreneurial training workshops and commit to formal biz goal check-ins over the summer. All participants receive a $500 start-up award, and a chance to receive $500 more at the end of the summer. There's a High Achiever award up for grabs, too!
500 Club Contest
500 Club Contest is a little more laid back and runs in areas where a full program isn't possible or if we have social distancing or other restrictions in place. Applicants can win up to $500 to put their start-up dreams in motion. Networking get-togethers, l to ls, and learning sessions are also on offer.
Regardless of the program, all YETI participants get the training and support they need to run their own businesses over the 8 weeks of summer. YETI staff love to cheer for our students!
Starting 2023, YETI will be available in 3 Community Futures regions in Alberta.
To find out more about the program near you, click on your region below:
Alsike, Beach Corner, Beaumont, Breton, Buck Creek, Buford, Calmar, Carnwood, Carvel, Cynthia, Devon, Drayton Valley, Duffield, Edmonton Beach, Gainford, Genese, Golden Days, Kapasiwin, Kavanaugh, Leduc, Lindale, Lodgepole, Mission Beach, New Sarepta, Nisku, Parkland, Poplar Bay, Rocky Rapids, Rolly View, Seba Beach, Spruce Grove, St Francis, Stony Plain, Sunnybrook, Telfordville, Thorsby, Violet Grove, Wabamun, and Warburg
Acme, Ardenode, Bassano, Beiseker, Carbon, Carseland, Chestermere, Cluny, Conrich, Dalemead, Dalum, Delacour, Gem, Gleichen, Hussar, Huxley, Indus, Irricana, Kathryn, Keoma, Kneehill County, Langdon, Linden, Lyalta, Norfolk, Rockyford, Rosebud, Standard, Strathmore, Swalwell, Three Hills, Torrington, Trochu, Wheatland County, Wimborne
Bickerdike, Big Eddy, Brule, Bryan Spur, Cadomin, Carrot Creek, Coal Valley, Dalehurst, Diss, Edson, Eirth, Embarras, Entrance, Evansburg, Galloway, Grande Cache, Grey, Hanlon, Hargwen, Hinton, Holloway East, Holloway West, Hornbeck, Jasper, Leadman, Leyland, Luscar, MacKay, Marlboro, Medicine Lodge, Mercoal, Mountain Park, Niton Junction, Nojack, Pedley, Peers, Pocahontas, Robb, Shaw Fidler, Solomon, Steeper, Sterco, Swan Landing, Thordarson, Wild Hay, Wildwood, Winniandy North, Winniandy South, Wolf Creek, and Yates
If your region is not yet represented and you'd like to bring YETI to your area, please email us. We'll put you in touch with your local Community Futures branch to get the ball rolling.
For big ideas that haven't met the world... yet!
But with your support, they can!
If you are a school or youth organization from one of our three 2023 regions and would like to get involved in your local YETI program, click your region above and ask to speak to the YETI Coordinator. They may be offering FREE entrepreneurial education sessions for your senior high school teens.
Local businesses and municipalities, we have sponsorship opportunities which may suit you starting at just $500. If you'd love to support your local young entrepreneurs download the Sponsorship Package below.
